Japan's Visit Japan Web: Complete Registration Guide for 2026

If you're planning a trip to Japan, you'll encounter Visit Japan Web (VJW) before you even board your plane. This digital immigration and customs system has replaced paper forms for most travellers, streamlining your arrival at Japanese airports. Understanding how to register properly can save you considerable time at immigration and help you breeze through customs with a personalised QR code.

What is Visit Japan Web?

Visit Japan Web is Japan's official digital service for pre-registering immigration and customs information before arrival. Launched to reduce congestion at airports and minimise physical contact, it allows you to complete all necessary entry procedures online from your phone or computer.

When you arrive at Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or any other major Japanese airport, you'll present QR codes generated by Visit Japan Web instead of filling out paper forms. Immigration officers scan your codes, verify your information digitally, and you're through - often in half the time of the traditional paper process.

The system handles three main procedures: immigration review (Disembarkation Card for Foreign Nationals), customs declaration, and advance quarantine procedures (though COVID-19 quarantine requirements have largely been lifted).

Is Visit Japan Web Mandatory?

Visit Japan Web is not technically mandatory, but it's strongly recommended. Paper forms remain available on flights and at airports, but queues for digital processing move significantly faster. During peak travel periods like cherry blossom season (late March to early April) or Golden Week (late April to early May), the time savings become substantial.

At Haneda Airport's Terminal 3, travellers using Visit Japan Web typically clear immigration in 10-15 minutes, whilst those with paper forms can wait 45 minutes or longer during busy periods. The choice is yours, but the digital route offers clear advantages.

When to Register

You can register on Visit Japan Web from two weeks before your departure date. Don't leave it until you're on the plane - whilst the system works on aircraft Wi-Fi, connection quality varies considerably, and you'll want time to upload clear photos without pressure.

Ideal timing is 3-7 days before departure. This gives you enough time to gather necessary documents, take proper photos if needed, and troubleshoot any technical issues without stress. Registration takes 10-20 minutes if you have everything prepared.

For families travelling together, one person can register all members, which saves time but requires having everyone's passport details and information to hand.

When to Register

From 24 April onwards, completing registration before your flight becomes even more important. Japanese airlines now prohibit charging power banks and using them to charge electronic devices during flights, meaning you cannot recharge your phone or tablet inflight to complete the registration.

For families travelling together, one person can register all members, which saves time but requires having everyone's passport details and information to hand.

What You'll Need Before Starting

Gather these items before beginning registration:

Essential documents:

Valid passport (the one you'll travel with)
Flight details (airline name, flight number, arrival date)
Accommodation address in Japan (your first night's hotel or residence)

For customs declaration:

List of any items to declare (typically only needed if bringing gifts worth over ¥200,000, commercial goods, or restricted items)
Credit card or other payment method information if you've made purchases abroad

Optional but helpful:

Email address (for receiving confirmation)
Phone number (Japanese or foreign)
Travelling companions' information if registering as a group

What You'll Need Before Starting

Gather these items before beginning registration:

Essential documents:

Valid passport (the one you'll travel with)
Flight details (airline name, flight number, arrival date)
Accommodation address in Japan (your first night's hotel or residence)

For customs declaration:

List of any items to declare (typically only needed if bringing gifts worth over ¥200,000, commercial goods, or restricted items)
Credit card or other payment method information if you've made purchases abroad

Flight preparation note:

Be aware that from 24 April onwards, Japanese flights prohibit charging power banks and using them to charge devices during the flight. Complete your Visit Japan Web registration before boarding or ensure your devices are fully charged, as you won't be able to recharge them inflight.

Optional but helpful:

Email address (for receiving confirmation)
Phone number (Japanese or foreign)
Travelling companions' information if registering as a group

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Creating Your Account

Access Visit Japan Web at www.vjw.digital.go.jp/en/. The site works on smartphones, tablets, and computers - choose whichever feels most comfortable. Mobile devices often work better for scanning passport photos.

Select "New User Registration" and create an account with your email address and a password. You'll receive a verification email immediately - check your spam folder if it doesn't appear within five minutes.

After verification, log in and you'll see the main dashboard with three sections to complete: User Information, Schedule Registration, and Procedures.

Entering User Information

This section captures your passport details and personal information:

Passport information:

Type (typically "Ordinary" for tourist passports)
Passport number
Nationality
Full name (exactly as shown in passport)
Sex
Date of birth
Passport expiry date

You can manually type this information or use the passport scan feature. The scan function works well with newer passports that have machine-readable zones, but manual entry gives you more control and typically reduces errors.

Additional personal details:

Address in your home country
Emergency contact information
Phone number

Double-check your passport number and name spelling - errors here can cause delays at immigration.

Schedule Registration

Add your Japan trip by clicking "Register New Travel Schedule".

Enter your flight information:

Arrival airline and flight number (e.g., JL061, NH110)
Arrival date
Departure airline and flight number
Departure date

For accommodation, you only need your first night's address. Enter the complete address including postal code, or select from previously saved addresses. Most major hotels are already in the system - start typing the hotel name and it may auto-complete.

If you're staying with friends or family, use their full address. The system accepts private residences without issue.

Immigration Procedures (Disembarkation Card)

This section replaces the traditional landing card:

Journey details:

Purpose of visit (tourism, business, visiting relatives, etc.)
Intended length of stay
City where you'll spend most time (approximate is fine)

Declaration questions:

Have you been convicted of a crime in any country?
Do you possess any illegal drugs?
Do you possess firearms, ammunition, or explosives?
Have you been denied entry to Japan previously?

Answer truthfully - these are standard immigration questions. "No" is the typical answer for tourists.

For accompanying family members, you can add them here if you're the family representative.

Customs Declaration

The customs form is straightforward for most tourists:

Standard declarations:

Are you bringing any commercial goods or samples?
Are you bringing anything for sale or business?
Are you carrying over ¥1,000,000 in cash or equivalent?
Are you bringing any prohibited or restricted items?
Are you bringing any meat products, fruits, vegetables, or plants?

For typical holiday travellers with standard luggage, you'll answer "No" to most questions.

Declaring purchases: You must declare goods purchased overseas (including duty-free airport purchases) if their total value exceeds your allowance:

¥200,000 for most goods (approximately £1,200)
3 bottles of alcoholic beverages (760ml each)
200 cigarettes or equivalent tobacco
2 ounces (approximately 57g) of perfume

Gifts for Japanese friends within these limits need no declaration. Declare anything beyond these amounts to avoid customs issues.

Restricted items: Japan prohibits importing fresh fruits, vegetables, meat products (including jerky and sausages), and plants without proper documentation. If you're bringing any food items, review the customs website beforehand or plan to declare them.

Review and Submit

Before generating QR codes, review all entered information carefully. The system shows a summary page with every detail. Check particularly:

Passport number matches exactly
Name spelling is identical to passport
Flight numbers are correct
Dates are accurate
Accommodation address is complete

Once satisfied, submit the information. The system generates two QR codes instantly:

Blue QR code for immigration
Black QR code for customs

Screenshot these codes or keep them accessible in your Visit Japan Web account.

Using Your QR Codes at the Airport

Immigration

After disembarking, follow signs to "Immigration" or "Passport Control". Look for automated gates or counters with Visit Japan Web signage.

At the kiosk or counter:

Scan your blue QR code at the reader
Place your passport on the designated spot
Look at the camera for facial recognition
Provide fingerprints on the scanner
Receive your passport with entry stamp

The entire process takes 2-3 minutes during quiet periods. Immigration officers may ask basic questions about your visit purpose and duration - answer briefly and honestly.

Customs

After collecting luggage, proceed to customs. Most airports now have automated customs gates:

Scan your black QR code
Gate opens automatically if nothing to declare
Walk through to arrivals area

If you've declared items, or if the system flags something, a customs officer will direct you to a counter for inspection. This isn't problematic - simply show your goods and answer questions honestly.

Tips for Smooth Processing

Save offline access: After generating QR codes, take screenshots. Airport Wi-Fi can be congested, and having codes saved locally ensures access regardless of connection.

Update if plans change: If your flight changes or you modify your accommodation, update your Visit Japan Web registration. Using outdated flight information can cause confusion at immigration.

Family registration: When registering families, one person can complete forms for everyone, but each family member needs their own QR codes. The system generates individual codes for each registered person.

Language assistance: Visit Japan Web is available in English, Japanese, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Tagalog, Khmer, Burmese, Mongolian, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. Select your preferred language at the top of any page.

Technical issues: If the QR code won't scan at the airport, show your phone to an immigration officer. They can access your information using your passport number or direct you to a manual processing counter.

Multiple entries: If you're leaving and re-entering Japan during your trip (such as a Korea or Taiwan excursion), register each entry separately with the relevant flight details.

Common Questions

What if I don't have a smartphone? You can register on a computer and print your QR codes. Black and white printouts work fine - the system reads the code pattern, not colours.

Can I register for someone else? Yes, if you have their passport and travel information. This works well for elderly relatives or children. However, each person must carry their own QR codes.

What about connecting flights? Use your international arrival flight information. If you're flying London-Tokyo-Osaka, register the London-Tokyo leg, even if Tokyo is just a connection.

How long are QR codes valid? QR codes remain valid for your registered arrival date only. If your flight is delayed to the next day, update your registration.

Do I need COVID-19 vaccination proof? As of late 2024, Japan has lifted COVID-19-related entry requirements for most travellers. Visit Japan Web no longer requires vaccination certificates or test results.

Alternative Arrival Procedures

If you choose not to use Visit Japan Web, paper forms remain available:

Disembarkation cards distributed on flights
Customs forms available on flights and at airports
Manual immigration processing at designated counters

However, digital processing lanes are prioritised during busy periods. Paper forms require additional time for officers to review and input information manually.

Some airports now have very few paper forms available, particularly at automated gates, so relying on this method during peak times may prove frustrating.

Making the Most of Your Arrival

By completing Visit Japan Web registration before departure, you'll clear immigration and customs efficiently, giving you more time to enjoy your arrival in Japan. Whether you're rushing to catch the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, heading to Osaka's Namba district from Kansai Airport, or taking a bus to your Kyoto hotel, those extra 30 minutes saved at immigration can make your journey considerably more relaxed.

Take time before your trip to register properly, keep your QR codes accessible, and you'll experience one of the smoothest airport arrivals of any destination. Welcome to Japan - your adventure begins the moment you clear immigration, and Visit Japan Web helps you start it without unnecessary delays.