Japan Arrival Card Guide 2026: How to Fill Out & Immigration Requirements

Travelling to Japan? One of the most important immigration steps is completing the Japan arrival card.

Whether you are entering for tourism, business, or transit, this document is required at immigration.

In recent years, Japan has also started moving toward digital systems such as the Japan digital arrival card and online pre-registration options to make entry faster and smoother.

This guide explains everything you need to know, including how to fill it, who needs it, and how the Japan arrival card online application works.

What Is the Japan Arrival Card?

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

The Japan arrival card (also known as the Visit Japan arrival card) is an immigration form that foreign visitors must complete when entering Japan.

It is used by immigration officers to record your entry details such as:

Japan Arrival Card Online (Digital Option)

Japan is gradually introducing digital immigration processes.

The Japan arrival card online system allows travelers to pre-fill their entry details before arrival.

This digital system is part of Japan’s effort to modernize immigration and reduce airport waiting time.

The system is sometimes referred to as the Japan e arrival card, especially in travel guides and tourism platforms.

Benefits of Japan digital arrival card:

• Faster immigration clearance
• Less paperwork at the airport
• Pre-submitted travel information
• Reduced waiting time in queues

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.

Japan E Arrival Card vs Physical Card

While digital options are growing, most travelers still complete a physical card unless pre-registration is available for their entry channel.

Who Needs the Japan Arrival Card?

Most travellers entering Japan need to fill out the Japan Arrival Card.

This includes:

• Tourists coming for a holiday
• Business travellers
• People visiting family or friends
• Students arriving for study

If you are transiting through Japan but not leaving the airport, you usually don’t need to fill it out. But if you pass through immigration to stay overnight, you will need the card.

Japan Arrival Card for Singaporean Travelers

For Japan arrival card for Singaporean visitors, the process is the same as for other visa-free travelers.

Singapore passport holders must:

Singaporeans enjoy visa-free entry for short-term stays, but the arrival card is still mandatory at immigration.

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?

Step 1: Go to Visit Japan Web

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

Step 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

Step 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

Step 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

Step 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

Step 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

Step 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

Step 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.

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Before Flying to Japan

Tips for Filling Out the Japan Arrival Card

Final Thoughts

The Visit Japan arrival card remains a key part of entering Japan, but digital transformation is making the process faster and easier.

Whether you use the traditional paper form or the Japan digital arrival card, preparing your information in advance will help ensure a smooth immigration experience.

As Japan continues to improve its entry systems, more travelers can expect a fully streamlined Japan e arrival card process in the future.