This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
In Japan, moves to strengthen identity checks are said to be under way, including online pre-registration before entry and the use of the IC chip data on the Residence Card. However, the Japanese version of ESTA, JESTA, is planned for introduction during 2028 (令和10年)度 (fiscal 2028), and is not yet in operation. For travellers and receiving companies alike, checking that digital information is consistent is becoming important.
A guide for prospective travellers and receiving companies who want to know about the tightening of identity checks on entry to Japan.
Introduction is planned during 2028 (令和10年)度 (fiscal 2028). The system does exist, but it is not yet in operation.
The Japanese version of ESTA, known as JESTA, is planned as a system that will require online application and advance screening before entry, including for travellers from countries that have so far been covered by visa exemption for short stays such as sightseeing, that is, 在留資格「短期滞在」 (Temporary Visitor). The system does exist, but introduction is planned during 2028 (令和10年)度 (fiscal 2028), and it is not yet in operation. At present you are not asked to register when you travel to Japan.
You may also see specific descriptions such as a requirement to register at least 72 hours before travel, but no such arrangement has been announced. Details such as when registration will be required and what information will be needed are expected to be made clear as the start of operation approaches. If you plan to travel, please check the official guidance at that time.
Moves are under way towards integrating the Residence Card with the My Number Card, as the 特定在留カード (Specified Residence Card).
Of great interest to mid to long-term residents is the move towards integrating the Residence Card with the My Number Card, as the 特定在留カード (Specified Residence Card). On the new format of card, the information visible on the face of the card is said to be reduced in order to prevent forgery, which makes the data stored in the IC chip more important. In opening a bank account, signing a mobile phone contract, or going through landing examination at an airport, the use of public personal authentication — holding the card up to a reader and checking the information in the IC chip — is said to be spreading, and cases where a copy of the face of the card alone is not accepted as an identity check may increase.
Face recognition gates are said to be becoming more accurate, and checks against biometric data are being strengthened.
At major airports, face recognition gates are said to be becoming more accurate and to be covering more travellers. The system that compares past entry records, the photograph submitted with a visa application and your current facial data is being strengthened. If you have entered Japan in the past under a different name or on a different passport, the chance of being sent to an individual interview, that is, secondary examination, is said to rise.
Not only visual inspection of the Residence Card, but checking the validity of the IC chip, is said to be becoming the practical standard of care.
The 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) provides a Residence Card reader application, which lets you check from the IC chip matters that are not printed on the face of the card. However, this is a voluntary means of checking, and to use it you have to obtain the person's consent and have the card presented to you. Reading the chip is not compulsory.
For travellers and companies alike, checking the expiry dates of the My Number Card and the Residence Card, and making sure there is no inconsistency between visa applications, publicly available information and passport details, is said to be important for a smooth immigration inspection.
This is expected to become necessary in future. The Japanese version of ESTA, JESTA, is planned, but introduction is planned during 2028 (令和10年)度 (fiscal 2028), and it is not yet in operation.
No such arrangement has been announced. Details such as when registration will be required and what information will be needed are expected to be made clear as the start of operation approaches.
For checks by companies at the time of employment, checking the validity of the IC chip as well as inspecting the card visually is said to be becoming established as the standard of care.
They are said to compare past entry records, the photograph submitted with a visa application and your current facial data. If you have entered in the past under a different name or on a different passport, the chance of being sent to an individual examination is said to rise.
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This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.