❓ What is changing?
Japan Customs (Ministry of Finance) and the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) will begin operating "joint kiosks" at Narita Airport Terminals 1 and 2 from September 24, 2026. A joint kiosk is a terminal that lets a traveler provide the information required for customs and immigration procedures at the same time. Joint kiosks have already been in operation at Kansai Airport (Terminals 1 and 2), Haneda Airport (Terminals 2 and 3), Narita Airport Terminal 3, and Fukuoka Airport. This announcement expands the rollout to Narita Terminals 1 and 2, two of Japan's busiest international arrival points. Travelers arriving in Japan go through two separate procedures: immigration inspection and customs. The difference with a joint kiosk is that the information needed for both can be provided on one machine instead of separately. The ISA has released promotion videos in Japanese and English on YouTube, so you can see how the kiosk works before you travel. Details of the rollout are given in the PDF attached to the press release, "Introduction of joint kiosks at Narita Airport Terminals 1 and 2."
🌏 Impact on foreign nationals
Narita Terminals 1 and 2 are among the first points of contact for foreign travelers entering Japan. Until now, arriving passengers had to handle immigration inspection and customs as two separate steps. From September 24, joint kiosks let you provide the information needed for both on one machine, which should reduce confusion for travelers who are not confident in Japanese. If you have used Kansai Airport, Haneda, Narita Terminal 3 or Fukuoka Airport, you will find the same system at Narita Terminals 1 and 2. If it is your first time, watch the Japanese or English promotion video published by the Immigration Services Agency before your flight so you know what to expect on arrival. Foreign residents inviting family or friends to Japan should check which terminal they arrive at and share this information in advance.
💡 Key points to know
1Operation starts on September 24, 2026, at Narita Airport Terminals 1 and 2.
2A joint kiosk lets you provide the information needed for customs and immigration procedures at the same time.
3Joint kiosks are already running at Kansai (T1, T2), Haneda (T2, T3), Narita T3 and Fukuoka Airport.
4The Immigration Services Agency has published promotion videos in Japanese and English on YouTube — watch one before you fly.
5Full details are in the PDF (387KB) attached to the press release.
6If you are unsure how to use the kiosk, ask airport staff for help.