Personal Information Requirements for Foreign Nationals Entering Japan

2018/3/16
In accordance with the Partial Amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act of Japan, foreigners coming to Japan will be fingerprinted and photographed, during entry procedures, for security reasons. This new procedure has come into effect since November 20, 2007.

Exemptions:

  1. Persons under the age of 16.
     
  2. Special status permanent residents.
     
  3. Those persons performing activities which fall under the status of residence for "Diplomat" or "Official."
     
  4. Those persons who have been invited by the head of any national administrative organization.
     
  5. Those persons who are prescribed by the Ministry of Justice Ordinance as equivalent to either 3 or 4.

Detailed information:

  1. Outline of New Immigration Procedures: Requirements for the Provision of Personal Information (PDF)
     
  2. Law for the Partial Amendment of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (PDF) (Immigration Bureau of Japan)