Quick answer

Visit Japan Web is Japan's free, official website for completing your arrival and customs forms before you fly. You get one QR code to show at the airport instead of filling in paper forms on the plane. It's not legally required (paper forms still work), but it's strongly recommended and usually faster. U.S. citizens don't need a visa for tourist visits to Japan of up to 90 days.

It's free. Only use the official site: vjw-lp.digital.go.jp. Other websites that charge to "fill in" Visit Japan Web for you aren't needed.

Do Americans need a visa for Japan?

No, for tourism, short business trips and family visits of up to 90 days. You need:

  • a passport valid for your whole stay (check your expiration date before booking: Passport validity checker →);
  • a return or onward ticket;
  • your Visit Japan Web QR code, or the paper forms on arrival.

Longer stays, work and study need a visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate.

Before you start: what you'll need

  • Your passport. The details must match it exactly.
  • Your flight number and arrival date.
  • Your first address in Japan (hotel name, address and phone number).
  • An email address for your account.
  • About 10 to 15 minutes. Complete it a few days before you fly, so you're not rushing at the airport.

Step by step

  1. Create a free account on the official Visit Japan Web site, vjw-lp.digital.go.jp, with your email address.
  2. Register yourself, and anyone traveling with you (see Families), with passport details exactly as printed in the passport.
  3. Add your trip: arrival date, flight number and your address in Japan.
  4. Complete the immigration section (the arrival card) and the customs declaration.
  5. Display your QR code, and save a screenshot in case there's no signal at the airport.
  6. At the airport, show the QR code at immigration and customs, following the signs for Visit Japan Web users.

Families and groups

You can add family members traveling with you under one account, including children, so you don't need separate accounts. Each traveler still needs their own passport details entered, and their own QR code.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Paying an unofficial website. Visit Japan Web is free on the official site.
  • Typos in passport details. Your name, passport number and date of birth must match your passport exactly.
  • Reusing an old trip. Create a new trip each time you visit Japan.
  • Relying on airport Wi-Fi. Screenshot your QR code before you leave.
  • An expiring passport. Japan expects your passport to be valid for your whole stay, and some airlines are stricter. Check it now: Passport validity checker →

Coming soon: JESTA

Japan passed a law in May 2026 creating JESTA, an online travel authorization for visa-free visitors, including Americans, similar to the UK's ETA. It isn't required yet. We'll update this guide when Japan announces a start date.

Questions

It's not legally required, since paper forms are still accepted, but it's strongly recommended. With the QR code, you skip filling in forms on the plane, and you can use the faster lanes at many airports.