If you’re planning a trip to Japan in 2025, be aware—Japan is making major changes to its immigration and entry procedures. These updates are part of a broader effort to streamline arrivals, enhance national security, and improve visitor experience in one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.
As someone who keeps a close eye on travel regulations for international layover travellers, I’ve broken down exactly what’s changing and how it may affect your trip.
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JESTA: Japan’s Upcoming Pre-Screening System
One of the biggest changes on the horizon is the introduction of JESTA—short for Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Inspired by systems like the U.S. ESTA and the EU’s ETIAS, JESTA will eventually become mandatory for travelers from over 70 visa-exempt countries.
What it means:
- Before flying, travelers will need to complete an online application.
- You’ll share your purpose of visit, travel details, and personal information.
- The system will screen applicants before granting travel authorization.
While full rollout is expected between 2028 and 2030, pilot programs are already in discussion. If you often travel through Japan on a layover, expect to see JESTA become part of your travel checklist in the coming years.
Digital is the New Default: Visit Japan Web
Japan has embraced digitization in the immigration process. The Visit Japan Web portal is now the go-to hub for all travelers entering the country, whether for a long vacation or a short layover.
With Visit Japan Web, you can:
- Complete immigration and customs forms online.
- Receive a QR code to fast-track your arrival at Japanese airports.
- Avoid filling out paper forms on the plane or at arrival.
Though not mandatory, this portal is highly recommended. It cuts down wait times and keeps everything organized in one place—ideal for busy travelers.
Health Insurance May Be Required
In a surprising new move, Japanese authorities are considering requiring proof of travel health insurance for all incoming tourists.
This change is likely to take effect in mid-2025, and it’s a direct response to rising medical costs and a surge in unpaid hospital bills from uninsured foreign visitors.
Key points:
- You may be denied entry without valid insurance.
- Travelers with unpaid medical debts from past visits could be flagged.
- Japanese hospitals will start sharing unpaid bill data with immigration.
Whether you’re staying for two weeks or stopping over for 10 hours, bringing documented insurance coverage could soon be essential.
Pre-Clearance Trials Underway
In another forward-thinking step, Japan has started pre-clearance trials at select foreign airports—beginning with Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. The system allows travelers to complete immigration checks before boarding.
If expanded, this could mean:
- Faster entry into Japan through e-Gates.
- Shorter wait times for frequent visitors.
- Reduced airport congestion during peak hours.
The program is expected to roll out to other countries, including South Korea, in the near future.
COVID-19 Entry Restrictions Officially Lifted
Japan has fully scrapped all remaining COVID-19 entry requirements as of March 2025. That means:
- No more testing.
- No proof of vaccination.
- No quarantine, regardless of your country of origin.
It’s back to stress-free travel—at least on the health paperwork front.
Final Thoughts
Japan’s changing immigration policies reflect a broader global trend toward digitized, data-driven border control. While some of these changes are still in the pipeline, others like Visit Japan Web are already active and widely used by savvy travelers.
If you’re planning a layover in Tokyo, Osaka, or any other major Japanese city, it’s best to stay informed, come prepared, and make sure your documents (and insurance) are in order.
As the travel world modernizes, staying ahead of the rules could save you hours at the airport—or worse, denied boarding.
Source:
Japan to Introduce Prescreening for Visa-Free Tourists by 2028
Published: May 24, 2025
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Disclosure
This article was written for informational purposes only based on publicly available news as of June 2025. While we aim to keep all travel information accurate and timely, travelers should confirm entry requirements with official Japanese immigration authorities or embassies before departure. No content in this post constitutes legal or immigration advice. Some outbound links may be affiliated, but at no extra cost to you. This helps support the running of TravelLayover.com and enables more genuine travel content.
Last updated: July 01, 2025