Arrival procedures
What should I prepare before I fly to Japan?
Prepare your entry documents, first accommodation, access to money and a way to get online. Keep your passport, visa, COE and school or employment documents in your hand luggage, with backup copies.
Some medicines need advance permission even in small quantities. Check the health ministry's instructions before packing, rather than assuming a prescription from home is enough.
- Confirm whether your accommodation can be used for address registration.
- Arrange cover for any gap before Japanese health insurance begins.
- Check your cards work abroad and bring money for initial expenses.
- Check Japan's medicine import rules for every medicine you carry.
- Plan your airport transfer and phone connection.
What may vary
Which documents you need depends on your nationality, status of residence and the school or employer sponsoring you; confirm the list with the Japanese embassy or consulate issuing your visa. Residence cards are issued on landing only at ten airports (New Chitose, Sendai, Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Kobe, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and Naha); elsewhere the card is mailed after you register your address. The airport work-permission counter is for new entrants with Student status; Dependent (家族滞在) holders apply at a regional immigration office. Some medicines that are legal at home are controlled in Japan.
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