Patricia CaleonPlanning a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun soon? If you’re one of the many travellers fortunate enough to enjoy visa-free entry to Japan, get ready for a new requirement coming soon.
Japan will soon require visa-exempt travellers to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. This new system is designed to enhance security, streamline border control procedures, and prevent illegal immigration.
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What is electronic travel authorisation (ETA)?
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An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is an official permission granted online to travellers visiting a particular country. It’s a relatively new system that several countries have started adopting in recent years to better manage their borders and security.
Who needs to apply for an ETA?
The new electronic travel authorisation requirement will apply to all travellers who are currently eligible for visa-free entry to japan. This includes citizens of the United States, Canada, most European countries, and many others.
How to apply for ETA
The exact details of the electronic travel authorisation application process, including the launch date and application website, are still under development by the Japanese government. However, it’s expected to be a relatively straightforward online process where travellers will likely need to provide basic information about themselves and their trip, including passport details, travel itinerary, and possibly answer some security questions.
Why is Japan introducing this new system?
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The Japanese government has laid out a couple of reasons as to why they’re introducing the new electronic travel authorisation system.
- Enhanced security: ETAs will allow Japan to collect advanced information on incoming travellers, which can be used to identify potential security risks.
- Streamlined border control: Pre-screening travellers through the ETA process will help to expedite entry procedures at Japanese airports and seaports.
- Boosted tourism: Japan hopes that the ETA system will make it easier and more convenient for travellers to visit Japan, ultimately leading to a boost in tourism.
While the new electronic travel authorisation may add an extra step to the travel planning process, it’s not expected to cause significant delays or inconveniences for visa-exempt travellers. Once the system is up and running, applying for an ETA should be a quick and easy online process.
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Planning a trip to Japan soon? Be sure to stay tuned for updates on the implementation of the new ETA system. In the meantime, you can start gathering the necessary information needed to complete your application, such as your passport details and travel itinerary, so everything is smooth sailing once it’s launched.
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