Roberta Aguirre
When travelling to Japan, it's important to be aware of the customs and procedures at the airport. The typical process upon arrival includes quarantine screening, immigration, baggage claim, and customs. To streamline this process, Japan has introduced the Visit Japan Web, an online system that allows travellers to answer health and customs questions prior to arrival. Additionally, most airports in Japan offer baggage delivery services, making it convenient for travellers to send their luggage directly to their accommodation. On departure, passengers should be prepared for check-in, baggage drop, security checks, and boarding procedures. It's also important to declare any cash or foreign goods exceeding a certain value to customs. Understanding these procedures can help ensure a smooth entry and exit experience when travelling to and from Japan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Arrival Process | Quarantine checks, immigration, baggage claim, animal and plant inspection, customs, arrival lobby |
| Quarantine Checks | Conducted to prevent the spread of infectious diseases |
| Online System | Visit Japan Web |
| Health Questionnaire | Required for travellers who are not using the Visit Japan Web |
| Customs | Submission of customs declaration form, either electronically or physically |
| Tax-free Goods | Need to be exported, otherwise consumption tax needs to be paid at customs |
| Belongings | Clothes, toiletries, and other personal effects are free of duty and/or tax |
| Cash Declaration | Required for cash or other means of payment exceeding 1 million yen |
| Luggage | Can be sent directly to accommodation from the airport and vice versa |
| Child Charge | Applies to infants younger than 2 years old if using a child flight ticket |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Quarantine checks and health questionnaires
As of 2025, health screenings and temperature checks are no longer in place at Japanese airports. However, travellers are advised to follow guidelines regarding masks, social distancing, and dining etiquette. While masks are no longer mandatory, masking is still widely practised.
Previously, during the Omicron outbreak, quarantine checks and health questionnaires were conducted at Japanese airports to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These checks applied to all travellers entering or returning to Japan, regardless of nationality. Travellers were encouraged to use the Visit Japan Web online system to speed up the process. This allowed travellers to answer health questions about their current condition before arrival. If travellers did not use the online service, a health questionnaire was handed out on the plane to be filled out and submitted at the quarantine counter upon arrival.
The Visit Japan Web system also generates a QR code that can be used for both immigration and customs. This can be shown at the immigration counter and later at a digital customs kiosk or inspection station. Customs declaration forms are also available on the plane, ship, or at customs. Alternatively, declarations can be submitted electronically via the Visit Japan Web website.
All passengers entering Japan must declare their belongings. If passengers have any unaccompanied articles, they must submit a customs declaration form in duplicate. Passengers carrying cash or other means of payment exceeding 1 million yen are also required to declare this to customs and fill out a separate form. In addition, passengers who wish to bring plants, fruits, seeds, vegetables, or animal products into Japan must submit documentation and have their items inspected at the plant and animal quarantine counter.
Traveling with Mugs: Airport Security Rules
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Taxi Driver (40th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/9156s8gllbL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Baggage delivery to your accommodation
Baggage delivery services are available at most Japanese airports, including Narita, Haneda, and Kansai. These services allow you to send your luggage directly to your accommodation, saving you the hassle of transporting it yourself. This can be especially useful if you have a heavy or bulky suitcase, as it will make your travel day much easier.
To use a baggage delivery service, you will typically need to provide your delivery address, phone number, check-in date, and the name of the person collecting the luggage. If you are flying out, you will also need to provide your flight details, departure terminal, and the type of bags you are sending. Normal shipping counters are usually located in the arrivals and departures areas of the airport, and you can also book online or over the phone.
Some companies offer same-day delivery, while others provide next-day or even two-day delivery, depending on the distance. The cost of delivery varies depending on the size and weight of the baggage, as well as the destination. For example, sending a 160-cm bag from Narita or Haneda Airport to the Kanto area (including Tokyo) typically costs around ¥2,510, while sending a larger 200-cm bag to the same area costs around ¥4,640.
It is important to confirm in advance that your accommodation accepts deliveries, as some smaller hotels may not have the capacity to do so. Additionally, when sending baggage from your accommodation to the airport, be sure to check the recommended number of days in advance and confirm the pickup timing based on your flight schedule.
Overall, using a baggage delivery service in Japan can be a convenient way to streamline your travel experience, allowing you to explore and sightsee without the burden of carrying your luggage.
Exploring Luggage Storage Options at NAIA Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Customs declaration forms
All passengers entering Japan are required to declare their belongings. Customs declaration forms are available on the plane, ship, or at customs. Japan Customs recommends submitting declarations electronically via the Visit Japan Web for smooth customs procedures. The Visit Japan Web is an online system that makes the process faster and easier. You can answer the required health questions online before arrival. At the immigration counter, open the Visit Japan Web screen on your device and display your QR code. This code is used for both immigration and customs. You can also use the existing paper version of the customs declaration form.
If you are carrying cash or other means of payment exceeding 1 million yen, you are required to declare this to customs. You can ask a customs officer at the airport for a blank form.
If you are moving to Japan and staying for more than a year, household effects such as automobiles, boats, and other vehicles may be imported free of duty and/or tax within the limit deemed reasonable. Such household effects must have been in use for more than one year prior to their arrival in Japan.
When leaving Japan, at the airport or seaport of departure, you must present your passport at customs. Customs will inspect your possession of tax-free goods as necessary. If you do not export the tax-free goods, you have to pay the consumption tax at customs.
Lost and Found: Claiming Your Belongings at the Airport
You may want to see also
Passport and departure procedures
When departing from Japan, there are several passport and departure procedures that you need to be aware of. Firstly, if you are carrying foreign goods or cash equivalent to 1 million yen, you must declare this to customs and fill out the necessary forms. This includes tax-free goods, which must be exported from Japan. Failure to do so may result in penalties such as a fine or imprisonment.
Secondly, it is recommended that you use the Visit Japan Web online system to speed up your departure process. This involves answering health and customs questions online before arrival and generating a QR code to display at the immigration counter and customs kiosk. Alternatively, you can fill out a health questionnaire on the plane and submit it at the quarantine counter upon arrival.
Thirdly, most Japanese airports offer baggage delivery services, allowing you to send your luggage directly to your accommodation or from your hotel to the airport. This can make your travel day much easier, but be sure to confirm that your accommodation accepts deliveries.
Finally, at Haneda Airport, you can use the 'Face Express' service to complete check-in, baggage drop, security check, and boarding gate procedures without presenting your passport or boarding pass. However, this service is currently only available with select airlines and flights.
How to Get an Uber at Las Vegas Airport
You may want to see also
Face Express and security checks
When departing from Narita International Airport, passengers can use Face Express, a new facial recognition-based boarding procedure. This allows passengers to pass through security without repeatedly presenting their boarding pass or passport. The process is touchless and provides safe and secure travel to customers.
To use Face Express, passengers must first obtain their boarding pass and baggage tag from a self check-in kiosk. They must then attach the baggage tag to their luggage themselves. Passengers are requested to board in the order of the groups indicated on their boarding pass. There is an exclusive lane at the security checkpoint for passengers who have registered their facial information.
To use the facial recognition technology, passengers must remove their masks, sunglasses, and hats. The registered face details information is automatically deleted within 24 hours. Face Express may not be available at the counter or boarding gate. A third party is required to operate the terminal and pass through the gate for this service.
In addition to the use of Face Express, security checks are necessary for the safety of all aircraft and must be performed on all passengers in accordance with national regulations. At the security inspection, all passengers will undergo physical and hand luggage checks to prevent any potentially dangerous goods from being brought inside the cabin. Passengers will be required to remove their carry-on luggage, including plastic bags of liquids, laptops, and other electronic items, for inspection via an x-ray machine. Coats and jackets are checked separately. Passengers must follow the instructions of the security staff and may be asked to remove their shoes.
It is important to note that certain items are prohibited from being brought onto aircraft, such as hazardous substances and firearms. There are also restrictions on the amount of liquids that can be brought on board, with carry-on luggage restrictions varying by airline. It is recommended to arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time for security checks, as the security checkpoint can become crowded.
Sleeping at Fiumicino Airport: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The arrival process involves quarantine checks, immigration, baggage claim, an animal and plant inspection, customs, and reaching the arrival lobby. Quarantine checks are conducted to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and apply to all travellers. You can use the Visit Japan Web service to speed up this process.
The departure procedure involves check-in, baggage drop, security checks, and boarding. You can use the Face Express service to pass through these points without presenting your boarding pass or passport. However, you will need to place your coat, cell phone, PC, precious metals, and bags through the X-ray inspection device and walk through a metal detector gate.
All passengers entering Japan must declare their belongings. You can submit a customs declaration form on paper or electronically via the Visit Japan Web service. You must also declare if you are carrying cash or other means of payment exceeding 1 million yen.
When leaving Japan, you must present your passport at customs. You must export any tax-free goods purchased, or else you will have to pay the consumption tax.
