Entry Procedures
This information is as of 2026/08/11.
This information is for general guidance only. Please verify with the embassy or official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Types of visas required and their conditions
Visa-free: Many nationalities (incl. EU, US, UK, Australia, Canada) can enter visa-free for tourism.
Max stay: Up to 90 days (some nationalities 15 or 30 days)
How to apply: Register on Visit Japan Web before arrival for faster immigration.
⚠ Work and long-term stays require separate visas. Re-entry within visa-free period is subject to scrutiny.
Passport Conditions
Required validity period and blank pages
Validity: Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Blank pages: At least 1 blank page recommended.
⚠ Must be valid for the full duration of stay. Machine-readable passport required.
Required Documents & Pre-registration
Arrival cards, health declarations, and other preparations
Online form: Visit Japan Web (immigration + customs declaration)
Documents needed: Valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation.
⚠ Complete Visit Japan Web before arrival for faster processing.
Cash Import Limits
Declaration-free limits and procedures for excess amounts
Declaration threshold: Must declare JPY 1,000,000 (approx. USD 6,700) or equivalent.
How to declare: Declare on Visit Japan Web or paper customs form.
⚠ Includes cash, checks, precious metals over 1kg, and securities.
Duty-Free Allowances & Restricted Items
Limits on tobacco, alcohol, food, and other goods
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (non-residents only)
Alcohol: 3 bottles (760ml each)
Perfume: 2 oz (56ml)
Other goods: JPY 200,000 total value of other goods
⚠ Residents returning from abroad have same allowances. Items for personal use only.
Prohibited Items
Items that are strictly forbidden from import
Prohibited items: Illegal drugs, weapons, explosives, counterfeit goods, obscene materials, endangered species products (CITES).
Country-specific: Stimulants (amphetamines), cannabis (even CBD products unless THC-free), certain cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine over limits, counterfeit goods.
⚠ Japan has ZERO tolerance for drugs including cannabis. Even traces on clothing can lead to arrest and weeks of detention.
Medication Import Rules
Rules for bringing prescription and over-the-counter drugs
General rule: Strict controls on stimulants, narcotics, and psychotropics. Personal supply up to 1 month generally OK with documentation.
Restricted/banned: Amphetamines (including Adderall), codeine over limits, some ADHD medications. Pseudoephedrine-based cold medicines restricted.
Recommended: Apply for Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) from MHLW before travel for controlled substances.
⚠ Adderall is COMPLETELY BANNED. Some common cold medicines (Sudafed) are restricted. Apply for import certificate at narcotics-yakkan@mhlw.go.jp.
Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Required and recommended vaccines for entry
Required: No mandatory vaccinations for entry.
Recommended: Routine vaccinations (measles, tetanus, COVID-19) should be up to date.
Immigration Process
Step-by-step guide from arrival to clearing immigration
Process: Arrival → Immigration (passport control) → Baggage claim → Customs (green/red channel) → Exit.
Biometrics: Fingerprints and photo taken for all foreign nationals (16+). Automated gates available for registered travelers and Japanese nationals.
Typical wait: 15-60 min at major airports (Narita, Haneda). Visit Japan Web QR code speeds up process.
Tips for Smooth Entry
Practical advice for a hassle-free arrival
• Complete Visit Japan Web registration before boarding for faster immigration.
• Have your hotel address ready (Japanese address preferred).
• Keep your passport accessible — random checks are possible in tourist areas.
• Download Japan's NHK disaster app for emergency alerts.