Japan is preparing to overhaul the way tourists enter the country. Starting in 2030, all customs declarations at airports will be made digitally. Paper forms are slowly going into the history drawer.
Citing Kyodo News Wednesday, June 24, the Japanese Ministry of Finance stated that this policy was made to facilitate foreign tourists. Japan is targeting 60 million visitors per year by 2030.
Digitalization applies to passenger baggage declarations and separately sent goods. Both are still required to be reported when someone enters Japan.
The plan is included in the Smart and Secure Border Control Customs Vision 2030 program. Through this system, passengers fill in their names and addresses online. After that, the system creates a QR Code for the customs process at the airport.
Japan has actually introduced an electronic declaration since 2019. However, until April 2026, about half of the declarations are still submitted on paper. In a country known for being neat and fast, the paper form is apparently still stubborn.
The Japanese government will also use artificial intelligence or AI to help X-ray inspections of small goods shipments, which are increasing in number. This system will be installed at major airports, including those serving Narita and Osaka, by 2030.
This step was taken because the flow of tourists and goods to Japan continues to rise. Last year, the number of foreign tourists to Japan reached 40 million people for the first time.
The government hopes that the digitization of customs declarations and the use of AI can reduce the workload of officers, as well as make the inspection process at the airport more efficient.
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