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Visit Japan Web: how it works, when to do it, and how to add your family

The short answer

Visit Japan Web is Japan's free, official site for your arrival card and customs declaration. Complete it before you fly, ideally at least 6 hours before you land, and you get one QR code for immigration and customs. It's optional, as paper forms are still handed out on the plane. Family members on the same flights with the same first accommodation can share one account.

Checked against official sources on 2 October 2026.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Go to the official site

    The address is vjw.digital.go.jp. It's free. Sites that charge an application fee aren't the official service.

  2. 2

    Add your family

    You can register family members on your account when you're travelling on the same flights and staying at the same first accommodation.

  3. 3

    Enter your trip

    Add your flight and the address of where you're staying first, then answer the immigration and customs questions for each person.

  4. 4

    Finish at least 6 hours before you land

    That gives your QR code time to be ready. You can complete it any time before you fly.

  5. 5

    Show your QR code

    One QR code covers immigration and customs at the airport. Keep your phone charged.

Other things to know before you land

  • Visa: not needed on New Zealand, Australian, US, British or Canadian passports for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, visiting friends and family, or business meetings. Paid work needs a visa.
  • Passport: valid for your whole stay. Some airlines ask for more, so check with yours.
  • Accommodation: hotels, ryokan and private rentals must record each foreign guest's passport details at check-in.
  • International tourist tax: ¥3,000 per departure since 1 July 2026, included in your airfare. There's nothing to fill in.

Questions travellers ask

Is Visit Japan Web compulsory?

No. It's optional, and paper arrival and customs forms are still accepted. Most travellers use it because one QR code covers immigration and customs.

When should I complete Visit Japan Web?

Any time before you fly. Japan's guidance is to finish at least 6 hours before you land so your QR code is ready.

Can my whole family use one Visit Japan Web account?

Yes, if you're on the same flights with the same first accommodation. Add each family member to your account.

Does Visit Japan Web cost money?

No. It's free on the official site, vjw.digital.go.jp. Be careful of copycat sites that charge a fee.

Official sources

Last checked 2 October 2026. Rules can change at short notice, so always confirm on the official site before you travel. WayReady is not a government agency.

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