From Paper Forms to QR Codes: Reducing Your Processing Time by up to 50% at Japanese Airports
The launch of the Visit Japan Web (VJW Japan) service marks Japan’s transition to a modern, unified border control system. For travelers, this platform is not just about convenience; it is a digital fast-pass designed to significantly cut down the time spent in airport queues.
By completing your declarations online before you fly, the VJW Japan platform essentially allows the Japanese authorities (Immigration Services Agency and Japan Customs) to pre-process your entry request. This replaces slow, manual data entry with instant QR code scanning, leading to a much smoother arrival experience.
Trevalo explains the mechanics behind VJW’s efficiency and how its unified system benefits every international visitor.
🔑 Section 1: The Integration Advantage (Two-in-One with VJW Japan)
The primary reason VJW Japan speeds up arrival is its ability to consolidate two mandatory, time-consuming steps into one digital workflow.
1. Unification of Paperwork
Traditionally, travelers had to fill out two separate paper forms:
- The Disembarkation Card for Foreigners (for Immigration).
- The Customs Declaration Form (for Customs).
The VJW system integrates these into one trip profile. You complete the required questions for both areas within the same online portal, and the system stores this data linked to your passport.
2. Instant Data Retrieval
The paper process involves an officer manually reviewing and, in some cases, typing your details into their system. With VJW Japan, your:
- Passport details (name, DOB, nationality).
- Trip details (flight number, accommodation).
- Declaration responses (health, items carried).
…are already in the system. The moment you scan your QR code or passport, all necessary data is retrieved and validated instantly.
🚀 Section 2: Automation: The Key to Speed
The unified VJW Japan registration unlocks access to Japan’s most advanced automated clearance procedures.
1. Automated Immigration (e-Gates)
The Immigration section of VJW Japan generates your Immigration QR Code (Entry Record).
- Process: At major international airports (like Haneda, Narita, Kansai), travelers with biometric passports proceed to the automated e-Gates.
- Scan your passport.
- Scan your Immigration QR Code.
- Facial recognition technology verifies your identity against your passport photo.
- Time Saved: This process bypasses the manual interview and stamp procedure, often clearing the traveler in less than 15 seconds.
2. Electronic Customs Declaration Gates
The Customs section of VJW Japan generates your Customs Declaration QR Code.
- Process: After collecting your luggage, you proceed to the Electronic Declaration Gate or Terminal.
- Scan your passport.
- Scan your Customs QR Code.
- A camera takes your photo for verification.
- Time Saved: If you have nothing to declare, the gate typically opens immediately, allowing you to walk through without speaking to an officer. This eliminates the long queues common in the manual Customs inspection channel.
Efficiency Statistics: Travelers using the VJW digital system often report processing times that are up to 50% faster than those using the manual paper form lanes, especially during peak travel hours.
💡 Section 3: The Benefits of Pre-Registration (VJW Japan)
1. Error Reduction
Filling out forms on a small plane tray table in a foreign language (even English) is prone to error. VJW Japan allows you to complete the forms on a desktop or phone with reliable internet, enabling easy corrections and accurate data entry (especially important for complex addresses).
2. Family Efficiency
As a single main applicant can register and manage the declarations for an entire family or group, VJW ensures that no member is missing a key document. This synchronized clearance means the whole group can move through the terminal efficiently together.
3. Tax-Free Integration (Bonus Feature)
VJW also includes an optional section for registering details for Tax-Free Shopping. While separate from the arrival procedures, it allows you to generate a digital QR code for tax exemption, simplifying the process at participating retail stores across Japan.