Landing Permission Sticker (Temporary Visitor, Official or Diplomat)
You’ll most commonly encounter this sticker. Only passports stamped with “Temporary Visitor”, “Official”, or “Diplomat” status qualify for a VAT refund.
For “Temporary Visitor”, Landing-date must be no more than six months old
Crew Member’s Landing Permit
Issued exclusively to airline and ship crew members
Landing-date seal must be no more than six months old
A clearly printed permit number in the top-right corner is required for a refund
Return seal (for Japanese nationals)
Japanese nationals residing abroad receive this “Return Seal” when re-entering Japan
The landing-date seal must be no more than six months old to qualify for a VAT refund
Landing Permit for Cruise Ship Tourist
Cruise ship tourists receive this landing permit upon arrival at a Japanese port.
The landing-date seal must be no more than six months old to qualify for a VAT refund.
A permit number printed in the top-right corner is required for eligibility.
SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement)
Issued to U.S. military personnel under SOFA upon entry into Japan
Seal format varies, several designs are in use
No landing-date restrictions apply for VAT refund eligibility
Shore Pass (Port of Call)
The landing date on your shore pass must be within the past six months to qualify for a VAT refund.
Transit Pass (Landing in Transit)
The landing date on your transit pass must be within the past six months to qualify for a VAT refund.
Register user card for automated gates
Issued on request to approved frequent travelers for expedited entry
Grants access to Japan’s automated immigration gates upon arrival
Only holders with ‘Temporary Visitor’ status qualify for a VAT refund
The permit date must be within the past six months to be valid for a VAT refund
