If you are flying to Japan in weeks time and currently browsing internet to find what kind of documents or forms and before getting confuse about the declaration. Let us give you some ideas and guidance.
There are restricted items from being brought into Japan. E.g. meat products, vegetables, fruits, animals and plants. Like this situation, you most probably would like to bring YP Retort ready to eat meals like Daging Kerutuk with rice, Ayam Masak Merah, Daging Opor or even Daging Masak Lemak Cili Padi or maybe some cooking paste (fried rice paste etc) to bring along.
What form do I need to fill out to enter Japan?
To streamline the customs declaration process when traveling to Japan, it's recommended to use the Visit Japan Web service (just type in at google search: Visit Japan Web). This online service allows you to register your immigration and customs information in advance, generating QR codes for both immigration and customs procedures, which expedites the entry process. While paper forms are still available, the digital service is encouraged and can be accessed on smartphones or computers.
The Japan Customs official page is your most trustworthy source to answer any questions or queries related to Japanese customs and duty. When you enter Japan, you are requested to hand in a Customs Declaration form for both your personal effects and unaccompanied baggage at the Customs Clearance.
Definitely you will ask what are the documents required to enter Japan? Is it difficult or easy like other Asian countries?
Entry and exit requirements to enter Japan:
For tourist or business “visa free” stays up to 90 days: You must have a valid passport and should have proof of return or onward ticket. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on the local economy.
Here's a more detailed breakdown to assist you before visit Japan:
1. Visit Japan Web:
- Registration:
Register your passport information, travel details, and answers to health-related questions on the Visit Japan Web website. - QR Codes:
Upon completion, you'll receive QR codes for immigration and customs declarations. - How to get a QR code for Japan Web?
-
STEP 0 : Create a new account ・Login. An email address is required to create a new account.
STEP 1 : Register user. (1) Register the category of entry/return procedure. ...
STEP 2 : Register your entry/return schedule. ...
STEP 3 : Fill your entry/return procedure. ...
STEP 4 : Show the QR code from entry/return procedure.
Notes:
For tourist or business “visa free” stays up to 90 days: You must have a valid passport and should have proof of return or onward ticket. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on the local economy.
During the Checkpoints:
Present these QR codes along with your passport at the respective checkpoints during arrival.
2. Paper Declaration:
Availability: Customs declaration forms are available on the plane, ship, or at the customs inspection area.
Completion: Fill out the form, declaring any dutiable items or goods.
Submission: Submit the completed form to the customs officer.
3. What to Declare:
Dutiable Items: Declare items exceeding the duty-free allowance (e.g., personal effects, unaccompanied baggage within the specified limits).
Prohibited/Restricted Items: Ensure you're not carrying any items that are prohibited or restricted, such as certain food items, weapons, or drugs.
Cash: Declare cash, traveler's checks, or bearer bonds exceeding 1 million yen.
Precious Metals: Declare gold bullion exceeding 1 kg.
4. Electronic Declaration (Optional):
e-Gates:
Some airports have electronic declaration gates (e-Gates) where you can scan your passport and QR code to complete the customs declaration.
Electronic Terminals:
If e-Gates are unavailable, you can use electronic declaration terminals at the customs inspection area.
5. Channels:
Green Channel:
If you have no goods to declare and are not carrying any prohibited or restricted items, you can use the green channel.
Red Channel:
If you have goods to declare or are carrying prohibited or restricted items, you must use the red channel.
When travelling to Japan, you must declare any ready-to-eat meals containing beef. While some processed foods are generally allowed, it's crucial to declare any meat products to the Animal Quarantine Service upon arrival. Failure to declare can lead to fines or even imprisonment.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Declare all food containing meat:
If your ready-to-eat meal contains beef, declare it when filling out the customs declaration form. The form will specifically ask about meat products, plants, vegetables, fruit, or rice.
Don't guess, declare:
Even if you're unsure whether your food item is allowed, it's best to declare it. The Animal Quarantine Officer can then inspect it and determine if it meets the import requirements.
Consequences of not declaring:
Illegally importing meat or meat products can result in fines of up to 3 million JPY or imprisonment for up to 3 years (or up to 50 million JPY for businesses).
What to expect:
Upon arrival, proceed to the Animal Quarantine Service counter in the baggage claim area. They will inspect your luggage and the declared food item. If it's permissible, you'll be allowed to bring it in. If not, it will be confiscated.
Halal options in Japan:
Japan has a growing number of halal food options, including restaurants and grocery stores, especially in major cities.
Any type of meat / organ (such as raw, processed product, refrigerated, frozen, cooked, etc.) is subject to animal quarantine. Examples of processed products: Jerky, ham, sausages, bacon, meat buns, etc. Finished products, such as leather bags and woolen sweaters, are excluded.
We wish you to have safely landed in Japan and enjoy your trip. Made a declaration list for all the stuff. Filled out your custom declaration form and went to the quarantine section. They will took a quick look at the items and lists and you are good to go. Sayonara!