A Guide To Mysos Visit Japan Web And Japan Entry Procedures

The Japanese government recommends that you use the Visit Japan Web app but it’s NOT mandatory. You always have the option of filling out a paper arrival (disembarkation) card and customs declaration when you arrive. Here’s our full guide to the Visit Japan Web app.

[Visit Japan Web app diagram]

There are now no Covid protocols for Japan. The Japanese government recommends that you use the Visit Japan Web app, which replaces the paper arrival card and customs declaration, but you DO NOT HAVE TO USE THE VISIT JAPAN WEB APP. Note, however, that many airlines have stopped handing out arrival cards and customs declarations before you land. You can always ask flight attendants for them (they usually do) or you can get the forms in the arrivals and customs halls (but note that this might slow you down a bit).

On my last entry to Japan, I saw that people using the Visit Japan Web app moved through immigration and customs faster than those filling out paper forms. I had asked for the forms on the plane and filled them out before arriving, and I moved as fast as those using the app. For most people, however, the easiest and fastest thing to do is to use Visit Japan Web. Here are the details:

Visit Japan Web

[Visit Japan Web app]

Time required to fill out and instruction manuals

When you first download the app and look at the instruction manual, you may get the impression that it’s going to take a long time to complete Visit Japan Web. In practice, it takes about 15 minutes and is pretty intuitive. I suggest using the simplified manual and quarantine section manuals linked below.

Three parts to Visit Japan Web

Note, Visit Japan Web actually consists of three parts: 1) immigration information (ie, disembarkation card information), 2) customs information (ie, customs declaration), and 3) tax-exemption section. When you successfully complete these sections, you will receive three QR codes. The first two you will show at the airport upon arrival. The third you will show at shops that offer tax-free shopping to tourists.

Important tip

You will need a charged smartphone with internet access for Visit Japan Web to work at the airport when you arrive. Japanese airports have free wifi, so connectivity is not an issue, but be sure to charge your phone before flying. Just in case something goes wrong with your phone or you cannot get online at the airport, it’s a good idea to do two things to print out your immigration and customs QR codes to show at the airport.

Important Visit Japan Web Links

• Here’s the Visit Japan Web download site.
• Here’s a detailed manual for using Visit Japan Web.
• Here’s a simplified Visit Japan Web Manual (scroll down for instructions).

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

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