Japan is planning to implement a pre-travel screening system for visitors arriving without visas, potentially as early as 2028. The new regulations will require travelers to obtain advance certification before being allowed to board flights to Japan, according to multiple reports.
Under the proposed system, airlines will be responsible for verifying that passengers have received the necessary certification prior to departure. Those without approval could be denied boarding, as reported by Hong Kong01.
The move comes as Japan seeks to balance its efforts to attract tourism with concerns about national security and border control. The government is also reportedly requiring visa-exempt travelers to register online and obtain certification before entry, according to Yahoo Finance.
Details regarding the certification process and the criteria for approval remain limited. However, officials have indicated that the system is intended to enhance security measures and streamline immigration procedures. The Sinpo website and AASTOCKS.com both reported on the impending changes.
The system is expected to be fully implemented by the fiscal year 2028, as noted by the Hong Kong Economic Journal. The development underscores Japan’s ongoing efforts to refine its border security protocols in response to evolving global challenges.