Once you land in Japan and step off the plane, the typical process is: quarantine screening → immigration → baggage claim → animal and plant inspection → customs → arrival lobby. The order may vary slightly depending on the airport.

Below, we’ll explain what you need to prepare before arriving in Japan and what to expect during the entry process.

Entry rules vary depending on your nationality, so be sure to confirm whether you need a visa to enter Japan and that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay. These requirements can change quickly, so it's a good idea to regularly check with your country’s Japanese embassy or consulate for the latest information before your trip.

For short-term stays (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or visiting family, here are the general visa guidelines:
・Visa-exempt countries and regions – No visa required
・Travelers from places like the UAE, UK, Singapore, and Taiwan – Must apply for a JAPAN eVISA for tourism
・All others – Must apply for a short-term stay visa

The JAPAN eVISA can be applied for online through the official website, and you’ll receive an electronic visa upon approval. For long-term stays or employment in Japan, a different type of visa will be required based on your purpose of travel.

To streamline your arrival, Japan strongly recommends using the Visit Japan Web service. This online platform allows you to pre-register for immigration and customs (including declarations for personal and unaccompanied baggage), making the process much smoother. You can register using a computer, but you’ll need a smartphone or tablet to present your QR code during arrival procedures.

As of March 2025, Visit Japan Web is available at all Japanese airports with scheduled international flights. However, it’s not supported at seaports—so if you're arriving by cruise, you'll need to complete paper-based procedures.

How to Use the Visit Japan Web Service
1. Create an Account and Log In
Go to the official website and select “Create New Account.” After agreeing to the terms and privacy policy, enter your email and set a password. A six-digit verification code will be sent to your email—enter this code to proceed.

2. Register User Information
Log in with the email and password you just created. From “Register User,” select “Register Personal Information” and complete the following:
・Select whether you’re entering or returning to Japan
・Register your passport details
・Add a contact address in Japan (such as your accommodation)

3. Enter Your Travel Details
Input your airline, flight number, and hotel or accommodation. You can:
・Import info from your travel agent
・Pull data from your eVISA application (if applicable)
・Reuse previously registered travel details

If none of these apply, select “Proceed Without Using” and enter your itinerary manually—like your travel name (e.g., “Tokyo Trip”), arrival date, airline, flight number, and departure point.

4. Submit Arrival Information
・Quarantine (Health Check): Answer basic health questions such as “Are you currently feeling unwell?” with yes or no.
・Immigration and Customs Declaration: Enter your occupation, home address, arrival date, flight details, purpose of visit, contact in Japan, and length of stay. Once submitted, you’ll be able to use digital declarations for immigration and customs.

Present your QR code at immigration counters, digital customs kiosks, or inspection stations.

Note: Japanese nationals and travelers re-entering Japan only need to register for customs, not immigration.

Here’s a step-by-step look at the arrival process at Japanese airports—from the moment you land to reaching the arrival lobby. This will help you understand each procedure and move through smoothly.

Quarantine checks are conducted to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and apply to all travelers entering or returning to Japan, regardless of nationality.

If you're using Visit Japan Web, you can answer the required health questions—such as your current condition—online before arrival. If you're not using the service, a health questionnaire will be handed out on the plane. Fill it out and submit it at the quarantine counter upon arrival.

At the immigration counter, open the Visit Japan Web screen on your device and display your QR code. This code is used for both immigration and customs: show it at the immigration counter first, and later at a digital customs kiosk or inspection station.

Once you've completed your declaration using the electronic customs terminal, you can proceed through the designated e-declaration lane.

Pick up your checked luggage at the baggage carousel. Be sure to double-check your baggage claim tag to avoid any mix-ups.

This inspection ensures that plants, animals, and food items brought into Japan do not carry diseases, pests, or harmful substances. Even if carried in your personal luggage, items like jerky, dried meat, ham, raw ham, sausages, and salami are subject to import restrictions.

Some products from countries like Australia or New Zealand may include inspection certificates for Japan—always check labels and regulations in advance.

Examples of prohibited items:
・Counterfeit or imitation brand goods
・Meat products and animal-based items
・Illegal drugs
・Plants and animals protected under the Washington Convention

For full details, visit the official quarantine website.

At customs, all travelers entering Japan are checked for prohibited or restricted items, large amounts of cash that require declaration, and whether personal belongings fall within duty-free limits.

If you're using Visit Japan Web, scan your QR code and passport at an electronic customs terminal. If your items are within duty-free limits and no declaration is needed, proceed through the e-gate. If you’re carrying goods that exceed the exemption or need to declare items, go to a staffed inspection desk.

If you're not using the online system, complete a paper customs declaration form and present it at a staffed counter.

Duty-free limits (per person):
Up to 3 bottles of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars (or 10 packs of heated tobacco), and 2 ounces of perfume.

Once you've cleared all procedures, you'll enter the arrival lobby. From here, you can head to your final destination.

If you're a foreign national staying in Japan under a "Temporary Visitor," "Diplomatic," or "Official" visa status, you can use the tax-free shopping feature in Visit Japan Web. By registering in advance, you can shop without showing your passport—just display your tax-free QR code for scanning at checkout.

From the home screen, select “Prepare for Tax-Free Shopping,” then go to the tax-free setup page. Click “Generate Tax-Free QR Code” and enter the required information to complete your registration.

When leaving Japan, the process generally follows this order: check-in at your airline’s counter → security screening → customs (if needed) → immigration → boarding gate.

Note that the Visit Japan Web service is not used for departure procedures.

Just like when entering Japan, the rules and required documents for entering your own country can change unexpectedly and vary by destination. Be sure to check the most up-to-date entry procedures for your home country before leaving Japan.

Start by checking in at your airline’s counter (some may be self-service) and dropping off your checked luggage. Be sure to review the rules for carry-on items in advance—anything not allowed in the cabin should be packed in your checked bags.

Some flights also offer "Face Express," a facial recognition system that lets you pass through check-in, baggage drop, security, and boarding without showing your passport or boarding pass. Availability is limited to select airlines and flights.

Place items like jackets, phones, laptops, metal objects, and bags into trays for X-ray inspection, then proceed through the metal detector gate.

Liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 100 milliliters or less, and all containers must fit comfortably into a single, clear, resealable plastic bag no larger than 1 liter—limited to one bag per person.

Customs procedures are also required when departing Japan. If you're taking foreign-made goods or carrying the equivalent of one million yen or more in cash, you’ll need to complete the designated customs form and submit it.

If you’ve made tax-free purchases during your stay, you must present both your passport and the purchased items at customs. If you're placing these items in checked luggage, be sure to complete the customs check before handing your suitcase over to the airline.

Present your passport and boarding pass for departure immigration. Japanese nationals and foreign visitors with an IC passport and a “Temporary Visitor” status can use the facial recognition gates for a quicker exit.

Once you’ve cleared immigration, if you have time before boarding, feel free to browse duty-free shops or relax at a restaurant.

Head to your assigned boarding gate. Make sure to arrive at the gate at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Most Japanese airports offer baggage delivery counters where you can send your luggage directly to your accommodation—sometimes even for same-day delivery, depending on the time. Be sure to confirm in advance that your accommodation accepts deliveries.

You can also send your luggage from your hotel to the airport before departure, making your travel day much easier. Check with the delivery company for the recommended number of days in advance and confirm the pickup timing based on your flight schedule.

Here are some convenient ways to travel from Japan’s major airports. If you're looking for the best routes to popular tourist destinations, use this as a helpful starting point for planning your journey.

Entry and exit procedures can change suddenly, so it’s essential to check the latest requirements for both Japan and your home country just before you travel. Visit the official websites of embassies or consulates for the most up-to-date information.

(Note: This information was originally published in November 2022 and updated in March 2025. Please refer to official sources for the latest details.)