Visit Japan Web 2026: Complete Guide to Japan Digital Entry Form

What Changed in 2026

Visit Japan Web (VJW) started as a COVID-era substitute for paper forms. Since January 2024, the immigration QR and customs QR have been merged into a single code — one scan at the joint kiosk covers both. As of 2026, the service is stable, free, and used at all major Japanese airports. If you last visited Japan before 2024, the single biggest change is that you no longer juggle two separate QR codes.

Who Needs It

Every foreign national entering Japan — tourists, business travelers, family visitors — should complete VJW. Even infants need their own account, though parents can manage them from a family group. Airlines do not always check, but immigration will redirect you to a tablet kiosk if you show up without the QR code, adding 15-20 minutes to your entry queue.

Before You Open the Form

Have these ready before starting: your passport (you will scan or photograph the bio page), flight number and arrival date, the address of your first accommodation in Japan (hotel name and phone number), and an email address you can access from your phone. The form takes about 15 minutes per person. For families, one parent creates an account first, then adds family members from the main dashboard — up to 10 people can be grouped, but they must be spouse or direct relatives.

Registration and Login

Go to services.digital.go.jp/visit-japan-web/ and create an account with your email and a password. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email — check your spam folder if it does not arrive within a few minutes. Once logged in, the dashboard shows options for Immigration Clearance and Customs Declaration. Start with Immigration Clearance first.

Passport and Personal Information

You have two options: scan your passport using your phone camera (the system auto-fills the MRZ data), or type everything manually. The camera method works well in good lighting — hold your passport flat against a dark surface. If scanning fails, manual entry requires your passport number, surname, given name, date of birth, nationality, and passport expiry date. One detail many people miss: your name must match the machine-readable zone at the bottom of your passport bio page, including any middle names. If your passport says SMITH/JOHN

Travel Details

Enter your flight or vessel number, scheduled arrival date, and your first accommodation address in Japan. Include the hotel name, phone number, and prefecture. If you are staying at multiple places, just list the first one. Airbnb users: include the host phone number or the Airbnb support line.

Customs Declaration

The customs section asks standard questions about restricted goods, large amounts of currency (over JPY 1,000,000 requires separate declaration), prohibited items, and items subject to duty. Answer honestly — Japan customs have sniffer dogs at baggage claim and random inspections are common. If you are bringing in prescription medication, check Japan Ministry of Health guidelines beforehand — some common medications including certain ADHD and cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine are strictly controlled.

QR Code and Airport

After submitting both sections, you will see a single merged QR code. Take a screenshot — airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable, especially at Narita Terminal 3. At Haneda, Narita T3, Kansai, and Fukuoka airports, look for the Joint Kiosk signs. At other airports, you may need to scan twice. If the QR code does not load, immigration officers can look up your information using your passport number. The tax-free shopping QR is separate and should be opened live in the app — screenshots do not work for tax-free.

Things Worth Knowing

• Complete VJW at least 6 hours before your scheduled landing — last-minute submissions sometimes do not sync in time.
• The system logs you out after 30 minutes of inactivity, so gather your documents before starting.
• If your flight number changes, update it in the app before departure.
• VJW is not a visa. If you need a tourist visa for Japan, apply separately through your local Japanese embassy or consulate.
• The old paper arrival card and customs form are still available at some airports if technology fails, but immigration staff will encourage the digital version.