Japan Arrival Card: Visit Japan Web Guide & Entry Process

Currently, Japan offers two ways to submit your immigration and customs information: the traditional paper Japan Arrival Card and the digital Visit Japan Web system. Here is your complete guide to mastering both.

What is Japan Arrival Card vs. What Is Visit Japan Web?

Japan Arrival Card paper form. Source: Immigration of Japan

• The Japan Arrival Card (also known as the Disembarkation Card for Foreigners) is the traditional, physical paper form that all foreign visitors must fill out to enter Japan. It collects basic information about your identity, flight, and stay in Japan. Historically handed out by flight attendants on the airplane, it is submitted directly to the immigration officer upon arrival.

• Visit Japan Web (VJW), on the other hand, is the official digital service provided by the Japanese government. It allows you to complete your immigration arrival card and customs declaration online before you even board your flight. Instead of handing over pieces of paper, you simply display QR codes on your smartphone at the immigration and customs checkpoints. While both serve the exact same legal purpose, the digital route is heavily promoted to speed up airport queues.

Do I Need a Japan Arrival Card?

All Explained: Entry Requirements for Japan - Tokyo Kenchan

Yes. Every single foreign national entering Japan—regardless of age, nationality, or visa type—must submit arrival and customs information. You must choose to do this either via the paper Arrival Card or the digital Visit Japan Web portal.

For Indian Travelers: Holding an Indian passport means you must secure a Japan visa (either a sticker visa or an eVisa) before your trip. However, your visa is not a replacement for the arrival card. A visa grants you permission to travel to Japan, while the arrival card/Visit Japan Web is your formal request to enter at the border. Even with an approved eVisa, you still need to generate your Visit Japan Web QR codes or fill out the physical paper forms on the plane.

Note: This rule applies universally. Whether you are traveling from India, the US, or the UK, if you do not hold a Japanese passport, this immigration step is mandatory.

How to Fill Japan Arrival Card

Prepare docs for Japan Arrival Card

Before starting, have these documents ready to avoid the session timing out:

• Passport: Must be valid for your entire stay. It's helpful to have a clear photo of the bio-page.
• Flight Info: Flight number (e.g., AI306), airline name, and arrival date.
• Stay Details: The specific name, full address, and phone number of your first hotel or Airbnb.
• Email: A valid address to receive your confirmation and login security codes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Access the Official Portal Visit the official site at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp. Be cautious of third-party "scam" sites that ask for payment; the official government service is entirely free.

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 2: Account Setup & Verification Create a new profile using your email. You will receive a 6-digit verification code in your inbox. Once verified, log in to access the main dashboard.

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 3: Initial Declarations You will be asked about your status. Most international tourists will answer "No" to having a Japanese passport and "No" to being a resident with re-entry permission.

• 2026 Tip: Opt-in for the "Tax-free QR Code" feature here to avoid showing your physical passport at every shop.

Step 4: Register User Details Input your personal information. We recommend using the "Scan Passport" feature with your phone camera—it automatically pulls your data and prevents spelling mistakes. You can also "Add Travelers" here for family members (like children or elderly parents) to manage everyone's QR codes in one place.

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 5: Create a "New Planned Entry" Register your specific trip. You will enter:

• Trip Name: (e.g., "Tokyo Spring 2026")
• Arrival Details: Date of landing and your flight number.
• Contact in Japan: Paste the address of your hotel. Note: Do not just write "Hilton"; you must include the ward, city, and a valid Japanese phone number.

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 6: Immigration & Customs Forms Select your trip and click on "Disembarkation Card for Foreigner" and "Customs Declaration."

• Answer questions regarding "Purpose of Visit" (Tourism).
• Answer the legal questionnaire honestly (questions about criminal records or carrying restricted items like fresh meat/plants).
• Declare if you have more than ¥1,000,000 in cash or goods exceeding ¥200,000 in value.

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 7: Generate & Capture Your QR Code Once submitted, the system generates a QR code. Crucial: Take a high-resolution screenshot of this code. Do not rely on airport Wi-Fi, which can be unstable when hundreds of people land at once.

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 8: Airport Processing Upon landing at major hubs like Narita or Haneda, follow the signs for "Visit Japan Web." Scan your passport and QR code at the integrated kiosks. This one-time scan typically covers both immigration and customs data.

Japan Entry Requirements for Foreigners

The Japanese Disembarkation Card for Foreigners

To ensure a seamless entry, foreigners like Indian citizens should prepare the following documents before landing in Japan:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay in Japan (at least 6 months validity is highly recommended to avoid airline boarding issues).
• Valid Japan Visa: An approved short-term tourist visa (eVisa or physical sticker). Japan does not offer Visa on Arrival for Indian citizens.
• Completed Immigration & Customs Info: Either via Visit Japan Web (QR codes) or the paper Arrival Card and Customs Declaration.
• Return or Onward Ticket: Proof that you intend to leave Japan within your visa's validity period.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.
• Financial Proof (Occasional): While not always asked at the border, it is wise to carry proof of sufficient funds (cash or credit cards) to support your stay.

When Should I Fill Out the Japan Arrival Card?

• If using Visit Japan Web: You should complete it a few days before your flight. You can technically fill it out weeks in advance once your flights and hotels are booked. Do not wait until you land, as airport Wi-Fi can be spotty.
• If using the Paper Card: Fill it out while you are on the airplane. Flight attendants will pass them out during the flight. Bring a pen! If you miss it on the plane, you can find blank cards on desks just before the immigration queue at the Japanese airport.

How to Enter Japan Step by Step

Japan Customs Declaration System | Mandatory Arrival Card

Follow this exact flow to breeze through the airport:

• Step 1: Get Your Visa. (For Indians and nationalities without visa-exemption, secure this weeks in advance).
• Step 2: Setup Visit Japan Web. Create an account, register your passport, travel details, and generate your "Immigration" and "Customs" QR codes. Take screenshots of these QR codes just in case you lose internet access.
• Step 3: Board Your Flight. Relax and enjoy the journey. (If you didn't do Step 2, ask for the paper forms on the plane).
• Step 4: Arrival & Quarantine. Upon landing, you will walk through automated temperature scanners. Unless you show symptoms of illness, you will pass straight through to immigration.
• Step 5: Immigration Control. Join the "Foreign Passports" queue. When called, hand the officer your passport. Look into the camera for a photo and place your index fingers on the scanner. Scan your Visit Japan Web QR code (or hand over the paper Arrival Card). The officer will put a "Temporary Visitor" sticker in your passport.
• Step 6: Baggage Claim. Collect your checked luggage from the carousel.
• Step 7: Customs Declaration. Proceed to the customs exit. You can use the automated e-gates by scanning your passport and your Visit Japan Web Customs QR code, or hand the paper customs form to an officer.
• Step 8: Welcome to Japan! Step out into the arrivals hall and start your adventure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid about Japan Arrival Card

• Incomplete Hotel Address: Writing just "Airbnb in Tokyo" or "APA Hotel" is not enough. You must write the specific hotel branch name and phone number. Immigration officers will stop you if this is vague.
• Depending on Airport Wi-Fi: If using Visit Japan Web, always take offline screenshots of your QR codes before you board your flight in your home country.
• Mixing Digital and Paper: Pick one method. Do not give the officer a paper arrival card and try to scan your QR code. It causes confusion and delays.

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