Japan plans to charge visitors for pre-screening system starting in 2028
發佈日期: 2025-12-24 22:30
TVB News
Sources say Japanese authorities are intending to charge a fee for a pre-travel screening system for visa-free visitors starting in the 2028 fiscal year.
Currently, residents from countries and territories including Hong Kong are exempt from needing visas to travel to Japan, and are only required to fill in a disembarkation card or complete the immigration procedure via the Visit Japan web.
This as Kyodo News reported on Tuesday that the Japanese government is planning to introduce a pre-screening system, known as the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA), for foreigners entering the country.
Visitors will be asked a number of questions including reasons for their visit.
A fee is also being considered for the scheme, with travellers possibly paying between 2,000 and 3,000 yen per person, or around 100 to 150 Hong Kong dollars.
Sources told Kyodo the total number of tourists in Japan this year surpassed the 40 million-mark for the first time, with some noting that fees acquired from the screening system will rake in a substantial income.
The primary purpose of the scheme is reportedly the prevention of foreigners plotting terrorist attacks or engaging in illegal activities.
Some local travel agencies said certain countries in Europe and the West have already adopted similar schemes, stressing that residents' appetite for travelling in Japan will not be affected by the mandatory pre-screening system.
