xjaehyun

I’m flying JAL F on JFK-HND next week. Entering Japan, I think my arrival would be made easier if I fill out the Visit Japan web app. Is there anything else I should complete before my flight? First time flying internationally after the pandemic started and just wanted to ensure the trip goes off without a hitch!

mjm

The only thing I would add is take screenshots of all screens showing you've completed the process. There is WiFi, by that will be one less thing to worry about. After you get your luggage there is one more step for customs to that involves screens around a couple of the columns near the exit. This is like Part 2 of the internet based part you will have already completed.

xjaehyun

Thanks for that bit of info. Any screen that says I’ve completed registration, I took screenshots. The strip of color above Customs declaration QR code is blue but the color above Immigration QR code is yellow. Is it safe to assume that once my vaccine information has been reviewed and approved, the yellow will change to blue (meaning go)?

mjm

Yes exactly.

xjaehyun

Hmm that’s odd. Vaccine card and everything was approved so the quarantine screen (none required) is blue but the immigration QR code is still yellow. Any idea why?

ttuna3

Proper Colors/Codes to enter Japan:
Quarantine: Blue / No Code (if fully vaccinated)
Immigration: Yellow / QR Code
Customs: Blue / QR Code
Codes have your full name underneath them: Last First Middle

Inspection order is: Quarantine usually in the jet bridge. You may get asked for the paper they give you after they see the Quarantine screen. Pink is good.
Immigration scans you code and checks you passport and fingerprints. Then they take a picture.
Customs wants you to visit the kiosk before you head for the gates. Scan passport and QR code if asked. Do this while you wait for your bags.
Customs kiosk will also take a picture for their Facial Recognition software.
Get your bags and head for the E-Gates if the kiosk didn't tell you otherwise.
Out the door and Welcome to Japan

RetiredATLATC

I went through NRT last week and just off the jetbridge there were tables that scanned the Quarantine QR code as well as having to show my vaccine card. Next was immigration where they scanned the QR code and put a 90 day sticker in my passport (yellow band at top) then to baggage claim (if you have baggage to claim) and then the scanners scanning your Customs Declaration QR blue code.

Very straightforward, efficient and fast. Quite a nice setup.

david_oz

i just went through this the other day. its quite a confusing process but all of it is completed through the visit Japan web portal where you answer all the questions and upload your vaccine certificate

The way you will know you have done it correctly is you will have:
1. An immigration QR code
2. A customs QR code; and
3. When you click on Quarantine procedures (fast track) the box that says "for quarantine use only" is blue

Save screenshots and turn your wifi on as soon as you get off the plane because at each step somebody will verify that you have each of these codes. At the final step at customs, you will need to approach a machine, scan your passport and customs QR code, then when you exit the facial recognition will verify you did this step. If you're at haneda there are tons of the machines, so don't wait in line behind anybody just find another kiosk.

Hope this helps

Gradfly

Slightly off-topic, but if you're planning to get anything from the JR office at HND T3, I highly recommend doing this before anything else. The office is somewhat small and there is only one line. I ended up waiting close to 45min just to pick up my regional JR pass and seat reservations.

xjaehyun

Just wanted to thank everyone that took the time to post a reply. Everyone has been extremely helpful! Personal experiences in entering Japan have definitely calmed my nerves about this whole process.

Thanks again everyone!

FlitBen

I'm also planning my first trip after pandemic and appreciate the info. This forum is so helpful!

Question, did you have to show your vaccine card like others?

xjaehyun

I had to upload my vaccine card to the Visit Japan Web application. Took them less than an hour to approve everything. I'll still take the card with me just in case.

FlitBen

That's good to know, I'll be bringing mine as well.

liviluci

I submitted my vaccine certificate over 2 days ago. Is it normal that my vaccine certificate hasn’t been approved yet? A lot of people are saying theirs was approved within 24 hours.

ttuna3

When is your flight to Japan? If there's a rush of new certificates coming in for flights in the next 3-5 days then they'll prioritize them in order of the closest flight. Mine now usually comes back in a hour or so but I'm already in the system so it comes right back as approved. First trip back in November I got my docs in to them in mid-September and the QR went blue about a day and a half later. Back then they said to check back with them after 4-5 days if you hadn't heard something or been approved.