Japan Entry — Latest Information (2025)
As of 2025, Japan has lifted all pandemic-era entry restrictions and is actively welcoming international tourists. Since April 29, 2023, all COVID-19 entry requirements (vaccination certificates, PCR tests, etc.) have been completely abolished. Entry procedures are now the same as pre-pandemic.
However, registering on Visit Japan Web, having a valid passport (6+ months remaining validity recommended), and checking your country's visa requirements remain essential. Okinawa is accessible via Naha Airport (OKA) with direct flights from Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and other destinations in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, making it one of the most convenient tropical getaways in Asia.
| Item | Status as of 2025 |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 Restrictions | Fully lifted (since Apr 29, 2023) |
| Vaccine / PCR | Not required |
| Visit Japan Web | Strongly recommended (immigration, customs, tax-free QR) |
| Arrival Card | Paper card not needed if VJW registered |
| Customs Declaration | VJW or paper form |
| Passport Validity | 6+ months recommended |
Visit Japan Web — Complete Guide
Visit Japan Web (VJW) is an online service operated by Japan's Digital Agency for streamlining entry procedures. It lets you handle immigration, customs declarations, and tax-free shopping with a single QR code, significantly reducing wait times at the airport. The system supports English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (Simplified/Traditional). We recommend completing registration at least 2 weeks before departure.
VJW Registration Steps
| Step | Description | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Create account (email, password) | 3 min |
| Step 2 | Enter traveler info (passport details, photo) | 5 min |
| Step 3 | Register trip details (flight, accommodation) | 5 min |
| Step 4 | Immigration preparation → QR code issued | 3 min |
| Step 5 | Customs declaration → QR code issued | 3 min |
| Step 6 | Tax-free QR linkage (optional) | 2 min |
What you'll need:
- Valid passport (for scanning or photographing)
- Flight details (flight number, departure city)
- Accommodation address in Japan (hotel name and address)
- Email address (for account creation)
- Smartphone (for displaying QR codes)
Official VJW site: https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp
Visa Information by Country
Japan has visa-exemption agreements with 68 countries. Below is visa information for the most common nationalities visiting Okinawa.
| Country/Region | Visa-Free | Stay Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Exempt | 90 days | Tourism, business, family visits |
| Taiwan | Exempt | 90 days | Tourism, business |
| Hong Kong | Exempt | 90 days | SAR passport holders |
| China | Visa required | 15-30 days | 2024 relaxations for group/individual tourism |
| USA | Exempt | 90 days | No ESTA needed (Japan has separate system) |
| Canada | Exempt | 90 days | Tourism, business |
| UK | Exempt | 90 days (extendable to 180) | Tourism, business |
| Australia | Exempt | 90 days | Tourism, business |
| Most EU nations | Exempt | 90 days | Germany, France, Italy, etc. |
| Thailand | Exempt | 15 days | Permanent exemption from 2024 |
| Philippines | Visa required | 15 days | Short-term tourist visa application |
Visa Information for Chinese Nationals
Since 2024, visa issuance for Chinese tourists has been significantly relaxed. Requirements for the 10-year multiple-entry visa have been lowered, and group tourism visa procedures have been simplified. Okinawa offers a special "Okinawa Multiple-Entry Visa" — if your first visit destination is Okinawa, you can freely visit all of Japan for 3 years afterward.
Arrival Procedures at Naha Airport
Upon arriving at Naha Airport's international terminal, you'll proceed through the following steps. Total processing time is typically 30 to 60 minutes.
Entry Procedure Flow
- 1. Quarantine — No special screening currently required (thermal cameras check for fever automatically)
- 2. Immigration — Present Visit Japan Web QR or paper arrival card. Show passport; fingerprints and facial photo taken
- 3. Baggage Claim — Collect luggage from the designated carousel
- 4. Customs Inspection — Present Visit Japan Web QR or paper customs form. Electronic gates available
- 5. Arrival Lobby — Tourist information, ATMs, rental car counters, transportation
Automated Gates: Passport holders from visa-exempt countries (Korea, Taiwan, etc.) can use automated immigration gates. Pre-registering on Visit Japan Web reduces wait time to under 5 minutes.
Naha Airport Facilities & Transportation
Naha Airport is Okinawa's only civilian airport, equipped with all services you'll need upon arrival.
Key Airport Facilities
| Facility | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Info Center | International 1F Arrival Lobby | 06:30-23:00 |
| ATM (Seven Bank) | Domestic 1F, International 1F | 05:30-23:00 |
| Currency Exchange | International 1F Arrival Lobby | 09:00-21:00 |
| SIM Card / WiFi | International 1F Arrival Lobby | Matches flight arrivals |
| Coin Lockers | Multiple floors | 24 hours |
| Rental Car Counters | Domestic 1F | 08:00-20:00 |
| Convenience Store | Domestic 2F | 06:30-21:00 |
Transportation Comparison
| Transport | Time to Naha City | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yui Rail (monorail) | 12 min (Kencho-mae Sta.) | 270 yen~ | Most convenient, punctual |
| Airport Limousine Bus | 20-80 min | 600-2,000 yen | Direct to central/northern resorts |
| Local Bus | 30 min~ | 230 yen~ | Cheap, infrequent service |
| Rental Car | — | 3,000 yen~/day | Essential for Okinawa travel |
| Taxi | 15 min (Naha city) | 1,000-1,500 yen | Good for night/heavy luggage |
SIM Cards & Internet — WiFi and eSIM Compared
Staying connected during your Okinawa trip is essential for maps, translation, and navigation. Here are the options available right at Naha Airport.
| Option | Price (7 days) | Data | How to Get | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket WiFi | 3,500-6,000 yen | Unlimited | Airport counter / delivery | Multiple devices, stable | Needs charging, return hassle |
| Prepaid SIM | 2,000-3,500 yen | 3-10 GB | Airport vending / convenience store | Affordable, simple | Data cap, SIM swap needed |
| eSIM | 1,500-3,000 yen | 3-20 GB | Online purchase, instant activation | Pre-purchase, no physical swap | Older phones unsupported |
| Roaming | ~$8-15/day | Varies by carrier | Automatic connection | No setup needed | Expensive |
| Free WiFi | Free | — | — | No cost | Limited locations, unstable |
Recommendation: For best value, get an eSIM (Airalo, Ubigi, etc.). For groups, a pocket WiFi device works well. For 1-2 day trips, carrier roaming is simplest.
Currency Exchange & Payment
Japan remains largely a cash-based society. In Okinawa especially, many local restaurants, markets, and small shops accept cash only.
Exchange Methods Compared
| Method | Rate | Fee | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naha Airport Exchange | Average | Yes | Available immediately on arrival |
| Seven Bank ATM | Good | 110 yen/transaction | 24 hours, 25,000+ nationwide |
| Home Country Bank | Average-Good | Varies | Prepare in advance |
| Kokusai Street Exchange | Good | Low | Exchange while shopping |
| Hotel Front Desk | Poor | High | Emergency only |
Tax-Free Shopping
Foreign tourists in Japan can receive a 10% consumption tax exemption when purchasing 5,000 yen or more (before tax) at a single store on the same day.
- Register the tax-free QR on Visit Japan Web to process exemptions with just your QR — no passport needed
- General goods (clothing, bags) and consumables (food, cosmetics) are counted separately
- Consumables must remain sealed until departure
- Available at stores displaying the TAX FREE sign — Don Quijote, AEON Mall, drug stores and more
Travel Insurance & Medical Information
Medical costs in Japan are very expensive. Without travel insurance, a simple doctor's visit can cost 5,000-10,000 yen, while emergency treatment for fractures can run into hundreds of thousands of yen.
Emergency Contacts
| Situation | Phone Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 110 | Theft, accidents, lost items |
| Fire / Ambulance | 119 | Fire, emergency medical |
| Maritime Emergency | 118 | Sea accidents |
| Tourist Hotline | 050-3816-2787 | JNTO multilingual, 24 hours |
Okinawa Hospitals with Foreign Language Support
- Naha City Hospital — Naha City Koga, English available
- Adventist Medical Center — Nishihara, English and Korean available
- Kunishi Clinic — Naha Omoromachi, multilingual support
- Drug stores: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Daikoku Drug, Cocokara Fine — OTC medicines available
Recommendation: Always purchase travel insurance before departure. Short-term policies (1 week for $10-20) cover medical expenses, lost baggage, and flight delays. Check if your credit card includes travel insurance as well.
Japanese Manners & Etiquette
Japan is a society that places great value on courtesy and rules. While Okinawa has a more relaxed vibe ("Uchina Time") than mainland Japan, basic manners are the same.
- Remove shoes — At ryokan inns, some restaurants, and homes. The raised step (genkan) at the entrance is your cue
- Quiet on public transport — No phone calls or loud voices on the Yui Rail or buses. Keep earphone volume low
- No tipping — Tipping is not practiced in Japan. It can even be considered rude
- Trash separation — Public trash cans are rare. Carry a bag and sort garbage at your accommodation
- Onsen etiquette — Always shower before entering the bath. Don't put towels in the water. Check tattoo policies
- Queuing — Stand on the right on escalators (Okinawa standard). Always queue at stations and bus stops
- Dining manners — Say "Itadakimasu" (bon appetit) before eating and "Gochisousama" (thank you for the meal) after
- Okinawan greeting — "Mensore" (めんそーれ) means "Welcome" in the Okinawan dialect
Okinawa Entry Preparation Checklist
| Preparation | When | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Check passport validity | 3 months before | 6+ months remaining recommended |
| Check / apply for visa | 2 months before | Only for visa-required countries |
| Book flights | 2-3 months before | Book early for peak season |
| Register Visit Japan Web | 2 weeks before | Immigration + customs + tax-free QR |
| Get travel insurance | 1 week before | Medical, baggage, flight delay |
| Reserve SIM / WiFi | 3 days before | eSIM can be same-day |
| Exchange currency | Before or after arrival | 30,000-50,000 yen cash recommended |
| Install apps | Before departure | Google Maps, Google Translate / Papago |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Visit Japan Web registration mandatory?
A. It's not legally required but strongly recommended. Without it, you'll need to fill out paper arrival cards and customs forms on the plane, and you'll have to wait in longer queues at immigration. With a VJW QR code, you can use electronic gates and clear immigration in under 5 minutes.
Q. How long can I stay in Japan without a visa?
A. Most visa-exempt nationalities can stay for 90 days. This covers tourism, business, and family visits. Employment is not permitted. To extend beyond 90 days, you must apply for a period of stay extension at the Immigration Bureau.
Q. What's the fastest way from Naha Airport to the city?
A. The Yui Rail (monorail) is the fastest and most convenient option. From Naha Airport Station to Kencho-mae Station: 12 minutes, 270 yen. To Kokusai Street (Makishi Station): 16 minutes, 300 yen. Trains run every 7-10 minutes.
Q. Can I travel Okinawa without a rental car?
A. Central Naha (Kokusai Street, Shuri Castle, parks) is easily accessible by Yui Rail and buses. However, for central and northern Okinawa (Churaumi Aquarium, Cape Manzamo, American Village), a rental car is nearly essential. Alternatives include bus day passes (2,500 yen) and guided tours.
Q. Where can I shop tax-free?
A. At any store displaying the TAX FREE sign when you spend 5,000 yen or more (before tax) in a single day. Popular options include Don Quijote on Kokusai Street, AEON Mall Rycom, Ashibinaa Outlet Mall, and drug stores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Daikoku Drug. Using the tax-free QR from Visit Japan Web makes the process even smoother.
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