Changes and moves to Article 56-3, paragraph (1) by (Act No. 32 of 2026)
For the purpose of preventing foreign nationals from illegally entering Japan, the carrier who operates a vessel or aircraft entering Japan (or the captain of the vessel or aircraft in the absence of the carrier) must check the passports, crew member's pocket-ledgers or re-entry permits possessed by foreign nationals who seek to board the vessel or aircraft.
foreign national
「外国人」
Anyone who does not hold Japanese nationality.
Defined inArticle 2, paragraph (1), item (i)· applies throughout the law
vessels, etc.machine translation
「船舶等」
Ships and aircraft.
Short name set inArticle 2, paragraph (1), item (ii)
passport
「旅券」
A passport, refugee travel document or other document in place of a passport (including a travel certificate from a Japanese consular officer) issued by the Japanese government, a foreign government Japan recognizes or a competent international organization, or an equivalent document from a competent authority of a region designated by Cabinet Order.
Defined inArticle 2, paragraph (1), item (v)· applies throughout the law
crew member's pocket-ledger
「乗員手帳」
A seafarer's identity book issued by a competent authority, or a similar document for crew members.
Defined inArticle 2, paragraph (1), item (vi)· applies throughout the law
carrier
「運送業者」
A business that carries people or goods by ship or aircraft between Japan and places outside Japan.
Defined inArticle 2, paragraph (1), item (ix)· applies throughout the law