Japan Arrival Card: How to Fill Out Visit Japan Web for Filipinos

Traveling to Japan from the Philippines? Before exploring Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, make sure you understand Japan's arrival procedures. One useful step is completing your immigration and customs information through Visit Japan Web before your flight.

The Japan Arrival Card, officially known as the Disembarkation Card for Foreign Nationals, collects important details about your visit. You can provide this information online through Visit Japan Web or follow the available procedures at the airport. This guide explains how Filipino travelers can complete the process, prepare their documents, and avoid common mistakes when entering Japan.

What Is the Japan Arrival Card?

The Japan Arrival Card is an immigration form used to collect information from foreign travelers entering Japan. It includes personal details, the purpose of your visit, your intended length of stay, and your accommodation address.

Japan offers an online service called Visit Japan Web, which allows travelers to complete immigration and customs declarations before arriving.

Through Visit Japan Web, travelers can:

• Register their passport and personal information.
• Enter their flight and arrival details.
• Provide their accommodation address in Japan.
• Complete the immigration declaration.
• Submit their customs declaration electronically.
• Generate a QR code for the arrival procedures.

Since January 25, 2024, Japan has used a single combined QR code for immigration and customs declarations through Visit Japan Web.

Official website: Visit Japan Web

⚠️ Important: Visit Japan Web is not a visa or an entry permit. Filipino passport holders who require a visa must obtain the appropriate Japan visa before traveling. Immigration officers make the final decision on entry.

Is the Japan Arrival Card Required for Filipino Travelers?

Filipino travelers entering Japan must complete the applicable immigration procedures and customs declaration.

However, using Visit Japan Web is optional. Travelers can choose to submit their information electronically before departure or follow the available paper-based procedures upon arrival.

Here is what Filipino travelers should know:

• Tourists: Must complete the required immigration and customs procedures when entering Japan.
• Business travelers: Must provide the appropriate entry information and meet the applicable visa requirements.
• Travelers visiting relatives: Must complete the relevant arrival procedures and provide accurate accommodation details.
• Foreign residents returning to Japan: May have different immigration requirements depending on their residence status and re-entry permission.
• Children: Must also meet the applicable entry requirements. Parents or guardians can help prepare their information through Visit Japan Web.

Although online registration is not compulsory, completing Visit Japan Web before departure can make the arrival process more convenient.

💡 Pro Tip: Complete your Visit Japan Web registration before leaving the Philippines. This gives you time to check your passport details, hotel address, and flight information without rushing at the airport.

How to Fill Out the Japan Arrival Card Online

Filipino travelers can complete their arrival information through the official Visit Japan Web website using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Follow these steps before your flight.

Step 1: Create a Visit Japan Web Account

Visit the official Visit Japan Web website to get started.

1. Open the official Visit Japan Web website.
2. Select the option to create a new account.
3. Enter your email address.
4. Create a password that meets the website's requirements.
5. Complete the email verification process.
6. Sign in to your account.

Once your account is ready, you can start registering your personal and travel information.

💡 Pro Tip: Use an email address you can easily access while traveling. Keep your login details somewhere secure in case you need to update your information.

Step 2: Register Your Personal Information

After signing in, enter the required personal details.

You may need to provide:

• Full name as shown on your passport
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Passport expiration date
• Other information requested by the system

Some passport information may be entered using the available scanning feature.

Make sure every detail matches your passport.

⚠️ Important: Check your passport number, full name, and expiration date carefully. Incorrect information may cause problems when completing your arrival procedures.

Step 3: Register Your Trip to Japan

Next, register your upcoming arrival in Japan.

The system will ask for travel information such as:

• Expected arrival date
• Airline and flight number
• Departure point
• Accommodation address in Japan
• Contact information for your place of stay

If you are staying at a hotel, prepare its complete address and contact number.

Travelers staying with relatives or friends should provide the relevant residential address.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your hotel booking confirmation ready while completing the form. You can find the address and contact details in your reservation.

Step 4: Complete the Immigration Declaration

After registering your trip, select the immigration and customs declaration section.

For the immigration portion, you may be asked to provide:

• Purpose of your visit
• Intended length of stay
• Address in Japan
• Occupation
• Answers to immigration-related questions

Choose the purpose that accurately describes your trip, such as tourism, business, or visiting relatives.

Answer all questions honestly and review your information before submitting it.

⚠️ Important: Your declared purpose of travel should be consistent with your visa and actual travel plans. Completing the declaration does not guarantee permission to enter Japan.

Step 5: Complete the Customs Declaration

The next part asks about belongings and goods you are bringing into Japan.

Japan Customs requires arriving passengers to submit a declaration of accompanied articles and unaccompanied articles.

You may need to declare:

• Goods that exceed the duty-free allowance
• Restricted or prohibited items
• Certain food, plant, or animal products
• Cash or other monetary instruments exceeding the applicable reporting threshold
• Goods intended for commercial purposes
• Items shipped separately from your luggage

Review the questions carefully and answer them accurately.

If you are unsure whether an item needs to be declared, check Japan Customs' official guidance before traveling.

Official information: Japan Customs Declaration Procedures

Step 6: Generate Your Visit Japan Web QR Code

After completing the required immigration and customs information, Visit Japan Web will provide a QR code for your registered trip.

Japan uses one combined QR code for these procedures.

Before traveling:

1. Open your registered trip in Visit Japan Web.
2. Check that the required information is complete.
3. Display the immigration and customs QR code.
4. Make sure you can access it upon arrival.
5. Keep your passport and other travel documents ready.

You can use the same QR code for the applicable immigration and customs procedures, following instructions at the airport.

📝 Note: A QR code does not mean you have already cleared immigration or customs. You must still complete the required checks after arriving in Japan.

What Documents Do Filipinos Need for the Japan Arrival Card?

Prepare your travel information and documents before registering through Visit Japan Web.

Keep copies of your hotel reservation, return or onward flight details, and other supporting documents in case immigration officers request them.

⚠️ Important: Visit Japan Web does not replace your passport, Japan visa, or other documents required for entry.

How to Use the Japan Arrival Card at the Airport

Once your flight arrives in Japan, follow the airport signs and instructions for immigration and customs.

Step 1: Proceed to Immigration

After leaving the aircraft, follow the signs toward immigration.

Have your passport, visa, and Visit Japan Web QR code ready if you registered online.

Depending on the airport, you may be directed to an immigration counter or an available automated processing facility.

Step 2: Complete the Immigration Check

Follow the instructions provided by airport personnel.

Immigration procedures may include:

• Passport verification
• Visa and entry document checks
• Fingerprint collection
• Facial photograph
• Questions about your visit

You may be asked about your travel plans, accommodation, or intended length of stay.

Step 3: Collect Your Baggage

After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim.

Check the flight information displays to locate the correct baggage carousel.

Make sure you have all your luggage before heading to customs.

Step 4: Complete Customs Clearance

If you submitted your customs declaration through Visit Japan Web, follow the instructions for electronic customs declaration.

At participating airports, you may be able to use an electronic declaration terminal or gate.

You may need to scan your passport and QR code.

Travelers using paper declarations should follow the appropriate customs procedures.

Customs officers may still inspect your luggage, even if you submitted your declaration electronically.

Step 5: Exit the Airport

Once you have completed immigration and customs clearance, proceed to the arrivals area.

You can then continue to your hotel or other destination using trains, buses, taxis, or airport transfers.

💡 Pro Tip: Check your arrival airport and terminal before traveling. Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and other Japanese airports may have different procedures and facilities.

Can You Still Use a Paper Japan Arrival Card?

Yes. Travelers who do not use Visit Japan Web can follow the available paper-based arrival procedures.

Japan Customs continues to accept paper customs declaration forms.

Foreign travelers who need to complete an immigration arrival card can follow the instructions provided by immigration authorities.

However, paper form availability and processing arrangements may differ depending on the airport.

Visit Japan Web is recommended because it allows you to complete your information before departure and reduces the need to fill out forms after landing.

If you cannot access the website or your QR code, ask airport personnel for assistance with the available procedures.

Do Filipinos Need a Visa to Enter Japan?

Yes. Philippine ordinary passport holders generally need a valid visa to visit Japan for tourism, unless they qualify for a specific exemption or hold another status permitting entry.

Before traveling, remember:

• Tourist visa: Filipino tourists generally need an approved Japan visa.
• Visa validity: Check the validity period and permitted entries shown on your visa.
• Length of stay: Follow the period granted by Japanese immigration authorities.
• Visit Japan Web: Completing the arrival information does not replace the visa application.
• Final entry decision: Immigration officers determine whether a traveler may enter Japan.

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines provides official information about visa categories, application requirements, and procedures.

For updated requirements, visit the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

⚠️ Important: A Japan visa does not automatically guarantee entry. Travelers must still satisfy immigration requirements upon arrival.

Important Tips Before Traveling to Japan

Preparing your arrival documents in advance can help avoid unnecessary delays at the airport.

• Complete your registration early: Fill out Visit Japan Web before your departure date.
• Check your passport information: Make sure your details match your travel documents.
• Verify your visa: Confirm that your visa is valid for your planned visit.
• Prepare your accommodation address: Keep your hotel confirmation or host's address accessible.
• Check customs restrictions: Review Japan's rules for food, medicines, cash, and other regulated items.
• Keep your QR code accessible: Make sure you can display it when requested.
• Follow airport instructions: Immigration and customs procedures can vary depending on the airport and terminal.
• Use the official website: Avoid unofficial websites requesting payment for Visit Japan Web registration.

⚠️ Important: Visit Japan Web is completely free. Japan Customs has warned travelers about fake websites and third-party services charging unnecessary fees for electronic customs declarations.