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Before flying to Japan, there's one digital step the Japanese government strongly recommends: registering on Visit Japan Web. This platform lets travelers complete immigration and customs procedures online, saving significant time in airport queues.
What Is Visit Japan Web?
Visit Japan Web, abbreviated as VJW, is an electronic system for arrival and customs declarations launched by the Japanese government in 2022. Before arriving in Japan, travelers can fill in and submit their arrival and customs declarations in advance, then receive a QR code as a digital document replacing paper forms.
Why Does Visit Japan Web Matter?
Filling in VJW before departure offers several real benefits at the airport,
- Save time: with a QR code already ready, the process at the e-gate is far faster than queuing with manual forms
- Joint Kiosk: since 2024, major airports like Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita, and Osaka Kansai have introduced Joint Self-Service Kiosks, where a single machine handles both immigration and customs
- One QR for everything: after the latest update, Visit Japan Web generates a single QR code covering both immigration and customs
- Family efficiency: one account can register up to 10 family members sharing the same itinerary
- Not mandatory, but highly recommended: paper forms are still available, but VJW is far more efficient
Documents to Prepare Before Registering
Before starting the Visit Japan Web login and registration process, have these ready,
- A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date)
- Flight details: arrival date, airline name, flight number
- Full address of your first accommodation in Japan (hotel name and phone number)
- An active email address for account verification
- A smartphone or computer with a stable internet connection
How to Register for Visit Japan Web
Step 1: Open the Official Site and Create an Account
Start by creating a new account on Visit Japan Web through the Login | Visit Japan Web site. All you need is an active email address to register. After signing up, check your inbox for a verification code, enter it, and your account is immediately active.
Step 2: Fill In Your Personal Details
After a successful Visit Japan Web login, click the "Your Details" menu on the homepage. Fill in the following information,
- Entry procedure category: select based on your purpose of visit (tourist, etc.)
- Passport data: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number
- Accommodation address in Japan
When asked "Will you use a QR Code for Tax-Free?", travelers can answer "Yes." The Tax-Free program allows purchases in Japan without paying Japanese consumption tax, under certain conditions, though it's important to note the tax-free system update taking effect from November 2026.
Step 3: Register Your Travel Plan
From the homepage, select "Register New Planned Entry/Return." Fill in your flight details such as arrival date, airline name, flight number, and your first accommodation address. This data will be used as the basis for filling in your immigration and customs information.
Step 4: Fill In Immigration and Customs Data
Select the "Immigration Clearance and Customs Declaration" menu. Most of the information will auto-fill from data you've already entered. Complete the remaining fields,
- Purpose of visit: select "Tourism" for leisure travel
- Length of stay in days
- Answer a series of immigration questions (generally answered "No" for tourists)
- Complete the customs declaration: report if you're carrying certain items such as cash over 1 million yen, animal products, plants, and so on
Step 5: Get Your QR Code
Once all data is submitted, a QR code will appear on your dashboard. This QR code must be displayed directly from the web app on your smartphone upon arrival, not as a screenshot or printout, for use at the automated kiosk. That said, it's strongly recommended to take a screenshot as a backup in case of any technical issues at the airport.
How to Use Your QR Code at a Japanese Airport
Upon arriving at a Japanese airport, follow these steps,
- Make sure your smartphone is charged and connected to the airport WiFi (available free at all major Japanese airports)
- Open the VJW site and display your QR code
- Follow signs reading "QR Code Lane" or the e-gate lane (usually marked in blue)
- At the immigration kiosk: scan your QR code, place your passport on the reader, and complete the photo and fingerprint capture
- At the customs kiosk: use the same QR code to complete your customs declaration
At Haneda during peak hours, the e-gate queue for international arrivals typically takes 5 to 15 minutes, far shorter than the paper form lane.
Tax-Free Feature on Visit Japan Web: The Big Change Coming November 2026
This is a section anyone planning to shop in Japan absolutely needs to understand, especially after November 2026.
The Old System (before November 1, 2026)
The old tax-free system was straightforward: show your passport at the cashier, the 10% consumption tax is deducted from the price on the spot, and you walk out paying less.
The New System (from November 1, 2026)
Starting November 1, 2026, the biggest change to Japan's tax-free system is the shift from point-of-sale tax deductions to a "pay first, claim refund later" model. Travelers must pay the full price including tax when shopping, then claim a collective refund at departure at the airport.
Other changes accompanying the new system,
- The sealed packaging requirement for consumable products such as cosmetics, food, and medicine is completely removed from November 2026
- The 500,000 yen spending cap for consumables is removed, and the category distinction between general goods and consumables is also eliminated
- The minimum purchase threshold remains ¥5,000 (before tax) per store per day
- Refunds must be claimed within 90 days of purchase
Refund Procedure at the Airport (New System)
The refund flow under the new system is divided into three stages: in-store (shopping), at departure (airport), and refund disbursement. At the store, pay the full price including tax and scan to register your refund method. At the airport, scan your passport and go through a random product inspection at the self-service kiosk before checking in your luggage. Once your departure is confirmed, the tax refund is automatically credited to your credit card or bank account.
Important tips for the new system,
- Keep all purchase receipts throughout your stay in Japan
- Do not put tax-free items into checked luggage before passing through the customs kiosk at the airport
- Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours early to allow for the new tax refund inspection step
- Bring your physical passport when shopping
Who Needs to Fill In Visit Japan Web?
VJW is intended for,
- Foreign tourists visiting Japan
- Visa holders entering Japan for the first time
- Families traveling together (can be registered under one account)
Those who do not need to complete immigration clearance on VJW,
- Japanese nationals
- Holders of a valid Japanese residence card
- Transit passengers who do not enter Japan's customs area
- Children under 18: parents or guardians can complete VJW on their behalf by adding them as "accompanying travelers"
Important Tips When Filling In Visit Japan Web
- Register well in advance: there's no official deadline, but registering at least a few days before departure gives you time to correct any data errors
- Double-check your passport details: small mistakes in your name or passport number can cause problems at immigration
- Update if anything changes: if your flight schedule or accommodation changes after registering, log back into VJW and update the information
- Screenshot your QR code: even though the QR must be displayed live, a screenshot is still useful as an emergency backup
- Use a secure network: avoid filling in personal data on unsecured public WiFi
- Always bring your physical passport: especially for tax-free shopping, your physical passport is still required
Frequently Asked Questions About Visit Japan Web
- Is Visit Japan Web mandatory? Visit Japan Web is not legally required. Travelers can still fill in paper immigration and customs forms manually at the airport. However, using it is strongly recommended as it's far more efficient.
- How many people can be registered under one account? One registration can cover up to 10 family members if they're all following the exact same itinerary. Otherwise, each individual must register separately.
- Can the QR code be screenshotted? The QR code is recommended to be displayed directly from the browser at the automated kiosk. A screenshot can be used as a backup at the manual lane, but may not always be accepted at digital kiosks.
- Do I need to re-enter my details for every visit to Japan? Personal and passport data only needs to be entered once. For each new visit, simply register a new travel plan and fill in the immigration and customs forms again.
Visit Japan Web is a small time investment that pays off big at the airport. By registering your data in advance, you can focus on enjoying your trip from the very first step you take in Japan, without worrying about long queues or unfilled forms. Access the official site at vjw.digital.go.jp and start registering before you depart.
