Complete your Visit Japan Web registration before your flight. Having your QR codes ready means you can skip the paper forms and move through immigration and customs faster.
If you're traveling to Japan, you've probably seen "Visit Japan Web" mentioned somewhere. It's a free online service from the Japanese government that lets you complete immigration and customs procedures before you arrive — saving you time at the airport.
This guide walks you through the entire process, step by step, so you can get it done in about 15 minutes.
What Is Visit Japan Web?
Visit Japan Web is the official online service by Japan's Digital Agency and Immigration Services Agency. It allows you to:
- Submit your immigration entry information (disembarkation card) online
- Submit your customs declaration online
- Generate QR codes that you scan at the airport instead of filling out paper forms
Before Visit Japan Web existed, every traveler had to fill out two paper forms on the plane or at the immigration counter. Now, you can do it all from your phone or computer before you even board your flight.
Travelers using Visit Japan Web typically clear immigration 15-30 minutes faster than those using paper forms, especially during peak arrival times.
Who Needs to Use It?
Visit Japan Web is available to all travelers entering Japan, including:
- Foreign tourists (visa-free and visa holders) — not sure if you need a visa? Check with our Japan Visa Calculator
- Japanese nationals returning from abroad
- Foreign residents with re-entry permits
While it's technically optional (you can still use paper forms), it is strongly recommended by Japanese immigration authorities. Most airports now have dedicated Visit Japan Web lanes that are significantly faster.
What You'll Need
Before you start, gather the following:
- Valid passport (you'll need to enter your passport number, expiration date, etc.)
- Flight details (airline, flight number, arrival date)
- Accommodation address in Japan (hotel name and address — a booking confirmation works fine)
- Email address (for creating your account)
- A device with internet (phone, tablet, or computer)
Step-by-Step Registration
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to the official Visit Japan Web site at vjw.digital.go.jp and tap "Create a new account."
- Enter your email address
- Create a password (must include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols)
- You'll receive a verification code by email — enter it to activate your account
- Fill in your basic personal information (name as shown on passport, date of birth, nationality)
Use the exact same name that appears on your passport, in the same order. If your passport says "SMITH JOHN MICHAEL", enter it exactly that way. Mismatches can cause problems at immigration.
Step 2: Register Your Trip
Once logged in, tap "Register New Trip" and enter:
- Arrival date in Japan
- Airline name and flight number (e.g., ANA NH104)
- Airport of arrival (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, etc.)
Step 3: Complete Immigration Entry Information
This replaces the paper "Disembarkation Card" you'd normally fill out on the plane. You'll need to provide:
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.)
- Intended length of stay
- Accommodation in Japan (hotel name, address, phone number)
- Country/city from which you're departing
- Standard security questions (criminal history, drug offenses, etc.)
Review your answers carefully and submit. You'll see a blue QR code — this is your immigration QR code.
Step 4: Complete Customs Declaration
This replaces the yellow paper customs form. You'll be asked about:
- Items you're bringing into Japan (alcohol, tobacco, perfume, gifts, etc.)
- Whether you're carrying over ¥1,000,000 in cash or equivalent
- Whether you have any prohibited items
For most tourists, the answers are straightforward. If you're bringing standard luggage with clothes and personal items, you can answer "no" to most questions.
Review and submit. You'll see a red QR code — this is your customs QR code.
Step 5: Save Your QR Codes
You now have two QR codes:
- Blue QR code — for immigration (passport control)
- Red QR code — for customs (after baggage claim)
Take screenshots of both QR codes and save them to your phone's photo library. This way you can access them even without internet — useful since you may not have mobile data yet when you land.
At the Airport: How to Use Your QR Codes
When you arrive in Japan, follow the signs for "Visit Japan Web" lanes (most major airports have them):
Immigration (Passport Control)
- Find the Visit Japan Web / QR code lane — it's usually separate from the general line
- Scan your blue QR code at the gate or show it to the immigration officer
- The officer will also check your passport, take your photo, and scan your fingerprints (standard procedure for all foreign visitors)
Customs
- After collecting your luggage, head to the customs area
- Find the electronic declaration gates (e-gates)
- Scan your red QR code and your passport at the e-gate
- Walk through — you're done!
Registering Family Members
If you're traveling with family, you can register multiple travelers under one account:
- From the home screen, tap "Register Traveler"
- Add each family member's passport details
- Complete the immigration and customs forms for each person
- Each person gets their own set of QR codes
Children: Parents can register children under their account. Children under 16 don't need fingerprinting at immigration but still need their own QR codes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Name doesn't match passport Your name on Visit Japan Web must exactly match your passport. This includes middle names, order (family name first vs. given name first), and spelling. Check the "Machine Readable Zone" (the two lines of text at the bottom of your passport photo page) for the exact format.
2. Forgetting to do the customs declaration Many people complete the immigration form but forget the customs declaration. You need both QR codes. If you only have the blue one, you'll need to fill out a paper customs form at the airport.
3. Registering too late While you can technically complete it at the airport using WiFi, this defeats the purpose. Do it at home where you can calmly look up your hotel address, flight details, and passport information.
4. Using a third-party paid service Visit Japan Web is 100% free. Some third-party sites charge money to "help" you register. You don't need them — this guide and the official site are all you need.
5. Not saving QR codes offline Airport WiFi can be slow or unreliable. Screenshot your QR codes before boarding. You can also log in to the Visit Japan Web site on airport WiFi if needed, but screenshots are the safest backup.
Supported Airports
Visit Japan Web's QR code system works at all major international airports in Japan:
- Narita International Airport (NRT) — Tokyo
- Haneda Airport (HND) — Tokyo
- Kansai International Airport (KIX) — Osaka
- Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) — Nagoya
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) — Sapporo
- Fukuoka Airport (FUK) — Fukuoka
- Naha Airport (OHA) — Okinawa
It also works at major seaports for cruise ship arrivals.
Visit Japan Web vs. Old Systems
You might see references to "MySOS" or "Visit Japan Web (Fast Track)" online. Here's the simplified timeline:
- MySOS — used during COVID-19 for health screening. No longer exists.
- Visit Japan Web (Fast Track) — COVID-era feature for vaccine/test certificates. No longer required.
- Visit Japan Web (current) — Only immigration + customs. Simple and straightforward.
If you find guides online mentioning health declarations or vaccine uploads, they're outdated. As of 2026, Visit Japan Web only handles immigration and customs — no health-related requirements.
After You Enter Japan
Once you've cleared immigration and customs, you're free to start your trip! Here are some next steps:
- Activate your eSIM if you haven't already — check our eSIM guide for the best options
- Get a Suica or PASMO card for trains — see our complete train guide
- Check if the JR Pass is worth it for your itinerary — try our free JR Pass Calculator
- Save 10% on shopping — learn about Japan's tax-free shopping system before you hit the stores
Read our comprehensive First Time in Japan guide for everything else you need to know — from cash vs. card to train etiquette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit my information after submitting?
Yes! You can update any section before you pass through immigration. Just log in, go to your trip, and edit the relevant form. Your QR codes update automatically.
What if the QR code doesn't scan at the airport?
Don't worry — the immigration officer can look you up manually using your passport. It rarely happens, but having a screenshot of your QR codes as backup helps staff resolve any issues quickly.
Do I need Visit Japan Web for domestic flights within Japan?
No. Visit Japan Web is only for international arrivals into Japan. Once you're in the country, domestic travel doesn't require any additional registration.
Is my personal data safe?
Visit Japan Web is operated by the Japanese government (Digital Agency). Your data is handled according to Japanese privacy laws and is only used for immigration and customs processing. Data is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
Can I register at the airport if I forgot?
Yes, but it's not ideal. Most Japanese airports have free WiFi, and you can complete the registration on your phone. However, you'll be doing this while tired from your flight, possibly without mobile data, in a busy terminal. We strongly recommend doing it before you leave home.
