Precautions for Entering and leaving Tokyo
Essential Guidelines for Tokyo Entry and Exit Procedures
Pre-Departure Preparations
Valid Travel Documents
Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Japan. Verify your visa type matches your travel purpose—whether for tourism, business, or study. For example, a single-entry visa requires scanning the visa issuance notification QR code, while multi-year visas are affixed directly to passports. Always carry physical and digital copies of your passport information page, visa, and entry stamp for emergencies.
Health and Safety Compliance
Check Japan’s seasonal health advisories, such as flu outbreaks or extreme weather warnings. The Chinese Embassy in Japan frequently updates travel alerts, including disease prevention measures and natural disaster protocols. For instance, during typhoon season, avoid undeveloped coastal areas and follow local evacuation orders. Pack a basic medical kit with antipyretics, antihistamines, and bandages, as some rural clinics may have limited supplies.
Digital Pre-Registration
Complete Japan’s electronic entry system, Visit Japan Web, within 72 hours of arrival to generate a QR code. This replaces manual entry and customs forms, streamlining airport processing. Airlines and immigration authorities may request proof of pre-registration, so save the code on your phone or print it. Failure to comply could delay entry, especially during peak travel seasons.
Airport Entry Process
Immigration Inspection
Join the foreigner queue at immigration counters and present your passport, visa, and QR code. Officers may ask about your travel purpose, accommodation details, and duration of stay. Answer concisely and truthfully; inconsistent information could lead to denial of entry. Japan’s biometric system requires fingerprint scans and facial recognition for all visitors aged 16 and above. Keep your passport open to the visa page for quick verification.
Baggage Claim and Customs Declaration
Proceed to the baggage carousel using flight information displays. After collecting luggage, follow signs to customs inspection. Japan’s dual-channel system separates travelers with taxable goods (red channel) from those with duty-free items (green channel). Declare all restricted items, such as fresh produce, plant materials, or excessive cash (over ¥1 million). For example, carrying undeclared meat products may result in fines or deportation under Japan’s strict agricultural quarantine laws.
Quarantine and Health Screening
If arriving from a region with infectious diseases, submit a health declaration form and undergo temperature checks. Travelers with symptoms like fever or cough may be directed to secondary screening. Japan’s quarantine stations collaborate with immigration to enforce health protocols, especially during global pandemics. Cooperate fully and provide accurate contact details for follow-up if required.
Departure Procedures
Check-In and Security Checks
Arrive at the airport three hours before international flights to accommodate potential queues. Present your passport and boarding pass at the airline counter for luggage screening. Note that Japan prohibits liquids over 100ml in carry-ons, except for medications with valid prescriptions. Remove laptops, chargers, and outerwear for separate X-ray scanning. Security personnel may swab hands or belongings for explosive residue detection.
Exit Immigration and Tax Refunds
Join the departure queue at immigration counters and submit your passport and boarding pass. Officers verify your eligibility to leave Japan, particularly for long-term residents. If you purchased tax-free goods, present receipts and items at customs for inspection. Unused tax-free items or discrepancies between purchases and declarations may incur penalties. For example, failing to declare a high-value camera bought duty-free could lead to confiscation.
Final Baggage and Security Review
After immigration, proceed to the security checkpoint for a final screening. Place all metal objects, including jewelry and belts, in trays for X-ray inspection. Japan’s aviation security prohibits sharp objects, flammable materials, and oversized electronics in carry-ons. If your bag triggers an alarm, cooperate with officers during manual inspection. Avoid packing prohibited items like selfie sticks with blade attachments or replica firearms.
Cultural and Legal Awareness
Respect Local Customs
Japan values punctuality and politeness. Arrive on time for flights, trains, and tours to avoid inconveniencing others. Learn basic Japanese phrases like “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) to show respect. When visiting temples or shrines, follow dress codes and quiet zones. For example, remove shoes before entering tatami-mat rooms and avoid talking loudly in sacred spaces.
Legal Compliance
Japan enforces strict laws on drug possession, public intoxication, and unauthorized employment. Even over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine (common in cold remedies) may require a doctor’s note. Never accept paid work without a valid work visa, as unauthorized labor risks detention and deportation. The Chinese Embassy regularly updates legal advisories, including examples of travelers penalized for minor infractions.
Emergency Contacts
Save local emergency numbers: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance), and 118 (coast guard). For language assistance, dial 03-3501-0110 (press 2 for Chinese). The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo (+81-3-6450-2195) and consulates in Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo offer 24/7 consular support. Register your trip on the embassy’s traveler database to receive real-time safety alerts and assistance during crises.
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