How to Apply for a Japan Arrival Card Online?

Dreaming of your trip to Japan? Before you dive into sushi, temples, and cherry blossoms, there’s one thing you need to sort out: the Japan Arrival Card. It’s a small form you fill in before or when you land in Japan. You will receive a QR Code to visit Japan. It helps you get through immigration faster.

I’ll show you who needs it, how to fill it in, and a few quick tips so you can start your Japan trip.

What Is the Japan Arrival Card?

👆Japan Arrival Card paper form. Source: Immigration of Japan

The Japan Arrival Card is a form you fill in when you enter Japan. It tells the immigration officers who you are, why you’re visiting, and where you will stay. Many travellers now fill it in online before they fly, but you can also fill it in on the plane or at the airport.

But most travellers choose the online version:

• Faster lines: QR-code lanes for pre-filled forms move quicker than paper ones.
• More convenient: No need to hunt for pens or fill out tiny boxes right before landing.

It only takes a few minutes, and it helps you pass through immigration faster so you can start your trip without long delays. Whether you’re coming for a holiday, business, or to see family, you will need to fill out this card before you can enter Japan.

Who Needs the Japan Arrival Card?

If you’re traveling from the U.S. to Japan, you will almost certainly need to complete an arrival record (officially called the Disembarkation Card for Foreigners). This applies to nearly everyone who isn't a Japanese citizen or resident.

You must complete an arrival card if you are:

• A Tourist: Visiting for a vacation or sightseeing (most U.S. citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days).
• On Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or market research.
• Visiting Friends or Family: Staying with locals or relatives.
• A Student: Arriving for a study abroad program or language school.

What Is Visit Japan Web?

Visit Japan Web is an official website where you can fill in your Japan Arrival Card online before your trip. You can also use it to submit your Customs Declaration and other entry details.

Instead of filling out paper forms on the plane, you just show your QR code at immigration and customs when you arrive in Japan. Many travellers use Visit Japan Web to make their arrival faster and easier, so they can start enjoying Japan right away.

How Much Does the Japan Arrival Card Cost?

The Japan Arrival Card (via Visit Japan Web) is completely free. No fees, no hidden costs. It's fully covered by the Japanese government.

When to Apply Japan Arrival Card Online?

It's recommended to do it at least 48 hours before departure so the system has time to process your info. It must be done no later than 6 hours before landing in Japan.

✅ Why it Matters

• Gives the system time to generate your QR code.
• Avoids paper forms mid-flight or long airport queues.
• Helps you breeze through automated gates at immigration and customs.

How to Apply for the Japan Arrival Card Online on Visit Japan Web?

1. Go to Visit Japan Web

Open your browser and visit the official site: Visit Japan Web (VJW) .

2. Create an account or log in

Click “Sign up for a new account”, enter your email and password, then verify via email code.

If you’ve used it before, just log in.

Source: Visit Japan Web

3. Confirm your entry information for Japan

Go to "Your Details". You will be asked a few questions, like 

"Do you have a passport issued by the Japanese government?" 

"Do you live in Japan and will enter Japan with a (special) re-entry permission?"

👉The answer is typically "No".

"Will you use Tax-free" QR Code?"

👉The answer depends on your needs.

Source: Visit Japan Web

4. Enter your personal information

Fill in passport data: name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, gender, etc. You can also choose "Scan with camera" for an easy way.

You can also add family members under the same account.

Source: Visit Japan Web

5. Register your trip

Click “Register new planned entry/return”.

Enter visa details, arrival date, airline, flight number, and your first address in Japan.

Source: Visit Japan Web

6. Fill out immigration and customs forms

Click “Immigration clearance and Customs declaration” for your trip.

Answer simple questions (e.g., purpose of visit, carrying restricted items) and complete both forms.

Source: Visit Japan Web

7. Get your QR code

After submitting, a single QR code combines your arrival card and customs info. Save this QR code (screenshot or bookmark on phone).

Source: Visit Japan Web

8. Show the QR code at the airport

Upon landing in Japan, present the QR code at immigration and again at customs.

You're done! And you can skip paper forms.

Before Flying to Japan

Tips to Clear Japan Immigration Faster

✅ Fill out the Japan Arrival Card online (Visit Japan Web) before you fly. It saves you from filling paper forms on the plane.

✅ Keep your QR code ready on your phone or print it out for quick scanning.

✅ Sit closer to the plane exit if possible, so you can get in line earlier.

✅ Have your passport in hand when you join the line, not buried in your bag.

✅ Double-check your details on Visit Japan Web to avoid delays at the counter.

✅ Stay in the correct line (foreign visitors vs. residents).