This article explains how to register for Visit Japan Web with images. This article is a great reference for those who are considering traveling abroad but have never used this service, as well as those who have used it but want a refresher.
Visit Japan Web is a service that makes customs declarations easier
iStock/marchmeena29
"Visit Japan Web" is a service that allows you to process customs declarations, immigration inspections, and quarantine when entering Japan online. However, since Japanese nationals do not need to go through immigration and quarantine is no longer necessary, the main use of the service is to declare customs.
Until now, the only way to declare personal effects and unaccompanied baggage at customs was to hand-fill out and present the arrival card distributed on the plane on your return flight.
However, with the introduction of Visit Japan Web in November 2022, it is now possible to register customs declaration information on the website in advance and then declare it simply by holding a QR code over an electronic declaration terminal after arriving in Japan. This has made the process of returning home much smoother, and is said to have helped ease congestion when returning home.
Incidentally, quarantine procedures used to be handled through an app called "My SOS" and were separate from customs declaration procedures. Therefore, Visit Japan Web has the advantage of being able to handle both quarantine and customs declaration procedures with one service.
Now, let's introduce how to use Visit Japan Web.
[With images] How to register for Visit Japan Web
iStock/marchmeena29
The following items are required to register for Visit Japan Web.
- Smartphone or PC
- passport
- Return flight ticket information
You can register from your computer, but when you actually use the service you will need to present a QR code, so it is recommended that you do so using your smartphone.
(1) Create an account and log in
First, access Visit Japan Web and create an account. Tap "Register now" → "Create a new account."
Check each box and tap "Next."
The only information required to create an account is your email address and password. Once you have entered each, tap "Create Account."
You will receive an email with a verification code to the email address you entered, so just enter the code at the link and your account will be created. Return to the login page and log in.
(2) Register your information
Next, register your information. After logging in, tap "Your Information" at the top of the page.
If you have a Japanese passport, press "Yes."
Next, enter the following information:
- Passport number
- Full name
- nationality
- date of birth
- Passport expiration date
If you have your passport, you can also scan it with your camera.
On the next page, you can optionally enter your contact information in Japan. Finally, confirm the information you entered and click the "Register" button to complete the process.
In principle, personal information must be registered for each person, but for those who are unable to register themselves, such as infants, up to 10 accompanying family members can be registered.
(3) Register your entry (return) schedule
Next, register your arrival (return) schedule to Japan. Have your return flight ticket information ready.
There are three ways to register a schedule: direct input, quoting from a past schedule, and quoting from a visa. Here, we will explain how to enter the schedule directly as an example.
We recommend giving the trip a name that is easy for you to manage, such as "Trip to Hawaii on August 4th."
While looking at your plane ticket, fill in the following information:
- Expected arrival date in Japan
- Airline name
- Flight number
Next, register your contact information in Japan.
"Town name, street address" must be entered in alphabet. Please enter according to the example. Finally, check that the information you entered is correct and tap "Register event" to complete the process.
(4) Register your customs declaration information
Next, you will need to register your customs declaration information. Tap on the entry (return) date you registered in the previous step, then tap on "Personal effects and unaccompanied baggage declaration." Although "Quarantine" is displayed on the screen, currently, the only quarantine procedure carried out by Visit Japan Web is to check your health condition.
The information you need to register is the same as that of a paper customs declaration form. Tap "Yes" or "No" for each question, then confirm the information you entered and you're done.
Returning home smoothly. Procedures upon arrival in Japan
iStock/anyaberkut
Once you have registered your customs declaration information, you will be issued a QR code. Upon arriving in Japan, simply present this code at the airport gate where electronic declaration terminals are installed.
You can display the QR code from your My Page. It may be a good idea to take a screenshot of it in case you have trouble connecting to the Internet.
In addition, from April 29, 2023, it will no longer be necessary to submit a vaccination certificate when returning to Japan.
Frequently asked questions about Visit Japan Web
iStock/recep-bg
Q.What happens if I don't register on Visit Japan Web?
A. There is no problem. If you do not want to register, you can simply fill out and submit the immigration card as usual.
Q.Is there no Visit Japan Web app?
A: No. You need to register online.
Q.At which airports can I use Visit Japan Web?
A. There are seven locations: Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, New Chitose Airport, and Naha Airport.
Q.By when do I need to register for Visit Japan Web?
A. We recommend that you register an account before traveling. It will be smoother if you complete the customs declaration required for your return to Japan before entering Japan, i.e. at the local airport.
Make use of Visit Japan Web when traveling abroad
Use of Visit Japan Web is optional. Currently, its main use is for customs declarations, but it is a convenient service for those who find filling out paper forms troublesome.
Once you register, you will only need to enter your schedule and customs declaration information the next time you travel. Make use of Visit Japan Web on your next overseas trip to make your return home smoother than ever before.
Visit Japan Web Official Website
Originally posted: August 4, 2023
*Some content was updated on August 15, 2024.
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
