Visit Japan Web and your arrival in Japan

As of July 2026. Procedures and airports can change — check the official Visit Japan Web and Japan Customs pages before you fly.

Visit Japan Web lets you do Japan’s arrival paperwork — immigration and the customs declaration — online, so that on arrival you scan a code instead of filling in forms by hand. It’s free, runs in your browser, and it’s optional. Here’s how it works, from official sources.

What it is

“This is a service that allows you to perform arrival procedures (immigration, customs) and ‘Tax-free shopping service’ online.” (Digital Agency)

It is run by the Digital Agency of Japan and works in a web browser (no app). It isn’t only for visitors: “In addition to those entering the country from overseas, it can also be used by those returning to Japan.” (Digital Agency)

The 2D code — and how customs works

“…a 2D code including your declaration information will be created.” Then, at customs, “Passengers must hold their IC passport and the 2D code over the terminal scanner, and follow its guidance to complete their customs declaration.” (Japan Customs)

You show the code at immigration, then use it at the Electronic Customs Declaration Gate (e-Gate): hold your IC passport and the 2D code over the terminal, finish the declaration, and walk through the gate (a face photo is taken for facial recognition).

“The Electronic Customs Declaration Gates (e-Gates) are available at Seven International Airports.” (Japan Customs)

Those airports are New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Chubu Centrair, Kansai, Fukuoka and Naha.

Paper forms still work

“The existing paper version of the Customs Declaration Form can still be used, and can also be printed out (on A4 sized paper) in advance.” (Japan Customs)

So Visit Japan Web is a convenience, not a requirement. If you don’t use it, you fill in the paper immigration card and customs form as before.

Setting it up

• Create one account with an email address and password.
• Enter your passenger and passport details, and your flight/arrival (and return) schedule.
• Travelling as a family? You can register family members under the same account and go through together — but each person’s passport details must be entered.
• Register before you depart so arrival is just a scan. According to the Digital Agency, immigration and customs now share a single 2D code (since January 2024).

FAQ

General information, current as of July 2026, not immigration advice. Procedures, airports and features change — always confirm on the official pages below before you travel.