February 3, 2009
Through January 31, 2009, a total of 380,273 Japanese planning to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) applied for and received authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA became mandatory on January 12, 2009.
Japan ranks second among the 35 Visa Waiver Program countries in the total number of its citizens having registered for ESTA prior to traveling to the United States. ESTA applies to all nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan to board a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship to travel to the United States for 90 days or less for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP.
For more information on ESTA, please visit:
http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/visa/tvisa-esta2008.html.