Japan brings forward deadline for electronic travel authorization system

Japan is accelerating plans to implement an electronic travel authorization system, moving its 2030 goal up to 2029 as it deals with rising numbers of foreign visitors and growing tensions over visa-sharing with China. The new online system, akin to the U.S.'s ESTA, will allow non-visa travelers to apply for certification before arrival. Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki emphasized the system's aim to deter unwanted nationalities, including terrorists and short-term illegal overstayers, while acknowledging potential concerns about privacy and security.