Roberta Aguirre
Narita International Airport in Japan allows passengers to transit between international flights. Passengers who have undergone security screening in their country of departure will need to be screened again when transiting in Japan, except for some cases. To travel between terminals, passengers can use a shuttle bus. The airport also offers a Transit & Stay Program, which includes a range of guided and self-guided tours for travellers with long layovers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aircraft operation timings | 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. |
| Passenger terminal access outside aircraft operation timings | Not allowed |
| Transit between international flights | Security screening, baggage inspection, and body checks are required |
| Transit from international to domestic flights | Complete arrival procedures, then take the shuttle bus to Terminal 2 |
| Transit from international flights at Narita to Haneda Airport | Complete immigration procedures, collect checked baggage, pass through the general exit, and travel to Haneda Airport |
| Transit from international flights to domestic flights | International transit facilities are currently closed |
| Transit from international to international flights | No immigration procedures required if staying in the departure area until the next flight |
| Shuttle bus availability | Available at specific gates and terminals; may not be available for all airlines due to immigration procedures |
| Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program | Temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 |
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What You'll Learn
Security screening and baggage inspection
All passengers connecting to international or domestic flights at Narita Airport are required to undergo security screening and baggage inspection. This is to ensure safe flights for all passengers and to prevent hijacking and other hazards.
Passengers who have already been screened in their country of departure will likely be required to undergo security screening again when transiting in Japan, due to the difference in security screening criteria between Japan and other countries. After disembarking, passengers should follow the "International Connecting Flights" guide sign.
At Narita Airport, there is an inline screening system that automatically screens checked baggage at the check-in counter before it is loaded onto the aircraft. Passengers are advised to check the restrictions on carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport, as dangerous goods such as lighters and mobile batteries are not permitted in checked baggage. Any items that could be used as weapons, including swords and imitation swords, are also prohibited in carry-on baggage. There are also restrictions on liquids carried on international flights, which should be reviewed in advance.
During the security screening process, passengers will undergo a body check using a body scanner or metal detector and may be asked to remove their shoes. A communication support board is available at each security checkpoint for those who are not comfortable with verbal communication. Passengers should present their boarding pass when passing through the security checkpoint, and Star Alliance Gold members should also show their membership status cards.
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Shuttle bus services between terminals
Shuttle bus services are available for passengers travelling between terminals at Narita International Airport. The shuttle buses operate on three different circular routes, with stops at Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. The estimated travel time between Terminals 1 and 3 is about 14 minutes, between Terminals 3 and 2 is about 3 minutes, and between Terminals 2 and 1 is about 10 minutes. However, delays may occur due to road congestion.
Passengers can board the shuttle bus at designated bus gates, such as Bus Gates No. 28 and No. 59 for Terminal 1, and Bus Gate No. 70 for Terminal 3. The shuttle buses are accessible before and after security check areas. It is recommended to refer to the airport's website for specific bus gate locations and timetables.
It is important to note that some airlines may require passengers to undergo immigration procedures before allowing them to use the shuttle bus services. Therefore, it is advised to contact the respective airline for detailed information on their requirements.
Walking is also an option for passengers transferring between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Narita International Airport provides information on walking through the access corridor between these two terminals.
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Immigration procedures and customs
When connecting between international flights at Narita International Airport, passengers are not required to undergo immigration procedures if they remain in the departure area (airside) until their next flight. However, if passengers wish to leave this area to meet someone or go outside the airport, they will need to pass through immigration. In some cases, a visa may also be required. It is recommended that passengers contact their airline or the Immigration Services Agency of Japan in advance if they are unsure about visa requirements.
Passengers who have already undergone security screening in their country of departure will likely need to undergo screening again when transiting in Japan, except for some cases. To prevent hijacking and other hazards, baggage inspections and body checks are conducted. Passengers are requested to undergo security screening for themselves and their carry-on baggage. If a passenger's arrival terminal is not the same as their departure terminal, they can use a shuttle bus to travel between terminals. It is important to note that some airlines may not allow the use of shuttle buses for connecting flights due to the requirement to go through immigration procedures.
At Narita International Airport, passengers must complete customs inspection before proceeding to the arrival lobby. The airport offers electronic customs declaration gates (e-Gates) equipped with electronic declaration terminals. Passengers must hold their IC passport and the 2D code over the terminal scanner and follow the instructions to complete their customs declaration. During this process, face photos are taken for identification and facial recognition purposes, and passengers are asked to remove any face coverings, including masks, sunglasses, or similar items. After completing the customs declaration, passengers may be directed to the e-Gate or a customs inspection desk, depending on their declaration. Passengers with personal effects beyond the duty-free allowance or unaccompanied articles may be asked to undergo additional procedures at the customs inspection desk.
For those transiting overnight or outside of the airport's operating hours for aircraft (6:00 AM to 12:00 AM), arrival immigration and customs procedures must be completed. This may include visa requirements, and passengers are advised to contact their airline or the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for clarification if needed.
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Transit inspection and counter
Narita International Airport, located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, is one of Japan's largest airports and a key international hub. The airport has introduced a new boarding process called "Face Express", which uses facial recognition technology.
When connecting between international flights, passengers are not required to undergo immigration procedures if they are staying in the departure area (airside) until their next flight. However, immigration procedures will be required if passengers wish to leave this area to meet a friend or go outside the airport. In some cases, a visa may also be required. Passengers who have already been screened in their country of departure will be screened again when transiting in Japan, except for some cases. All passengers entering Japan are required to submit a Customs Declaration Form for hand baggage and unaccompanied baggage to the Customs Officer.
At the security checkpoint, present your boarding pass. Star Alliance Gold members are asked to show their membership status cards in addition to the boarding pass. After the security checkpoint, proceed to immigration. Present your passport and boarding pass at the immigration counter. Some may use facial recognition or automated gates, which do not stamp passports.
If you are connecting between terminals, you can use the shuttle bus. Terminal shuttle buses operate on three different circular routes. Shuttle buses operating between all terminals arrive in the following order: Terminal 1, Terminal 3, Terminal 2.
Passengers with a long layover at Narita Airport can take advantage of the Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program, which offers a range of guided and self-guided tours for travellers on a budget. English-speaking volunteer tour guides are provided for free, and tourists only need to cover their personal expenses.
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Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program
Narita International Airport is one of the major international airports in Japan, serving the Greater Tokyo area. The airport offers a Transit & Stay Program to help passengers with long layovers, usually several hours, to experience Japanese culture and explore local sights. The program includes free volunteer-guided tours, self-guided tours, and bus tours. These tours allow travellers to experience the culture, try Japanese snacks, and visit popular tourist attractions such as the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The volunteer guides are praised for their knowledge and hospitality, making the experience memorable for visitors.
Passengers connecting between international flights at Narita Airport do not need to undergo immigration procedures if they remain in the departure area until their next flight. However, if they wish to leave the area, immigration procedures and, in some cases, a visa will be required. Aircraft operate between 6:00 AM and 12:00 AM at Narita Airport, and passengers cannot remain in the passenger terminals outside of these hours.
To connect from an international flight to a domestic flight within the airport, passengers must complete arrival procedures, then take the shuttle bus to the respective terminal. Similarly, passengers connecting from an international flight to a domestic or international flight at Haneda Airport must complete immigration procedures, collect their checked baggage, exit, and travel to Haneda Airport.
Passengers are advised to present their passports, immigration cards, and Customs Declaration forms, if applicable. They must also undergo security screening, including baggage inspection and body checks, as per Japanese security standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, passengers will be required to undergo security screening when transiting through Narita Airport. This is due to the difference in security screening criteria between Japan and other countries.
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover at Narita Airport. The Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program offers a range of guided and self-guided tours for travellers on a budget. However, if you wish to leave the departure area (airside), you will need to undergo immigration procedures and may require a visa.
You can use the shuttle bus to travel between terminals at Narita Airport. The shuttle bus is available at specific gates and operates at certain times. However, please note that depending on your airline, you may not be able to use the shuttle bus when connecting due to the requirement to go through immigration procedures once.
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