Airport Arrival Procedures for Japan eVisa Travellers

Travelling with an eVisa has made international arrivals smoother and more efficient. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of airport arrival procedures for eVisa travellers, ensuring a hassle-free experience from landing to exiting the airport.

1. Pre-Arrival Preparations

Before arriving at your destination, certain preparations are essential for a smooth airport experience.

• Apply for Your eVisa

  Start by applying for your eVisa through the Japan eVisa Application form of your destination. This online system facilitates single-entry short-term stay visas for tourism and business travel. You will need to provide:

  • Personal details
  • Travel information
  • Supporting documents comprising a valid passport and a recent passport photo

  The eVisa application process is typically straightforward and may not require an interview.

  The standard processing time for a Japan eVisa typically takes 26 to 32 days from the date of application. If you need your eVisa sooner, faster processing options are available to expedite the approval process. To explore these options and choose the one that best suits your travel plans, visit the Japan eVisa Portal for more details on expedited processing and eligibility requirements. Ensure you apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays in your travel schedule.

• Register on the Japan Online Arrival Platform

  Registering on the online arrival platform ensures a faster and more efficient airport entry process.

  What is an Online Arrival Platform?

  Many countries provide online platforms to pre-register arrival information for:

  • Immigration clearance
  • Customs declaration
  • Health declaration (if required)

  Using this service reduces paperwork, saves time at the airport, and speeds up entry procedures.

  Why Register on the Online Arrival Platform?

  • Faster immigration processing
  • Pre-clearance for customs
  • Reduces waiting time at the airport
  • Digital convenience for easy updates
  • Recommended for a hassle-free arrival experience

Steps to Register on the Japan Online Platform

Registering on the Japan Online Platform is essential for a smooth entry process. Follow these three major steps to complete your registration efficiently.

Prepare Necessary Documents

• Valid passport (must remain valid throughout your stay)
• eVisa Issue Notice (printed or digital copy)
• Return or onward ticket
• Accommodation details (hotel reservations or host invitation letter)
• Sufficient funds (bank statements or credit cards)

2. Arrival at the Airport

Upon landing at your destination’s airport, follow these steps:

Follow Airport Signs

• After disembarking, follow the signs for Immigration & Customs.
• Keep your passport and eVisa readily available.

Proceed to Immigration

1. Join the queue for foreign passport holders.
2. At the immigration counter, submit:
   •  Passport
   • eVisa approval document
   • QR code from the online arrival platform (if pre-registered)

Immigration Officer Verification

• The officer will verify your details, scan your passport, and check your eVisa validity.
• You may be asked questions about your visit, itinerary, and duration of stay.
• Biometric data (fingerprints & facial photos) may be collected.
• Upon sanction, your passport will be stamped with the entry date.

3. Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is the process of declaring and verifying goods when they enter or leave a country. It ensures compliance with local laws, regulates trade, and prevents illegal imports or exports. Whether you're travelling internationally or shipping goods across borders, you must go through customs clearance procedures.

• Collect Your Luggage

  Head to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage.

• Customs Declaration

  1. If pre-registered on the online platform, show your Customs QR Code.
  2. Choose the correct customs line:
     • Green Channel: No items to declare.
     • Red Channel: Declaring high-value items, large cash amounts, or restricted goods.

Note: If carrying high-value items, large amounts of currency, or duty-free goods exceeding the allowance, a declaration is required.

4. Health & Safety Checks (If Required)

For eVisa travellers arriving from specific countries, health screenings may be mandated by the destination's health authorities. Upon arrival, follow the designated health control procedures, which may include:

• Temperature scanning: Some airports conduct automatic temperature checks to detect potential symptoms.
• Document Verification: Health officers may review vaccination records, negative test results, or quarantine declarations if applicable.
• Medical Assessment: If flagged during screening, travellers may be directed to a secondary medical checkup before proceeding to immigration.
• Quarantine Regulations: Based on country-specific requirements, travellers from high-risk areas may need to follow quarantine procedures.

To avoid delays, ensure you check entry health requirements beforehand and carry any necessary documents, such as vaccination certificates or health declarations.

5. Exiting the Airport & Transportation Options

After completing immigration and customs clearance at an airport, travellers need to navigate their way to their final destination. Depending on the airport and country, there are several transportation options available to exit efficiently.

• Final Exit

  After clearing customs, you are free to exit the airport.

• Transportation to Your Destination

  • Train: Airport express trains and metro services.
  • Bus: Airport shuttle buses.
  • Taxi: Available but varies in cost.
  • Car Rentals: If you have an international driving license.

• Additional Tips

  • Pick up a SIM at the airport for internet access.
  • Have local currency or an international card ready for expenses.

6. Customs Procedures and Duty-Free Allowances

When arriving in Japan on an eVisa, travellers must go through customs clearance before officially entering the country. Below is a guide to Japan’s customs procedures and duty-free allowances to help ensure a smooth arrival.

Declaration

All travellers must declare their belongings via a customs declaration form or an online platform.

Duty-Free Allowances

• Alcohol: Limited to a certain number of bottles per traveller.
• Tobacco Products: Limited to a specified quantity.
• Perfume & Other Goods: Check country-specific allowances.

Prohibited Items

Importation of restricted goods, including certain food items, plants, and electronics, may be prohibited.

Currency Restrictions

If carrying currency exceeding the country’s specified amount, a declaration to customs officials is mandatory.

7. Specific Airport Requirements

Each airport has unique rules, procedures, and facilities that travellers must follow. These requirements can vary based on security protocols, visa regulations, baggage policies, and health guidelines. Below are the common categories of airport-specific requirements and how they may differ by location.

• Major International Airports

International airports serve as major transportation hubs, connecting travellers across the globe. Below is an overview of some of the world’s busiest and most well-known airports, along with their unique features and services.

Connecting Flights Without Entering the Country

• Stay in the international transit area if not entering the country.
• Some nationalities may require a transit visa.
• Minimum connection times vary by airport.

• Regional Airports

• Immigration, baggage claim, and customs procedures may differ slightly based on local regulations.
• Check official airport websites for targeted guidelines.

Conclusion

Arriving with an eVisa can be a seamless experience with proper preparation. By following this guide and understanding customs procedures, you can ensure a smooth start to your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to go through customs if I am only transiting through Japan?

If you have an onward international flight and do not need to leave the airport, you can stay in the international transit area without going through customs or immigration. However, if your connecting flight is at a different terminal that requires exiting the secured area, you may need to clear customs and immigration, which could require a transit visa.

Are there any restrictions on bringing prescription medication into Japan?

Yes, Japan has strict regulations on medications, even for personal use. Some common over-the-counter drugs (e.g., those containing pseudoephedrine) are banned. If you need to bring prescription medication, you should check Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare website and obtain a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) if required.

Can I enter the country before my eVisa validity date?

No, you must arrive within the validity period stated on your eVisa. Arriving before the start date may result in denied entry.

What should I do if my flight is delayed and I arrive after my visa expires?

You must apply for a new eVisa if your arrival is beyond the expiry date of your issued eVisa.

Can I use my eVisa for multiple entries?

Most eVisas are single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter, you may need to apply for a new visa. Always check the visa conditions before travelling. Visit the Japan eVisa Portal to know more (add link)

Do I need to print my eVisa, or is a digital copy enough?

Although some airports accept digital copies, it is highly recommended to carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval notice for easy verification.

What happens if my eVisa application is still under processing when I travel?

You will not be permitted entry if your eVisa has not been approved. Always ensure you receive the final approval before booking flights.

Can I extend my eVisa while in the country?

In most cases, eVisas cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer, you must exit the country and apply for a new visa if allowed by the regulations.

What happens if I lose my passport after arriving?

Immediately report the loss to the local police and contact your embassy for a replacement passport. You will need a new visa or a special exit permit to leave the country.

Is there a limit on the amount of cash I can bring?

Yes, most countries have currency declaration limits. If carrying large amounts, you must declare them at customs.