Visit Japan Web & Arriving in Japan:
Entry Walkthrough (2026)
Key Takeaways
- Visit Japan Web is a free government web service that lets you complete Japan's immigration and customs declarations online in advance, then show QR codes at the airport.
- Foreign passport holders benefit from both the immigration QR and the customs QR. Japanese passport holders clear immigration through automated gates and don't need the immigration part — but the customs QR works for everyone.
- Using it is optional. Paper forms are still accepted — but registering in advance means no writing at the airport and access to the customs e-gates.
- Register before departure over Wi-Fi, and screenshot your QR codes.
What is Visit Japan Web?
Visit Japan Web is an online arrival-procedures service run by Japan's Digital Agency. The information travelers used to write on paper cards during the flight can now be registered in advance from your phone or computer — at the airport, you simply show a QR code instead.
It covers two procedures: (1) immigration (the information that corresponds to the foreign visitor disembarkation card) and (2) the customs declaration (accompanied and unaccompanied articles). Each part generates its own QR code, used at a different point in the arrival flow.
One thing worth stressing: Visit Japan Web is optional. Unlike an electronic travel authorization such as Korea's K-ETA, it is not a permit you must obtain to enter Japan — paper forms are still accepted. But finishing it in advance means you skip filling out documents after landing and can use the electronic-declaration gates at customs, which makes the biggest difference when arrival halls are busy.
Who needs which QR code?
Which parts you actually use depends on your passport. This is the point people mix up most often, so here it is side by side.
Entering on a foreign passport Immigration QR + Customs QR
Foreign visitors (and foreign-passport family members) get the most out of Visit Japan Web: register both the immigration QR shown at passport control and the customs QR used at the customs inspection.
You skip writing the paper disembarkation card and customs form on the spot, which smooths out the whole arrival flow.
Returning on a Japanese passport Customs QR only
Japanese nationals don't need the immigration part. At passport control you use the facial-recognition / automated gates with just your passport — no QR code involved.
The customs QR, however, is usable by anyone, Japanese passport holders included. Register your declaration in advance and you can skip the paper form on the plane and walk through the electronic-declaration gates. For anyone living abroad heading home for a temporary visit, this customs part is where Visit Japan Web earns its keep.
How to register (before you fly)
Everything can be done on your phone. Keep your passport at hand and the process goes quickly.
- Create an accountSign up with an email address and password on the official site (services.digital.go.jp/visit-japan-web). Always start from the official site.
- Register your traveler detailsEnter your passport information and personal details. Traveling with family? You can add accompanying family members here too.
- Register your tripAdd your arrival schedule — flight number, arrival airport, and so on.
- Answer the customs questionsComplete the declaration for accompanied and unaccompanied articles — the same questions as the paper form, covering things like goods over the duty-free allowance.
- Display and save your QR codesOnce registration is complete, a QR code is issued for each procedure. Take screenshots so you can show them offline.
The flow at the airport
After landing, just follow the signs. There are two points where the QR codes come into play.
- ImmigrationForeign passport holders show the immigration QR with their passport. Japanese passport holders head to the facial-recognition / automated gates — no QR needed.
- Baggage claimPick up your checked luggage. This is a good moment to pull up your customs QR screen.
- CustomsScan your customs QR and passport at an electronic-declaration kiosk, then pass through the e-gate. If you're using the paper form instead, line up at a staffed counter.
- Arrivals hallFrom here it's trains and buses. Having mobile data ready means maps and messages work the moment you walk out.
The availability of electronic-declaration kiosks and gates varies by airport. Check the official site for the latest information about the airport you're flying into.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
1. Register before departure, over Wi-Fi
Connectivity on the plane and right after landing is unreliable. Trying to register while standing in the arrival queue is stressful and slow. Finish everything over Wi-Fi at home or your accommodation before you fly.
2. Screenshot your QR codes
Save screenshots of each QR screen so you can show them even with no signal at the airport. Turning your screen brightness up helps the scanners read them on the first try.
3. Don't forget family members
Accompanying family — including children without their own phones — can be added to one representative's account. Register everyone at the same time so there are no surprises on arrival day.
Entry sorted? Next: your data connection
Having maps, translation, and messaging working the moment you land makes everything after the airport easier. With an eSIM there's nothing to pick up — it's all done online.
Compare eSIM prices →Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I enter Japan without registering?
Yes. Visit Japan Web is optional, and paper forms are still accepted. Registering in advance simply saves you from filling out documents at the airport and can shorten your wait.
Q. Is there a fee?
No — Visit Japan Web is a free government service. Make sure you register through the official site (services.digital.go.jp/visit-japan-web).
Q. How far in advance should I register?
You can register even shortly before your trip, but doing it before departure over Wi-Fi is the safest approach. Procedures can change, so check the official site for the latest guidance.
Q. Is it worth it for Japanese passport holders?
Yes. Immigration already works without a QR (via the automated gates), but registering the customs QR means no paper declaration form on the plane and access to the electronic-declaration gates.