Japan Arrival Card: Visit Japan Web & Entry Tips

Planning a trip to Japan? Don’t forget the Japan Arrival Card—it’s mandatory for all visitors (Canadians included) and combines immigration and customs info. This guide will break down what it is, why you need it, and how to switch from paper forms to the digital Visit Japan Web.

What Is the Japan Arrival Card and Why Do You Need One?

The Japan Arrival Card (officially called the Disembarkation Card for Foreigners) is a required document for anyone entering Japan—no matter your nationality or why you’re visiting. It does two simple things:

1. Immigration check: Collects basics like your passport info, flight details, and how long you’ll stay
2. Customs declaration: Tells Japan what you’re bringing in (like over ¥1 million in cash or restricted items)

Back in the day, you’d get paper forms on flights or at the airport. But since late 2022, Japan’s moved to the digital Visit Japan Web—the official government tool where you can finish immigration and customs online before you land, plus get a QR code for faster airport processing.

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Japan Arrival Card vs. Visit Japan Web: Paper or Digital?

Visit Japan Web

Visit Japan Web (VJW) is the Japanese government’s free, official tool to make entering/leaving Japan way easier for Canadians. It’s your shortcut to skip handwritten paperwork—rolling three key docs into one easy digital step.

• Japan Arrival Card (your info + travel details, for your 90-day visa-free trip)
• Customs declaration (what you’re bringing in—like over ¥1M cash or meds)
• Digital departure form (for your flight back to Canada)

It’s all about saving time—no more scribbling forms at the airport! Immigration scans your QR code, and your info pops up instantly. No app needed: use your phone/computer, and it’s in English (perfect for us Canadians) and other languages.

Quick VJW Tips for Canadians

• 100% free! Skip third-party sites charging fees
• Do it up to 3 days (72hrs) before arrival—no last-minute stress.
• No printing! Screenshot your QR code or save as PDF—done.
• Nearly everyone needs it (including visa-free Canadians)—only Japanese citizens/residents are exempt.

Both work right now, but Visit Japan Web is way better for a smooth arrival. Paper forms will probably fade out as Japan finishes its digital switch.

Who Needs to Fill Out a Japan Arrival Card?

Everyone entering Japan needs either the paper card or Visit Japan Web registration—including:

• Canadians traveling visa-free (up to 90 days)
• People with valid Japanese visas
• Transit passengers (even if you don’t leave the airport)
• Kids of all ages (each needs their own form/registration)

The only exceptions: Japanese citizens, permanent residents, and re-entry permit holders.

How to Complete Your Japan Arrival Card On Visit Japan Web

If you’re a Canadian searching how to get the Japan Arrival Card online, Visit Japan Web is the official way. Get these ready beforehand to breeze through the process:

• A valid passport (please provide a photo of the bio page for scanning; it must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival).
• Flight details (arrival date, flight number, airline, and your port of entry—for example, Tokyo Haneda).
• Where you'll be staying in Japan (please include the full address, hotel name, and phone number—you can easily copy these details right from your booking confirmation).
• Email address (Useful for verification and to send you a backup of your QR code).

Here’s how to do it step by step:

Step 1: Head over to Visit Japan Web

Head over to Visit Japan Web on your phone or computer. Once you're there, simply select your preferred language from the top right corner—English is ready and waiting for you!

Step 2: Create or log in to your account

• New to Trip.com? Simply click “Sign up for a new account,” enter your email and password, and verify your account using the code sent to your inbox (don't forget to check your spam folder if you don't see it!).
• Welcome back! Simply log in with your existing account details to pick up right where you left off.

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 3: Check Your Eligibility

You’ll be asked two quick questions—most travellers answer “No” to both:

1. Do you hold a passport issued by the Japanese government?
2. “Are you a Japan resident entering the country with a re-entry permit?”

• Optional: Select “Yes” for “Will you use the Tax-free QR Code?” if you’re planning to do some tax-free shopping—it’s a great way to save time at the checkout!

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 4: Enter your personal and passport details

• Enter your passport details manually or scan them—using your phone's camera is quicker and helps avoid any pesky typos!
• Traveling with your favorite people? Simply click “Add Traveler” to include family or friends. Just enter their passport details, and their QR codes will be generated right under your account—it’s that easy!

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 5: Log Your Trip Details

Simply click “Register new planned entry/return” and enter the following details:

• Visa details (if applicable—tourists often select “Visa Exempt” or enter their visa number).
• Arrival date (Japan Standard Time, JST/GMT+9), flight number, and port of entry.
• Your first stay in Japan (please include the full address and phone number—no shortcuts like “Osaka hotel,” please!).

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 6: Complete Your Immigration & Customs Declarations

Tap “Immigration clearance and Customs declaration” for your upcoming trip. Simply answer a few quick questions honestly to get started:

• What brings you here? (e.g., “Tourism”).
• Restricted items (fresh food, plants, weapons—most travellers select “No”).
• Heads up on customs limits! If you're carrying more than ¥1 million in cash or gifts valued over ¥200,000, be sure to declare them before you travel.

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 7: Get & save your QR code

Once you’ve submitted your details, you’ll receive a green QR code (if it’s red, that means there’s an error—just double-check for any missing info, like your accommodation address). Be sure to take a screenshot and email it to yourself as a backup; there’s no need to print it out!

Source: Visit Japan Web

Step 8: Simply show your QR code at the airport

Once you arrive, simply present your passport and QR code to the immigration officers. If you have items to declare, you'll scan your code again at customs; otherwise, you're all set to breeze through the “Nothing to Declare” lane!

Registering Your Immigration and Customs Information

1. Log in and pick “Immigration clearance and Customs declaration”
2. Enter your flight number, arrival date, and where you’re staying in Japan
3. Fill out the digital Japan Arrival Card (immigration form):
4. • Why you’re visiting (tourism, business, etc.)
   • How long you’ll stay (max 90 days for visa-free Canadians)
   • Your Japan address (hotel or host’s place)
4. Do the customs declaration:
5. • Declare cash over ¥1 million or restricted items
   • Check the box if you want the tax-free QR code
5. Review your info and submit to get your QR codes

How to Use Your Visit Japan Web QR Code at the Airport

1. Immigration: Head to the e-Gate or counter, scan your passport and QR code, and do biometrics (fingerprints/photo) if asked
2. Customs: Scan your QR code at the kiosk or gate—no extra paper forms needed
3. Skip the long lines: You’ll save 20-30 minutes vs. paper forms

Heads up: Keep your QR code visible on your phone until you’re through customs.

Japan Entry Requirements for Canadians: What Else Do You Need?

The Japan Arrival Card is key, but Canadians need a few more things to enter:

Canadian Passport & Visa Requirements for Japan

• Valid passport: Must be good for at least 6 months after you leave Japan
• Visa-free stay: Canadians can visit for tourism/business up to 90 days (no paid work allowed)
• Onward travel proof: A return or connecting flight ticket showing you’ll leave within 90 days
• Accommodation proof: Hotel bookings or your host’s address
• Money for your stay: Proof you can cover costs (around ¥10,000-¥20,000 per day)

Health, Insurance & Other Entry Tips

• Travel insurance: A must—medical bills in Japan are pricey
• Medication: Declare prescription meds on your customs form, and bring a doctor’s note for controlled drugs
• Biometrics: Most visitors will have their fingerprints and photo taken on arrival

Families and Children: What Parents Need to Know

• Every kid needs their own form/registration—no exceptions, even babies
• Visit Japan Web is perfect for families: Register multiple kids under one parent’s account
• Paper forms: Each child needs their own, with parent/guardian info
• Traveling with kids who have different surnames? Bring birth certificates as proof of relationship

Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Japan

Beyond just filling out your arrival card, here are some extra tips to make your Japanese adventure even smoother:

1. Do Visit Japan Web 24-72 hours before departure—no last-minute panic
2. Screenshot your QR codes in case your phone dies
3. Families: Register all kids under one Visit Japan Web account for ease
4. Using paper forms? Fill them out on the plane to save time at the airport
5. Declare restricted items/cash—fines aren’t worth it!

If You Make a Mistake on Your Japan Arrival Card

• Paper form: Cross out mistakes neatly and rewrite (no white-out!)
• Visit Japan Web: Log back in and edit your info before arrival—free and easy
• At the airport: If you spot a mistake after submitting, tell the immigration officer right away

Remember, whether you go paper or digital (Visit Japan Web is better), filling out your Japan Arrival Card correctly is the key to a smooth entry. Have a great trip!

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