Japan

Japan's airport sector is highly advanced and efficient, serving as a major connectivity hub in Asia. The primary international airports are Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo, along with Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. The main regulatory body is Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), which oversees air operations, safety, and civil aviation policies. Japanese aviation operates under stringent safety and service quality standards, with regulations focused on consumer protection and compliance with international aviation treaties, such as the Montreal Convention.

• Visas: Japan has visa exemption arrangements with dozens of countries for short stays (tourism or business, usually up to 90 days); some require a passport with a chip. Paid work always requires a visa.
• Passport: must be valid for the whole stay and have one blank page for the entry stamp.
• JESTA: Japan's electronic travel authorisation does not exist yet. It is planned for fiscal year 2028 (between April 2028 and March 2029); until then, visa-exempt travellers do not need to request any authorisation before travelling.
• Visit Japan Web: entering your immigration and customs details in advance on the official website is optional and speeds up arrival.

Unlike the European Union, Japan does not have a single, detailed regulation (like EC 261/2004) that defines fixed monetary compensation amounts for delays. Passenger rights in Japan are governed by each airline's Terms and Conditions of Carriage, aligned with the Montreal Convention.

• Material Assistance: In case of significant delays or cancellations for which the airline is responsible, carriers are expected to provide assistance (meals, communication, and, if necessary, accommodation).
• Compensation: an airline's liability for damage caused by delays is limited and assessed case by case. Complain first at the airline's counter or customer service channels; if it is not resolved, contact Japan's consumer centres, such as the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan.

There is no Japanese law dictating exact free baggage limits; allowance policies are determined by individual airlines.

• Carry-on Baggage: Most airlines operate with a standard of 7kg to 10kg, but this varies depending on the fare class.
• Regulation: The Japanese government mandates transparency in fares. Airlines are obligated to clearly inform passengers during the booking process whether baggage is included or if extra fees apply. Restricted items follow international standards set by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

Japan has strict biosecurity rules (primarily for rabies prevention).

• Procedure: Pets (dogs and cats) must undergo inspection by the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS).
• Requirements: pets coming from countries where rabies occurs need an ISO microchip, two doses of rabies vaccine, an antibody test (serology) at an approved laboratory and a 180-day wait after the blood sample before arriving in Japan, plus the official health certificate from the country of origin.
• Quarantine: If all requirements are met in advance (40-day prior notification to the AQS), the quarantine period can be reduced to 12 hours or less. Without strict compliance, the animal may be subject to official quarantine for up to 180 days.
• Species: Entry for other animals (birds, reptiles) requires CITES certificates and specific permits from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

• Unaccompanied Minors: Airlines have specific programs (Unaccompanied Minor Service) for children traveling alone, requiring authorization forms from guardians.
• Documentation: Japan does not require a notarized travel authorization for foreign minors departing the country. However, it is recommended to carry a consent letter in English if a minor is traveling with only one parent or a third party to avoid immigration inquiries.

Japan is a global leader in accessibility.

• Accessibility law: Japan's accessibility law (the Barrier-Free Act) requires new or renovated terminals to be accessible, and the main airports have barrier-free facilities.
• Services: Passengers with reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance within terminals (wheelchairs, help with boarding/disembarking). This service must be requested at least 48 hours in advance from the airline.

• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT): https://www.mlit.go.jp/en/
• Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) - Import of Dogs and Cats: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) - Visas: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
• Official Visit Japan Web Portal: https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/
• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/