Japan Introduces New JESTA Travel System and Power Bank Ban for 2026

The Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) will become a requirement for visitors from over 70 visa-exempt countries, including the UK, US, Australia, and most of Europe, with its launch expected between April 2028 and March 2029. Separately, the prohibition on portable power banks on aircraft, effective from April 24, 2026, applies to all flights to, from, and within Japan, affecting even transit passengers. Travellers may carry a maximum of two power banks, each not exceeding 160 watt-hours, exclusively in carry-on baggage and accessible during the flight; they are forbidden in checked luggage and cannot be charged using in-seat power outlets. This restriction specifically targets mobile batteries for charging other devices, but does not currently impact spare batteries under 100 watt-hours for items such as cameras or drones. There is a possibility the capacity limit for power banks could be further reduced to 100 watt-hours in 2027.