Must-read: How to fill out Japan’s new “Foreigners’ Entry Card”? We’ll tell you in one go

▲ Japan introduced the new version of the “Foreigners’ Entry Card” on April 1.

▲ Learn the differences between the old and new versions of the “Foreigners’ Entry Card” in just 1 minute. 

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Reported and photographed in Japan

Since April 1, 2016, Japan has introduced a new version of the “Foreigners’ Entry Card,” streamlining the mandatory entry form for travelers entering Japan by removing many complicated sections, making it easier to complete.This article explains how to fill out the new Foreigners’ Entry Card— if you’re planning a trip to Japan soon, you definitely need to know how to fill it in.

Travelers should note that,the “Foreigners’ Entry Card” currently comes in both new and old versions. Many flights to Japan still provide the old version when handing out forms, so you can still fill out the old version without worry — you won’t be denied entry.

＞＞ Click here to see how to fill out the old version of the “Foreigners’ Entry Card”!

▲ The new and old versions of the Foreigners’ Entry Card differ in size and length.

There are two main differences between the new and old entry cards:

1. The form is smaller, changed from double-sided to single-sided, with simplified content
2. You no longer need to fill in your occupation, passport number, return flight information, and other details.

▲ The new Foreigners’ Entry Card is only single-sided.

There are two ways to get the Foreigners’ Entry Card and declaration form. The easiest way is to ask a flight attendant for it during the flight — they will also walk around asking passengers if they need the forms. After landing, there are also counters before customs where you can pick up Chinese, English, and Korean versions of the form to fill out.

In addition, since the form requires you to write your flight number, hotel address, and phone number, it’s recommended that you print out your accommodation details (or take a screenshot and save it on your phone) before departure. You can then simply copy the information when filling out the form.

How to fill out the new “Foreigners’ Entry Card”

Unlike the old version, the new Foreigners’ Entry Card is only one-sided. The name section in the upper part allows you to fill in either your Chinese name or the English phonetic spelling from your passport. A sample fill-in is as follows:

▲ Complete guide to filling out the new Foreigners’ Entry Card.

After completing the upper section, the lower part asks whether you have a criminal record, have ever been deported from Japan, or been denied entry, etc. If none apply, simply check “NO.”

▲ For the questions below, just check “NO” if you haven’t encountered any of these situations.

Here is the English translation of the three questions:

1. Have you ever been deported from Japan or denied entry?
2. Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense in Japan or any other country?
3. Are you carrying any narcotics, firearms, swords, or gunpowder?

Once completed, submit the entry card along with your passport at the immigration checkpoint.