As in many other countries, everyone arriving in Japan—whether tourists or Japanese citizens returning from abroad—is required to fill out forms as part of immigration procedures.
These forms contain important travel-related information and are necessary to ensure a smooth entry into Japan.
Previously, these forms had to be filled out manually upon arrival at the airport. However, since 2022, they can be completed online through an official website called Visit Japan Web (VJW).
What is VJW (Visit Japan Web)?
VJW (Visit Japan Web) is an official service website provided by the Japanese government that simplifies arrival procedures for tourists and foreign visitors entering Japan.
Through this platform, users can complete pre-registration for immigration, customs, and even tax-free shopping services online before departure.
After filling in the required information online, the system will generate a QR code, which can be presented to officers upon arrival at a Japanese airport. This makes the entry process faster compared to filling out forms manually on-site.
Although its use is not mandatory, the Japanese government strongly recommends it because it is much more practical and efficient.
Steps to Register for VJW
Before using VJW services, the first step is to create an account on the official Visit Japan Web website.
If you have already registered, you can simply log in using the same email address and password without creating a new account.
Then, you can proceed by following the steps below:
1. User Registration
In this first step, you need to select the category that matches your purpose of entry or return to Japan, whether as a tourist, a returning resident, or otherwise. This is done by answering several short questions displayed based on your travel purpose.
After answering all the questions, you will be asked to enter your passport information, personal details, and your address during your stay in Japan.
These three types of information will be used for entry or re-entry procedures, including immigration and customs requirements.
2. Arrival/Departure Schedule Registration
At this stage, you need to register your arrival or departure schedule by entering flight details, arrival date, and your address during your stay in Japan.
There are three methods you can use in this step:
- Enter all travel data manually. You will need to input each required detail one by one.
- Use data that has already been registered in your VJW account. Simply select existing data and adjust it if there are any changes.
- Import data from a visa application. If you have previously applied for a Japanese visa online, your travel data will automatically be filled in when selecting this option.
Important notes for those entering arrival/departure schedules manually:
- Boarded Flight Number: Enter the flight number you will use when entering or returning to Japan.
- Point of Embarkation: Enter the first airport you depart from, as shown on your ticket.
If you are flying to Japan with a transit flight:
Boarded Flight Number (first): XX1234
- Point of Embarkation: A
- Place of Arrival: B (transit here)
Boarded Flight Number (second): YY5678
- Point of Embarkation: B
- Place of Arrival: Japan
Then, the data you need to enter is:
- Boarded Flight Number: YY5678
- Point of Embarkation: A
3. Completing Arrival/Departure Procedures
At this stage, you simply select the travel schedule you have registered and fill in the required information for entry or return to Japan.
As shown in the example above, the page display will differ between tourists and Japanese citizens.
About the “Quarantine” and “Immigration clearance and customs declaration” Options
- You can receive guidance based on your health condition by answering questions in the “Quarantine” section on the procedure page (optional).
- Register your information in the “Immigration clearance and customs declaration” section on the procedure page. This section is mandatory.
For Japanese nationals and multiple-entry visa holders, immigration clearance does not need to be filled out. Only customs declaration registration is required.
How to Use VJW Upon Arrival in Japan
After completing all procedures, you will receive a QR code that can be used immediately upon arrival at a Japanese airport.
This QR code can be used at immigration counters for inspection, as well as at electronic declaration machines or inspection desks for customs declaration.
After completing the declaration at the electronic machine, you can proceed directly through the automated declaration gate.
Benefits of Using VJW
Using VJW provides many conveniences for anyone traveling to Japan. Some of them include:
- You can register for tax-free shopping services in Japan. By registering your passport and personal information, you will receive a special QR code that can be presented when shopping at tax-free stores.
- More practical and easier, as there is no need to fill out manual declarations, making the entry process smoother and reducing queues at immigration.
- The VJW QR code can be used at immigration gates and electronic declaration terminals, especially at major airports such as Haneda, Narita, Kansai, Fukuoka, and Naha.
- Convenient for those traveling with family, as one account can register multiple people at once.
With all the convenience it offers, VJW (Visit Japan Web) is a practical solution to make your trip to Japan smoother.
Simply register your information before departure and present your QR code upon arrival at the airport, and your entry process into Japan will be faster, easier, and more comfortable.
