Going Japan for a holiday? ‘Authorization’ is needed for Malaysians.

Going Japan for a holiday? ‘Authorization’ is needed for Malaysians.

I think I have been to around 20 countries thus far. The country I love the most is Japan. Culturally it’s deep. Technologically advanced, even the toilets! Sights and sounds wise, second to none. From the hills to the temples and to the sea side. Bullet trains are always on time, even just after the tsunami in 2011. Yes, I was there when the earthquake happened and then the tsunami happened. At the time, my parents could not reach me and the news kept showing destruction and deaths.

Nowadays I ensure I am reachable all the time when I travel. I have been to Japan three times thus far. I look forward to the 4th trip soon. However, I think it will be slightly harder to visit Japan for my 4th trip. Authorisation is now needed.

Article in malaymail.com The Japanese government will introduce a new requirement for pre-travel authorisation on Malaysians and 70 other nationalities who currently enjoy visa-free travel to the country.

According to Japan Today, the new system tentatively called JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) will be modelled after a similar system used in the US to screen would-be visitors through an online application process.

The purpose of JESTA is to reduce the number of illegal immigrants from visa-exempt countries who overstay their permitted time in Japan. Currently, the period of stay for tourists from these countries ranges from 14 to 90 days, depending on the passport.

A trial system will also be launched soon, where passenger information will be screened against a blacklist after boarding but before takeoff. Do read the article in full here: Article in malaymail.com

Still worth a visit with this new ‘authorisation’ requirement?

Actually, any measure(s) taken for the safety of the country is welcomed because it would also meant that the tourists should feel safer too. Perhaps they can look at the historical records and also noted that some people like me have been there three times and I never tried to stay there illegally thus far. So, perhaps they should also have a ‘safe’ list where these visitors are welcomed too. Then, this will encourage people who love Japan to visit again and again too.

Japan is worth a visit lah. They also have more and more English websites these days so that information is easier to be found too. Meanwhile I think the flight can still be affordable if we buy earlier rather than last minute. Take a look below for your information.

This new authorization requirement is unlikely to stop visitors. I personally believe so.

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