Landing Examination
Japan Immigration
News Archives
This is an archive of immigration/residence related news. We compile news related to Japan immigration from various data sources.You can narrow down the information using the tags at the left side of the screen.
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About "Landing Examination"
Immigration control in Japan is the official procedure conducted at airports and seaports to determine whether foreign nationals may enter the country. During inspection, authorities verify the purpose of stay, residence status, and personal identity. Fingerprints and facial photographs are collected from most travelers, with exceptions such as diplomats and children under 16, in order to strengthen security and confirm identity.
In recent years, Japan has promoted digitalization to make entry smoother. A key initiative is the “Visit Japan Web” system, which allows travelers to pre-register their information and obtain a QR code to present during entry and customs procedures. This system is already available at major airports such as Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose, and Naha. Moreover, the government has announced plans to introduce “JESTA,” an electronic travel authorization system for travelers from visa-exempt countries, further enhancing pre-entry screening.
Additionally, automated gates (eGates) have been installed in major airports, enabling Japanese citizens and eligible foreign residents to pass through immigration quickly using passport scanning and fingerprint verification. These measures illustrate Japan’s dual approach of ensuring strict identity checks while also streamlining entry procedures through digital tools. In this way, immigration control in Japan continues to evolve, balancing national security with traveler convenience.