On my first Japan visit I was clueless about the immigration process and just followed the crowd. I spent about 90 minutes waiting to clear customs and immigration, let me save you that time, because who wants to stand in a long line after a long haul flight!
What’s the secret to a smooth entry to Japan? 10 minutes of work in the comfort of your own home, using the Visit Japan website and creating a QR code.
Here’s how I set it up in under 10 minutes and saved myself from long airport lines. In this article I will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step, and cover some of the main questions people ask (plus a quick setup checklist you can screenshot).
Disclaimer: This article features affiliate links. If you click these links, and choose to book with that hotel or company, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate the support that allows me to continue providing this information
Why should I bother getting a QR code?
After a 14-hour flight, the last thing you want is to stand in a 90-minute immigration queue. The QR code replaces paper forms and unlocks the fast-track lanes (free of charge!) for immigration and customs. It’s not mandatory, but I recommend it to all my friends visiting Japan, it is a complete game-changer.
What the Visit Japan Web QR Code Does
- Combines immigration and customs forms into one digital package on your phone or device
- Valid at major airports like Narita, Haneda and Kansai
- Optional tax-free shopping registration. I haven’t used this personally but some people find it more convenient
Yes, you could fill out paper forms on the plane. But the digital route saves time and reduces stress, and that’s why it’s become the go-to choice for travellers, a very welcome legacy from the COVID period when this service was first introduced. A no brainer for me when I travel to Japan.
TOP TIP! Make sure you are fully prepared with my “First time visitor to Japan starter kit”
BREAK DOWN THE LANGUAGE BARRIER: The key phrases to learn and technology to use to make your first trip to Japan easy
HOW TO STAY CONNECTED ON THE GO: The cheapest data and easiest way to make sure you can access everything you need
HOW TO AVOID CURRENCY FEES LIKE A PRO: The best cards for travel and withdrawing cash
22 SMARTPHONE APPS TO MAKE YOUR TRIP EASIER: The ultimate FREE apps to download before you go
Step-by-Step Setup Guide to getting your web Japan QR code
1. Head to the Visit Japan Web site
Browse to the official site and click “Start using service now”
2. Create your account
Enter your email and set a password. Remember your visit Japan web login, you can stop the form and revisit at any time. It doesn’t need to be done in one go.
3. Add your passport and flight details
Use exactly the same info on your passport and boarding pass. I recommend doing the process on your phone, so you can utilise the camera to do some of the form completion for you, as you can see below.
4. Complete both forms
Fill out immigration details and then customs questions. For this you will need return flight details and then details about the first hotel/residence you will be staying at.
5. Generate both QR codes
One is for immigration; the other is for customs. you need both. You can also register multiple people under one account, by clicking the button in the screenshot below
TOP TIPS to make the process easier
- Screenshot all QR codes (no need for Wi-Fi when you land).
- TRAVELLING WITH FAMILY? Add everyone under one account, up to 10 people. You don’t need 10 individual people to create an account
- Just click on registered user, then register family member and then add their details. Note that everyone needs to be on the same flight and staying at the same first address
- You can copy and paste information between travellers to save time, see the screenshot below
- Worried you changed your flight or got a new passport? Just update your details in the same dashboard, log back in and make the changes
TOP TIP! Have the smoothest arrival in Japan by booking your airport transfer in advance and ensuring you have your phone setup for data when you land – get 15% off!
How It Works at the Airport
- Head for the QR code line – usually a blue queue
- Scan your passport and QR code
- Follow on-screen steps: photo, fingerprint
- In customs, show your second QR code to fast-track exit
Thanks to this, I cut around 45 minutes off my airport time. It also meant I could do it at home before leaving and I didn’t have to fill out the paper form that is given out on the plane
Common Mistakes + How to Avoid Them
- No Wi-Fi? That’s why you screenshot the codes
- Think kids need separate accounts? Nope—add them as family members
- Leaving soon? You can register anytime—even a day before
- Flight changes last minute? Log back in and edit your itinerary
TOP TIP! Picking where to stay in Japan can be overwhelming with so much choice – My hand picked guides to the best neighbourhoods and hotels below will do the hard work for you
HOTELS FOR FAMILIES AND BIG GROUPS IN TOKYO : More space, rooms that sleep multiple people and locations that make life easier
THE BEST TOKYO HOTELS : Perfect for couples, first time travellers and those looking to minimise their time on public transport
THE PERFECT AREAS TO STAY IN OSAKA : The best hotels by neighbourhood and budget
MY FAVOURITE HOTELS IN KYOTO : Hotels in Kyoto vary a lot, I’ve broken down the best in each area
FAQ about the visit Japan QR code and Japan Immigration
Is Visit Japan Web required for Japan travel?
No, it’s not required—you can still fill out paper forms for immigration and customs on arrival. But it’s highly recommended because:
- It saves time in queues (some travellers report cutting wait times by 30–90 minutes).
- Many airlines no longer hand out paper forms onboard.
- Some airports have dedicated “QR code lanes” for faster processing.
How many QR codes can I get on one Visit Japan Web account?
You get two QR codes per person:
- One for immigration
- One for customs
You can register up to 10 people (adults and children) under a single account as “family members”. Each person still gets their own pair of QR codes.
Can I screenshot a Visit Japan Web QR code?
Yes, and you should. Screenshots or saving the QR codes to your phone are recommended in case you don’t have internet access at the airport orthe website is slow to load while travelling.
Do I need Wi-Fi or phone connection to get my QR code in Japan?
No, you don’t need Wi-Fi at the airport if you’ve already saved or screenshotted your QR codes before leaving home.
If you forget to save them and have no data, you’ll need to connect to airport Wi-Fi to log in and retrieve them.
TL;DR Setup Checklist
