New travel rules (and costs) for Aussies visiting Japan

Japan is set to introduce a digital travel authorisation system for foreign visitors from over 70 countries, including Australians.

Named JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), it follows the same approach as the USA’s ESTA and the UK, European and New Zealand equivalents.

Travellers from 74 countries who currently enjoy visa-free visits to Japan under a visa-waiver program will be required to complete their online JESTA application (and have it approved) before boarding their flight to Japan.

ETAs are different from arrival cards, which must be completed by all incoming passengers regardless of whether or not they need a visa.

The new electronic travel authorisation platform is expected to launch in 2028, with an estimated cost of between ¥1,500-¥4,000 (AU$15-$40) per person.

As with other ETA platforms, travellers will be required to submit details such as their flight, reason for visiting Japan, intended stay, and date of departure.

However, with this data made available to Japan’s immigration service before arrival, the process should speed up entry at the airport.

Australians will still be able to stay in Japan without a visa for up to 90 days at a time, with the JESTA itself covering multiple trips over a period between one and two years.

The Japanese government says the new system is intended to reduce the number of immigrants who come to Japan from visa-exempt countries and regions and remain beyond the valid period of their stay.

Japan has always been a popular destination for Australians, and a weaker Yen has only strengthened the country’s appeal.

According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), a record number of more than one million Australians visited Japan in the year to June 2025, while the figures for 2024 saw a 50% increase compared to the previous year.

Qantas, ANA, JAL and Jetstar all offer direct flights from selected Australian capital cities to Japan, with Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific remain popular airlines for travellers making a stopover and perhaps headed somewhere other than Tokyo or Osaka.