Arriving in Japan: Immigration, Customs & Visit Japan Web

The moment you land is the one that trips up most first-time visitors. A little preparation turns a stressful queue into a smooth ten minutes.

Before you fly: Visit Japan Web

Japan offers an official online service called Visit Japan Web, where you can register your immigration and customs information in advance and receive QR codes to scan on arrival. Completing it before departure can save time at the airport.

• Register each traveller in your party (including children).
• Have your passport and flight details ready.
• Save or screenshot your QR codes so they work even without signal.

Because the exact steps and requirements are updated from time to time, always follow the official Visit Japan Web site for the current procedure.

At immigration (nyukoku)

• Join the line for foreign passports.
• Short-term visitors are usually photographed and fingerprinted at the counter — this is normal and quick.
• Have your passport and, if used, your Visit Japan Web QR code ready.
• Make sure you walk out with a "Temporary Visitor" stamp or sticker in your passport. Automated gates do not give you one, and you need it to exchange a Japan Rail Pass and to shop tax-free. If you used an automated gate, ask a member of staff in the immigration hall to stamp your passport before you leave.

Collecting baggage & customs

• Pick up your checked bags, then proceed to customs.
• Every traveller passes a customs declaration; the QR code from Visit Japan Web can speed this up where electronic gates are available.
• There are limits and restrictions on items such as alcohol, tobacco, and certain foods, plants and meats. Some products are outright prohibited. When in doubt, declare it and ask.

First things to do airside

Before leaving the airport, it is convenient to:

• Collect any pocket Wi-Fi or SIM you reserved.
• Withdraw yen at an ATM (7-Eleven / Japan Post ATMs accept most foreign cards).
• Pick up your IC card (Welcome Suica / PASMO PASSPORT) for onward travel.

Get these three done at the airport and the rest of your trip starts on the right foot.