Japan Arrival Card: Visit Japan Web Guide & Entry Process

If you’re traveling to Japan, forget about physical arrival cards – the Japan Arrival Card exists entirely as a digital declaration via the official Visit Japan Web (VJW) platform. It is your one-stop shop for entry paperwork: it combines the old arrival card, customs declaration, and even departure registration into a single online process.

What Is the Japan Arrival Card?

Japan Arrival Card paper form. Source: Immigration of Japan

The “Japan Arrival Card” is no longer a physical card, it’s the digital entry declaration you complete on Visit Japan Web. It’s the main part of the VJW process, where you input your personal info, travel plans, and customs details.

That's to say, the Japan Arrival Card is the form, and Visit Japan Web is the platform you use to fill it out. You can’t get a physical arrival card anymore (most airports have phased them out), so VJW is the only way to complete your arrival declaration.

What Is Visit Japan Web?

Visit Japan Web (VJW) is the official free online platform launched by the Japanese government to handle entry and exit procedures for foreign visitors. Think of it as a one-stop hub for all the paperwork you used to fill out manually—it combines three key documents into one digital process:

• The traditional arrival card (personal and travel details)
• Customs declaration (items you’re bringing into Japan)
• Digital departure registration (for when you leave Japan)

It’s designed to save you time—no more filling out multiple forms, and immigration officers can pull up your info instantly with a QR code. You can access it via your phone or computer (no app download needed), and it’s available in multiple languages (English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, etc.).

Key Facts About Visit Japan Web

• It’s 100% free (beware of third-party sites charging fees—stick to the official website: visitjapan-web.com).
• You can complete it up to 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival in Japan.
• No printing required—just save your QR code as a screenshot or PDF.
• It’s mandatory for most foreign visitors (we’ll cover exceptions next).

Who Needs to Fill out Japan Arrival Card

All Explained: Entry Requirements for Japan - Tokyo Kenchan

Nearly all foreign visitors must complete the digital arrival card via VJW. Here’s a clear breakdown of who needs it and who’s exempt:

Japan Arrival Card - Who Must Complete

• All foreign tourists (short-term stays up to 90 days).
• Business travelers, students, and visitors staying with friends/family.
• Transit passengers who leave the airport (e.g., to claim baggage or stay overnight).
• Minors (under 18): Parents/guardians can complete VJW on their behalf (add them as “accompanying travelers”).

Japan Arrival Card - Who Is Exempt

• Japanese citizens (including dual citizens with a Japanese passport).
• Foreign residents of Japan (with a valid residence card or permanent resident certificate).
• Same-day transit passengers who stay airside (don’t enter Japan’s customs area).

How to Complete the Japan Arrival Card on Visit Japan Web

Gather these first to speed up the process:

• Valid passport (photo of the bio page for scanning, valid 6+ months post-arrival).
• Flight details (arrival date, flight number, airline, port of entry—e.g., Tokyo Haneda).
• Japan accommodation (full address, hotel name, phone number—copy from your booking confirmation).
• Email address (for verification and QR code backup).

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 1: Access Visit Japan Web

Open visitjapan-web.com on your phone/computer. Select your language (top right—English is available).

Step 2: Create/Log In to Your Account

• New users: Click “Sign up for a new account”, enter your email and password, then verify via the code sent to your inbox (check spam!).
• Returning users: Log in with your existing credentials.

Step 3: Confirm Basic Eligibility

You’ll be asked two quick questions—most travelers answer “No” to both:

1. “Do you have a Japanese government-issued passport?”
2. “Do you live in Japan and enter with a re-entry permission?”

• Optional: Answer “Yes” to “Will you use the Tax-free QR Code?” if you plan to shop tax-free (saves time at stores).

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 4: Enter Personal & Passport Info

• Type or scan your passport details (scanning with your phone camera is faster and reduces typos).
• Add accompanying travelers (family/friends) by clicking “Add Traveler”—enter their passport info to generate their QR codes under your account.

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 5: Register Your Trip Details

Click “Register new planned entry/return” and input:

• Visa details (if applicable—tourists often select “Visa Exempt” or enter their visa number).
• Arrival date (Japan Standard Time, JST/GMT+9), flight number, and port of entry.
• First accommodation in Japan (paste the full address and phone number—no shortcuts like “Osaka hotel”).

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 6: Complete Immigration & Customs Declarations

Click “Immigration clearance and Customs declaration” for your trip. Answer simple questions truthfully:

• Purpose of visit (e.g., “Tourism”).
• Restricted items (fresh food, plants, weapons—most travelers select “No”).
• Cash/goods over limits (declare if carrying >¥1 million cash or gifts worth >¥200,000).

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 7: Get & Save Your QR Code

After submitting, you’ll receive a green QR code (red = error—fix missing info like accommodation address). Save it as a screenshot and email it to yourself as backup—you won’t need to print it.

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 8: Show the QR Code at the Airport

Present your passport and QR code to immigration officers upon arrival. Scan it again at customs (if you declared items) or use the “Nothing to Declare” lane.

What Info Do You Need to Fill Out VJW?

The Japanese Disembarkation Card for Foreigners

To speed up the process, have these details ready before starting VJW:

1. Personal & Passport Info

• Full name (exactly as on your passport – no nicknames).
• Passport number, expiration date, and country of issuance.
• Date of birth, gender, and nationality.

2. Travel & Itinerary Info

• Arrival date (Japan Standard Time, JST/GMT+9).
• Flight number (e.g., JAL 787) and airline name.
• Port of entry (e.g., Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Kansai).
• Accommodation details: Full address (including prefecture, city, street, building number), hotel name, and phone number.
• Purpose of visit (select from dropdown: tourism, business, visiting relatives, etc.).

3. Customs Declaration (Key Questions)

You’ll need to answer yes/no to these common questions:

• Are you bringing fresh food, plants, animals, or agricultural products? (Most fresh food is prohibited – declare if you’re unsure.)
• Are you carrying weapons, explosives, or illegal drugs? (No for all tourists.)
• Are you bringing more than ¥1 million (or equivalent foreign currency) in cash? (Declare if yes – no limit, but you must report amounts over ¥1M.)
• Are you bringing gifts or commercial goods worth over ¥200,000? (Declare if yes – duty may apply.)

When to Apply for the Japan Arrival Card Online

Apply for your digital arrival card between 72 hours (3 days) before arrival and your departure time—this is the official window set by VJW.

• The best time to complete is 1-2 days before the trip. This avoids last-minute stress (for example, flight changes) and ensures that your QR code does not expire (valid for 72 hours after submission).
• Don't apply too early: If you submit more than 4 days before your arrival, your QR code may expire before your arrival - you must resubmit.
• Last-minute backup: You can fill it out at the moment you board the plane (even at the airport), but this wastes time queuing at the immigration office. The goal is to finish it before leaving home.
• Plan Change: If your flight/accommodation changes after submission, please log in to VJW again to edit the details - no need to restart the application.

Procedures to Enter Japan

Japan Customs Declaration System | Mandatory Arrival Card

When you arrive at the airport in Japan, follow these instructions for smooth entry,

1. After getting off the plane, follow the "Immigration" sign. There's no need to look for the paper form-filling area; just go directly to the electronic customs clearance zone.
2. Show the customs officer your passport and the QR code of VJW (just take a screenshot). Some airports require fingerprints and photos, so just cooperate.
3. Collecting luggage: After passing through customs, go to the luggage carousel to collect your luggage, and then go through customs inspection (if you have declared excess cash or special items, inform the staff proactively).
4. Exit the airport: Take one last look at the signs, find the subway, bus or hotel shuttle, and start your journey smoothly!

Commen Problems During Japan Entry

• Forgot to fill in VJW: There is a VJW self-service kiosk at the airport. You can also fill in the paper form, but you need to queue. It is recommended to fill it out in advance.
• Lost QR code: Log in to your VJW account and regenerate it, or use the backup link in your email.
• The information was filled in incorrectly: Log in to the account before customs clearance to modify it. After modification, regenerate the QR code, which will not affect entry.

Tips for Your Japan Travel

Planning a Trip to Japan? Essential Travel Tips

Beyond the arrival card, the following tips can also make your trip to Japan easier:

1. Stay Connected: Trip.com Japan eSIM

• The reason for needing it: The Wi-Fi outside Japanese hotels/cafes is unstable. You need data from Google Maps, translation apps and mobile payments.
• Trip.com's eSIM in Japan: Pre-order 4G/5G eSIM (starting from about $1 per day). No physical SIM card required. Activate it before your arrival and you can use unlimited data (or a flexible data plan) in Japan. Perfect navigation of Tokyo subway, ordering food, or checking VJW updates.

2. Transport Tips

• Buy a Suica/Pasmo IC card: These recharge cards can be used on trains, buses, and even for shopping at convenience stores. It can be collected at the service counter at the airport (Haneda/Kansai), the fee is ¥2,000 (¥500 deposit +¥1,500 points).
• Use Google Maps or Hyperdia: These apps show real-time train schedules (critical for Japan’s punctual public transport).
• For long distances: Book Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets in advance via Trip.com – save time and avoid sold-out trains.

3. Currency & Payments

• Cash is king: Many small restaurants, markets and rural areas do not accept credit cards. Carry 10,000 to 20,000 Japanese yen in cash (exchange at the airport or 7-Eleven ATMs, they accept foreign cards).
• Mobile payment: Apple Pay/Google Pay is available at major stores (Uniqlo, Lawson) and hotels - connect your credit card before arriving.

4. Must-Pack Items

• Universal adapter: In Japan, A/B type plugs are used (the same as in the United States), most devices do not require an adapter, but a power bank should be carried when going out for a long time.
• Comfortable shoes: You will walk a lot (for example, exploring the temples in Kyoto or the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo), don't wear high heels.
• Portable Wi-Fi (alternative to eSIM) : If you prefer a pocket-sized router, you can rent one on Trip.com and pick it up at the airport.

5. Essential Apps

• Google Translate: Offline Japanese translation (Download the language pack before arrival).
• Travel in Japan: Detailed train/bus routes (Better than Google Maps in rural areas).
• PayPay/Line Pay: Popular mobile payment apps in Japan (linked to credit cards for convenient use).

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