JESTA compared with ESTA, ETIAS, the UK ETA and K-ETA
More and more countries ask visa-exempt visitors to get approval online before they travel. Japan’s JESTA is the newest, and most of its details are still open. This page compares what is known, checked on 22 October 2026.
At a glance
| Japan JESTA | US ESTA | EU ETIAS | UK ETA | Korea K-ETA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Law passed; planned for fiscal year 2028 | In use | Not started; no date announced | In use | In use; 22 countries and regions exempt until 31 December 2026 |
| Fee | Not announced | US$40.62 from October 2026 | €20 planned; free under 18 and from 70 | £20 | ₩10,000 |
| Validity | Not announced | 2 years, or until the passport expires | 3 years planned, or until the passport expires | 2 years, or until the passport expires | 3 years, or until the passport expires |
| When to apply | Not open | At least 72 hours before departure is recommended | Not open | Decision usually within 3 working days | At least 72 hours before departure |
| Who needs it | Visa-exempt visitors (74 countries and regions) | Visa Waiver Program nationals (42 countries) | Visa-exempt visitors to 30 European countries | About 85 nationalities, including EU citizens since 2 April 2025 | Visa-exempt visitors not on the temporary exemption list |
What Japan has said about the fee
Japan has not set the JESTA fee. In April 2026 officials told the Diet that no amount had been decided and compared the systems above. Japanese media had reported in December 2025 that ¥2,000–3,000 was being considered, which would put JESTA near the UK ETA and ETIAS and well below ESTA.
One authorisation does not cover another
Each country’s authorisation is separate. An ESTA, a UK ETA or a K-ETA does nothing for Japan, and once JESTA starts you will need it even if you hold the others.
Watch out for look-alike sites
The US, UK and Korean governments warn about websites that look official and charge extra fees. Expect the same once JESTA opens, and apply only on the website the Immigration Services Agency names. Until then, no website can apply for JESTA.