Owais Crawford
Narita International Airport is a major hub for international flights to and from Japan. Connecting flights at Narita International Airport requires passengers to undergo security screening and present their passports and boarding passes. Passengers may need to use a shuttle bus to travel between terminals, and some may need to complete arrival and departure procedures, including immigration and customs. Narita Airport offers lounges with various amenities and a transit program with guided and self-guided tours for travellers with long layovers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit tours | Suspended due to COVID-19 |
| Tour types | Volunteer-guided, self-guided, bus tours |
| Shuttle buses | Available at Bus Gates No. 28, 59, 70, and 80 |
| Shuttle bus travel time | T2 to T1: 12-16 minutes; T2 to T3: 4 minutes |
| Aircraft operating hours | 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM |
| Overnight transit | Requires arrival immigration and customs procedures; a visa may be needed |
| Leaving the departure area | Requires immigration procedures |
| Transit facilities | Lounges with quiet zones, power outlets, Wi-Fi, showers, and workspaces |
| Security | Screening and baggage inspection required for connecting flights |
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What You'll Learn
Security screening and baggage inspection
Narita International Airport, located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, is one of Japan's largest airports and a key international hub. The airport has implemented specific security screening procedures and guidelines for baggage inspection to ensure the safety of its passengers.
Passengers connecting to international or domestic flights at Narita Airport are required to undergo security screening. This includes an inspection of carry-on baggage and a body check using a body scanner or metal detector. It is mandatory for passengers to remove their shoes if requested by the staff. A communication support board is available at each security checkpoint for those who prefer non-verbal communication.
For international flights, there are specific rules regarding the carriage of liquids in carry-on baggage. Liquids must be placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a zipper and a maximum capacity of 1 litre. The bag should measure less than 20 cm on all sides. However, a slightly larger bag with a sum of 40 cm in both directions is also acceptable, as long as it is transparent and the contents can be easily inspected.
Passengers travelling to the USA are subject to security questioning due to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements. All passengers entering Japan must submit a Customs Declaration Form for hand baggage and unaccompanied baggage to the Customs Officer. Failure to do so may result in delays during the Customs inspection, and passengers may not be permitted to bring their baggage into Japan.
Additionally, there are restrictions on prohibited items in checked baggage. Dangerous goods, such as lighters and mobile batteries, are not allowed. Narita Airport has an inline screening system that automatically screens checked baggage before it is loaded onto the aircraft. If there are any issues with the baggage, it may be inspected again in the presence of the passenger, even at the boarding gate. Passengers are advised to check their baggage and carry-on items before reaching the check-in counter to ensure compliance with regulations.
The airport has also introduced a new boarding process called "Face Express," which uses facial recognition technology. This system allows passengers to register their passport, boarding information, and facial data during check-in. Subsequently, they can complete luggage drop-off, security checks, and boarding by simply scanning their face, eliminating the need to present their passport or boarding pass. Face Express is available in multiple languages and significantly enhances efficiency by reducing wait times in lines.
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Transit tours and layover activities
Narita International Airport offers a range of both guided and self-guided tours for travellers on a budget. The Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program provides free English-speaking volunteer tour guides, with participants only needing to cover personal expenses like transportation. The program includes visits to nearby towns and cultural sites, such as Narita-town, with its small-town charm, local shopping, and the famous Shinshoji Temple and its surrounding gardens.
For those with a long layover, the program offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and hospitality. The volunteer guides ensure a safe and informative experience, providing insights into the history of the town, Buddhist religious practices, and local foods and souvenirs. The program also includes a visit to Narita Dream Farm, where visitors can enjoy a real ranching experience, making dairy products like ice cream and cheesecake, and interacting with cows, goats, and sheep.
Self-guided tour options are also available for those who prefer to explore independently. The AEON Mall Narita, located near the airport, offers a convenient shopping experience with souvenirs, fashion, cosmetics, and Japanese cuisine. The mall also offers a tax-exemption service for tourists. Additionally, art enthusiasts can visit the museum featuring works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso, along with a beautiful garden. The museum admission is typically 1000 yen, with potential discounts for tour participants.
For those seeking excitement, Satellite Narita offers an official government-licensed facility to experience the culture of sanctioned horse races, bicycle races, and motorcycle races in Japan. Visitors can place legal bets, dress up in cosplay, and enjoy reasonably priced Japanese cuisine. Shuttle buses are available from the Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program counter at Terminal 1 or 2, providing easy access to this entertainment hub.
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Shuttle bus and transport options
Narita International Airport offers a range of transport options for passengers in transit, including shuttle buses and public buses.
Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses are available to transport passengers between the different terminals at Narita Airport. These buses operate on three circular routes, connecting Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The travel time between terminals varies from approximately 3 to 16 minutes. It is also possible to walk between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
Passengers should note that there may be delays in shuttle bus travel time due to road congestion. Additionally, depending on the airline, passengers may not be able to use the shuttle bus when connecting due to the requirement to go through immigration procedures. It is recommended to check with the respective airline for specific information.
Public Buses
Narita Airport also provides direct bus services to various destinations outside the airport. These include shuttle buses to hotels in the airport vicinity. For passengers with longer layovers, the Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program offers guided and self-guided tours to explore Japanese culture and nearby attractions.
Other Transport Options
For passengers connecting from Narita Airport to Haneda Airport, the recommended option is to complete immigration procedures, collect checked baggage, and then travel to Haneda Airport. This may involve using a combination of shuttle buses and trains, and specific information can be found on the Narita Airport Access Navigation page.
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Immigration procedures and customs
Narita International Airport offers a range of tours and experiences for passengers with long layovers who wish to sightsee or experience Japanese culture. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these tours have been temporarily suspended.
Passengers connecting between international flights at Narita International Airport 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 the departure area to meet a friend or go outside the airport, they must undergo immigration procedures.
All passengers must undergo security screening, baggage inspection, and body checks upon arrival. Due to differing security criteria between Japan and other countries, passengers who have been screened in their country of departure will likely be screened again in Japan.
Passengers who have an overnight layover at Narita Airport must complete arrival immigration and customs procedures. Some passengers may require a visa for this, so it is recommended to contact the airline or the Immigration Services Agency of Japan in advance.
The airport provides electronic customs declaration gates (e-Gates) for passengers to complete their customs declaration. Passengers must hold their IC passport and 2D code over the terminal scanner and follow the instructions. Face photos are taken for identification and facial recognition purposes. After completing the customs declaration, passengers may be directed to the e-Gate or a customs inspection desk for additional procedures.
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Airport lounge access and amenities
Narita International Airport features two VIP lounges: the IASS Executive Lounge in Terminal 1 and the Aspire Lounge in Terminal 2. Both lounges offer a range of amenities, including complimentary refreshments, snacks, WiFi, charging stations, and comfortable seating. The lounges are also equipped with luggage storage, infant-friendly facilities, and wheelchair-accessible entrances. Lounge access tickets typically start at $40.17 per person and are valid for a maximum stay of 2 hours. It is recommended to book 2-3 days in advance.
For passengers seeking an even more exclusive experience, the airport also offers paid lounge access through the ANA Group. These lounges are available to passengers travelling on ANA Group-operated international flights, as well as those arriving on the same flight as the primary member. ANA SUITE LOUNGE vouchers can be purchased in advance through the ANA website, providing access to designated lounges in Japan.
In addition to the VIP lounges, Narita Airport also boasts an impressive dining and shopping scene. The airport has been awarded for its dining experience, offering a variety of Japanese, Chinese, and Western cuisine options. Travellers can also explore over 50 retail outlets before passing through passport control and an additional 30 stores, including nine duty-free shops, located after passport control.
To navigate the airport and locate the lounges, travellers can download the Priority Pass app, which provides helpful features such as lounge access information, flight updates, and airport navigation assistance. The app also allows users to manage their accounts and access other services offered by Priority Pass.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Narita Airport offers connections between international flights and between domestic and international flights.
All passengers are required to undergo security screening, including baggage inspection and body checks, upon arrival. If you are transiting from an international flight to a domestic flight, you will need to complete immigration procedures, collect your checked baggage, and proceed to the exit for domestic connecting flights.
Yes, passengers are not allowed to remain in the terminal areas outside of the operating hours of 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Passengers transiting overnight must complete arrival immigration and customs procedures and may require a visa.
Narita Airport offers a range of facilities for transiting passengers, including quiet lounges with power outlets, complimentary Wi-Fi, showers, and dedicated workspaces. There are also dining options available, ranging from regional flavours to kid-friendly choices. Additionally, the Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program offers guided and self-guided tours for travellers with long layovers.
