You can enter Japan with a foreign registered vehicle using a Carnet de Passage. This guide explains everything you need to know about this important piece of paperwork….
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Carnet de Passage vs Temporary Import for foreign registered motorcycles in Japan
By Andy Davidson
Mad or Nomad - RTW motorcycle travellers
There’s not a lot of information online for motorcycle travellers and overlanders planning to take their vehicles into Japan. We struggled when we first started researching, and assumed it was going to be a real pain once we arrived. But, it’s nowhere near as tricky or as difficult as we thought.
Japan is a stickler for the rules. Everything has a process and there is no bend, sway or movement in that process. You must follow everything to the letter and that’s final. So, as long as you know the procedure and follow their rules, it’s straightforward.
This guide will explain everything you need to know…
Paperwork for motorcycle travellers in Japan
Before we get into the CDP vs TIP, we should add that this guide is part of the overall Japan Paperwork Guide. But as there’s so much info on the Carnet vs Temporary Import specifically, we wrote this as a standalone article.
If you are taking a foreign registered vehicle to Japan and for all the info on the paperwork requirements for Japan, see the below guide.
READ MORE: Japan Motorcycle Paperwork Explained
Carnet vs Temporary Import for Japan Overview
As of 2026, a Carnet de Passage is now the preferred and easiest way to get a foreign registered vehicle into Japan.
Before, you could use a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) if using a ferry from Russia or South Korea only.
However, customs at both ports have now stated they will only accept CDPs. You may find reports of travellers using TIPs, there are even reports on this site of successes, and we even personally entered with a TIP, but as of 2026, it is now unlikely you will be able to enter with one.
We explain the paperwork processes in detail in this article, but here is a quick overview to get your head around the documents.
Carnet de Passage for Japan
- You can use a CDP to enter Japan using air freight, sea freight or ferry services from Russia or South Korea.
- You can also leave Japan using the CDP.
- The CDP will allow your motorcycle to stay in Japan for up to one year.
- Your CDP must be translated by JAF before you can ride in Japan.
- As far as we understand, if you enter with a CDP, you can leave your bike in storage in Japan and fly out of the country. You must, of course, return and exit your bike out of the country before the CDP expires. This is something you must first check with customs though
Temporary Import for Japan
May 2026 update:
Russia – South Korea – Japan ferry with DuWon Ferries
DuWon got in touch with us to say that Sakaiminato Customs (where DuWon Ferries land in Japan) are no longer accepting entries with a TIP. All sailings with DuWon now require a CDP (special exceptions for TIPs are granted for South Koreans).
South Korea – Japan with Camellia Line Ferries
Camellia Ferries have refused a few travellers lately who have tried to book tickets with a TIP. However, reports have come in lately that there have been a few successes. We suggest emailing them to see.
You will find one recent report from 2026 in the South Korea to Japan ferry guide of a traveller who made it across with a TIP.
If neither ferry service will allow you to cross with a TIP, then that effectively makes a CDP compulsory.
- You can only use a TIP to enter Japan if you are using a ferry service, however, it appears DuWon and Camellia are only accepting CDPs now.
- According to customs in Japan, if you enter the country with a TIP on a ferry, then you must leave on a ferry. However, there have been plenty of travellers who have left by sea or air shipping. This is a grey area. There are special exceptions for South Koreans, so do check with the ferry company if this applies to you.
- You can not use a TIP to enter Japan by air freight or sea freight.
- The TIP will allow your motorcycle to stay in Japan for up to one year.
- You do not need any JAF translations.
Carnet de Passage for Japan
Customs locations
You will find all of the Japan Customs offices on a map here: customs.go.jp/map
And all of the email addresses for each office here: customs.go.jp/email
Temporary Import Permit for Japan
It used to be that you could enter Japan using a Temporary Import form C5014 if you are arriving by ferry from Russia or South Korea. However, both ferry services are no longer allowing foreign registered vehicles to enter with a TIP. You can always try asking them, but it is unlikely.
If Japan grants you the import, you will be allowed to keep your vehicle in Japan for one year and will be exempted from import tax. If you go over one year, you will have to pay the import tax (which is 20%, so don’t go over!).
If you enter via ferry, you must leave by ferry. Although there are cases of travellers managing to ship their vehicles out by sea or air (this is technically against the rules, but it depends on how you get your vehicle into the country and is a grey area).
READ MORE:
How to get a Temporary Import Permit for Japan
You can only use the Temporary Import at international passenger ferry ports like Sakaiminato and Shimonoseki, this means you can only enter Japan with a TIP if you are coming in using a ferry from Russia or South Korea. You can not use a TIP if you are shipping into Japan.
To Temporary Import your vehicle, you will use the C5014 form and will need to contact the ferry company you are using in advance. If you are arriving from South Korea or Russia then this will most likely be with DuWon Ferries or Camellia Lines.
To get the form in advance, visit this page: Japan TIP C5014
When you leave Japan, you will need to visit the customs building (there will be one right next to whichever port you are leaving from) and have your document stamped out. It’s a simple procedure. They will check your vehicle documents against the numbers on your bike and stamp your form to prove you’ve left.
A note from customs on the TIP
After speaking to and confirming with Japan customs, please note that Japan does not charge any fees for the temporary import/export procedures.
Additionally, there have been reports of some travellers needing to purchase a return ticket in order to get the TIP (see below). Japan customs has confirmed that you do not need to prove in advance the date of your return to South Korea or Japan. Therefore, there is no need to buy a return ticket for the ferry in advance.
However, the ferry service you are using may refuse this. In which case, we recommend contacting Japan customs.
Flying out of Japan with a TIP
The below information was kindly sent to us by John. Check out his excellent report of using the ferry and getting a TIP here: jbstrails.com/south-korea-to-japan
If you enter via ferry from South Korea with a temporary import, you can now leave by air or sea.
However, one traveller was recently told they need proof that they would exit Japan – for both him personally and his motorcycle.
For you personally, you can do this with a flight ticket. For your bike it can be done by booking another ferry ticket (and cancel it later) or by booking air or ship cargo for your motorcycle out.
Please note, John did have to work very hard to convince Camellia Line in South Korea to take the bike with a TIP. They initially rejected the idea and insisted on a Carnet.
He had to confirm with Japan Customs that a TIP was valid, then made contact with Camellia in Japan, and then waited another week for Camellia to consult with Japan Customs, and then they told Camellia Line in Korea to take him. It still took another week for them to process the paperwork. Hopefully, this will have broken the ice for future travellers and you won’t experience the same trouble.
Since this update, other travellers have reported that they have entered via TIP with less fuss and managed to ship out. Please contact the recommended shipping company for Japan (listed below) before entering.
Shipping a motorcycle to and from Japan
If you’re considering shipping your motorcycle or car into or out of Japan, then we have a recommended Japan shipping company. We recommend contacting them in advance before arriving in Japan to discuss shipping in or out using either the CDP or TIP.
You’ll find all their contact details on our International Motorcycle Shipping Companies Finder page. Simply click the below link, click Japan and you’ll find their website and email. They will be able to help with bringing your bike in and shipping it out as well as current paperwork requirements.
Note, we do know of one motorcycle traveller who managed to ship their bike into Japan and clear customs without the help of an agent.
Read more on motorcycle travel in Japan
Thanks for reading the Japan Carnet vs Temporary Import Paperwork Guide. We hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a few more articles on motorcycling in Japan that we recommend you read next. In the Japan Travel Guides section – you’ll find all our paperwork guides, route info, blogs and the best things to do in Japan there.
Try these next…
Are you planning a motorcycle trip in Japan? Do you have any questions, suggestions or updates? Let us know in the comments below.
May know the cost for temporary import documents?
The carnet admin charges is not cheap not to mention you need deposit.
Hi Dan, I don’t believe there was a charge for the temporary import document. If there is, it will be very minimal. Cheers, Andy
Do you know of any problems regarding emissions and imported bikes from USA to Europe? I have a 2014 KTM.
Hi Sam, for that you’re better of speaking to the company that’ll be handling your shipping as they’ll know all up-to-date requirements.
Visit out International Motorcycle Shipping Companies page and click on the country in Europe you’re planning on shipping to, in there you’ll find a list of great companies with contact details. I’d recommend getting in touch with them as they’re going to know specifics on emissions and can also help with the bike’s arrival etc.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Andy
Do you have an idea on the insurance? I tried to google but seems not much information available.
Hi Chek,
Yes, please have a look at our Japan Paperwork Guide as it explains insurance costs and how to purchase it.
Cheers,
Andy
Hi,
Who can I contact for the C5104 form? Tatiana no longer works for DBS Ferry and Yuri has not been able to help us.
Thank you
Hi Paolo, thanks for getting in touch. The C5104 form will be supplied and organised by whichever company you are using to ship your vehicle to Japan.
How are you transporting your vehicle there?
Cheers,
Andy
Hi,
thank you for your answer! We will come to Japan from South Korea and after 3 months we will come back to South Korea.
Brilliant! So no CDP, that’s great! Which company are you taking the ferry with from South Korea? Have you tried contacting them? If not, it will have to be arranged at customs at the port on arrival.
Cheers,
Andy
Yes, we want to avoid to do the CDP because we will travel with our van and the CDP it’s quite expensive.
We contacted Yuri to go from Vladivostok to South Korea but we don’t have any contact from South Korea to Japan yet.
We only know that we need to take the Camellia Line because we travel with our dog and cat and we must enter through designated ports 😂
Oh wow, you’ll travel with pets? I thought Japan was super strict on quarantining animals?
From SK to Japan with Camellia, are you saying they haven’t replied? Have you checked our article on the ferry with them, you may find more contact details there.
https://www.madornomad.com/how-to-catch-the-ferry-from-japan-to-south-korea/
Please do report back on here with how you get on and what the end result was, it will be very valuable for anyone else using this article.
Thanks and all the best!
Andy
After nearly a year, we are finally in Vladivostok, preparing to take the ferry to Korea and, eventually, Japan!
Our ferry schedule is as follows:
– Russia > Korea: September 5th
– Korea > Japan: December 2nd, returning on February 28th
We encountered some issues after purchasing our ferry tickets from Russia to Korea. The DBS agent informed us:
“Customs will only clear your car once you have confirmed the date you will leave Korea.”
This means that to bring your car from Russia to Korea, you must book your onward ferry ticket in advance—quite a challenge!
We immediately contacted Camellia Line (yjchoi@koreaferry.kr) and were informed that we would need a Carnet de Passages (CdP).
We also reached out to the customs office responsible for the Fukuoka area (moji-sodankan@customs.go.jp), and they provided the following information:
“When entering Japan, you can use Form C5014 for customs clearance related to the temporary import/export of automobiles. For more details, please contact the shipping company (Camellia Line).”
Additionally, they confirmed:
“Customs does not charge any fees for the temporary import/export procedures for automobiles.”
After forwarding this information to both DBS Ferry and Camellia Line, we received confirmation from both parties within a day.
If you plan to use a different port in Japan:
– Jurisdiction and Location of Japan Customs: https://www.customs.go.jp/english/common/map_e/index.htm
– Contact Email:
https://www.customs.go.jp/question_e.htm
Please note that the DBS Ferry route from Russia to Japan is still not operational.
—
Traveling with Pets
We owe a big thanks to “The Pack Track,” who traveled around the world by motorcycle with three dogs (one of whom visited 100 countries!).
We reached out to them, and they provided us with the necessary steps:
In your home country, you need to obtain the rabies antibody titration test and certificate.
In Vladivostok, you’ll need to:
– Visit the state veterinary clinic to register your cat in the Mercury system.
– Visit a veterinarian to complete Form F1. This form will be issued to you five days before your departure (for example, if you leave on the 5th, you’ll receive it on the 3rd).
– Take Form F1 to the port to obtain the certificate 5A the following day. Be sure to go early, as the process can be time-consuming.
This process is complicated, but we found all the necessary locations on iOverlander!
From Korea to Japan we didn’t find any ferry company that allow pet on board but you can take a very cheap fly from Busan to Fukuoka and it took only 1 hour!
We saw that it cost:
– 70 euro per person
– 15/20 euro small pet (like a cat)
Important:
You can only enter Japan after 180 days, so plan accordingly!
While our rabies vaccine is valid for three years, in Russia, it’s only recognized for one year. We discovered this in Vladivostok and had to get another shot. Our cat is four years old and has had seven rabies shots—insane!
—
Camping Car Information
If you’re traveling from Russia to Korea, you cannot leave personal items in your camping car (camping gear, kitchenware, clothing, etc.).
Fortunately, you can bring up to three bags per person, with a total weight of 50 kg, onto the ferry. You can find affordable Chinese bags in Vladivostok.
If you’re traveling from Korea to Russia, this restriction doesn’t apply.
Best regards,
Paolo and Sara
Vandipety team
Hi Paolo and Sara,
Thank you very much for updating this page with this super comprehensive info.
That’s very kind of you both and we really appreciate it!
We’re looking forward to hearing how you get on with your crossings in December and February.
Let’s get in touch and we’ll update all our Russia/Japan/South Korea ferry pages accordingly.
Thanks again and all the best,
Andy
New update
I just ask to the Japanese Customs if it’s required to buy the return tickets in advance and they told me no 🙂
“When you bring your car to Japan temporarily, you do not need to prove to customs in advance the date of your return to Korea. Therefore, there is no need to buy a return ticket for the ferry in advance.”
Hi Paolo, thank you very much for this update. That’s really good to hear!
I assume you’re taking the ferry from South Korea to Japan and using a Temporary Import Permit to enter? Will you be going back to South Korea after, or shipping out of Japan?
Thanks,
Andy
Hi, i plan on staying in japan for a couple of months and wanted to bring my bike over, but a lot the info i found online says i need japanese residency to be eligible for mandatory inspections and insurance, and as a result I can’t bring my bike as a tourist. Is that required for the methods you provided?
Hi Danny, we had our bike in Japan for a very long time, way longer than a couple of months and we did not need to be a resident.
How are you importing your bike to Japan? Via RoRo or shipping? If shipping it in, get in touch with Sanyo – you can find their details on the Japan Shipping Companies page (just tell them Andy from Mad or Nomad sent you and i’m sure they’ll help you out). They will be able to advise on the exact procedures.
And in the meantime, please send me a link to where you found online that it says you need to have Japan residency.
Cheers,
Andy
This site was really helpful, thanks. I live in Busan and am planning to go on a little roadtrip in Japan for a month this winter with my car. Will get in touch with Camellia eventually and report back in January. Cheers – AD
Hi AD, thanks for your comment. Glad to hear you’ve found our site helpful! 🙂
Awesome to hear about your trip, and that would be fantastic if you could report back here. Thank you.
Looking forward to hearing your update in January.
Cheers,
Andy
Good to hear that a foreign vehicle can enter Japan with TIP. Any idea if it is possible the person to leave Japan for a week and then return without the vehicle still stays in Japan? Thanks.
Hi Star,
Thanks for your comment, we left our motorcycle and flew out of Japan and returned a month later and didn’t have any issues at all.
The important thing is that your vehicle exits the country before the TIP expires.
Of course, things change, so they may not allow this anymore and so I can’t be 100%, but it was fine when we did it.
If you do this, please let us know how it goes,
Thanks and good luck,
Andy
This information seems to be catered towards travelers. Do you know where I can look to find information on importing and registering my motorcycle for a permanent move to japan (from the U.S.)?
Hi Robert, I would contact Sanyo Logistics in Japan and ask them about permanent export, they’ll be able to help with receiving your bike and are likely to know.
You can find their details and email here: Japan Shipping Companies
Cheers and best of luck
Andy
Thank you Andy!
Hi Andy,
Thank you for creating such an inspirational space that nurtures great adventures! Your website has been incredibly valuable for planning my journey.
I am considering traveling from the UK to Japan and have read all the posts here and made several contacts based on your guidance. I now have one specific question and would greatly appreciate your insight:
If I use RoRo shipping directly from Southampton to Nagoya port and show up at the port when my vehicle arrives, do you think I can obtain a TIP (Temporary Import Permit)? I understand that if you travel with the vehicle, you are able to gain such a permit, but I’m wondering what happens when the driver and vehicle arrive separately?
Any advice or experience you could share would be tremendously helpful for my planning.
Thank you again for all the incredible work you do!
Best regards,
Zhifeng
Hi Zhifeng, thank you for your comment and kind words on the website – much appreciated.
Great news to hear about your travels to Japan!
That’s very interesting to hear you’re looking to use a RoRo service to get your vehicle from the UK to Japan – and not something i’ve heard anyone doing before.
When you fly a motorcycle in, you need a Carnet – so I can only assume it’s the case for shipping it in.
The difference is if you’re using the ferry from South Korea, then you can obtain a TIP.
So if you are shipping it in, I assume they will treat it like air cargo and require a Carnet.
The difficulty is how long the vehicle will be in Japan at the port before you arrive to collect it. As storage fees and port fees can very quickly add up.
But, typically, TIPs and Carnets are not tied to whether or not the owner arrives with or without the vehicle, they are just the documents issued in order to release the vehicle. So you not arriving with the vehicle shouldn’t make a difference.
However, it’s Japan, they’re very particular and as this isn’t a situation i’m familiar with I can’t say for sure.
I would contact Sanyo Logistics. Tell Mr Iwashima that I send you and I’m sure he will be able to advise you. You may need to employ their services (or another company if you prefer) to help you release your vehicle from customs. They will be able to tell you if you can do it with a TIP or if you will need a Carnet. Because typically, if you fly in you will need a Carnet – and it will also depend on how you plan on leaving Japan.
I’m sorry I can’t give you definitive information on this.
Please do report back on here and let us know how you get on, it would be great to add the updates for future travellers planning the same route.
Cheers and all the best,
Andy
Hello,
Thank you for these very useful information! Do you have any ideas about bringing in a car registered in Switzerland? Seems a bit more complicated and I have trouble getting accurate informations about Japan. Everything is OK on the russian side with Yuri.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Hi Genika,
Thanks for your comment,
I would contact Japan customs so you know the exact answer.
Importantly, Japan uses the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic which means you’ll need a 1949 IDP from Switzerland – if you can get one.
Glad to hear things are going well with Yuri. Please tell him I said hi.
Best of luck and also please do report back on here with how you get on, as I’m sure other travellers will be really interested to know too.
Cheers
Andy
This site is really useful! We are planning a trip to Japan from Hungary in the summer of 2026, and we’ll use the C5014 to get the TIP.
Camellia Line rejected us, and they would only be willing to take us with a carnet, but Chloe from DW ferries helped us out, so we will be sailing with them from Vladivostok-Sakaiminato-Donghae-Vladivostok.
Hi Gyorgy, thank you for your comment and i’m really glad to hear you have found our website helpful! Great news 🙂
I just wanted to check your comment for clarity – and for others who are readying…
DW Ferries sales from Russia to South Korea
Camellia Line sales from South Korea to Japan
You said Camellia Line rejected you but DW Ferries helped you out and now you are sailing with them.
Do you mean DW helped you get a booking on Camellia Line between SK and Japan?
Are you going from Russia – SK – Japan?
Thanks,
Andy
Hi Andy,
No, Camellia is out of the game. We’ll be sailing with DW (DuWon Ferries) all the way from Vladivostok, stopping in Donghae, and arriving in Sakaiminato on the same ship.
DW is currently operating on this route. Their vessel, Eastern Dreams, is in Sakaiminato, Japan at the moment and is heading back to South Korea. I just checked the ship’s status on MarineTraffic.
On the way to Japan, we’ll stay on the ship, but on the return journey we’ll disembark in Donghae and arrive back in Vladivostok two weeks later.
So yes, it is possible to purchase a ticket with DW Ferries from Vladivostok to Sakaiminato, and this route is operating.
Chloe from DW Ferries has been really helpful and confirmed that entering Japan with a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) is accepted.
The only issue is that tickets are currently being sold only until May, but she promised to notify me as soon as summer-season tickets become available.
Best regards,
György
Hi Gyorgy,
Thank you very much for your reply – this is news to me! DW did not previously sail with foreign registered vehicles from Vladivostok to Japan.
I will look into this and speak to DW and update this guide as soon as possible.
When is your sailing?
And of course, please do come back to us on here once you have completed the trip with how it all went and any updates for future readers.
Thanks Gyorgy.
Andy
Hi Andy,
Our sailing is planned for late July or early August.
Of course, we’ll be happy to share our experience after the trip!
Cheers,
György
Hi György,
Thank you for the detailed update — very helpful to know DW Ferries is operating this route and that Chloe confirmed TIP is accepted at Sakaiminato customs.
Could I ask: has Sakaiminato customs actually accepted your TIP request yet, or is that still pending? The reason I ask is that I had a very difficult experience trying to do exactly this a while back. I waited two weeks in Vladivostok, sent a large number of emails, and made multiple calls to Mr. Konishi, who was the responsible officer at the time — but in the end I was not granted a TIP and had to abandon the idea of shipping my UK-registered car to Japan entirely.
I would love to try again this year, so I’m very curious whether things have changed on the customs side. If you have any insights or contacts that made the process smoother, I’d be grateful to hear them.
Thank you and safe travels!
Zhifeng
Guys, bad news. We’re leaving Europe for Japan in one month, entering by ferry from Russia and leaving the same way back.
But the Japanese authorities have become much stricter recently, and right now it seems you can only enter Japan with a Carnet, even if you fully meet the TIP requirements. This information came directly from the ferry company we’ll use to cross into Japan.
At the moment, Sakaiminato Customs does not accept TIPs. When I contacted their supervising authority in the Kobe district, they confirmed that the TIP system still officially exists, but if the local customs office decides to apply stricter rules, then those are the rules you have to follow.
Hi Gyorgy, thanks for posting the update.
All the best with your trip. And as you now have a CDP for Japan, I hope it all goes smoothly.
Cheers
Andy
Hi, I don’t think Japan has become stricter in general, but rather that this is a specific issue with the direct Vladivostok-Sakaiminato route. If you stop in Korea and take the ferry from Busan to Fukuoka, there’s no problem with the TIP.
We entered twice with the TIP and are now shipping the camper to Canada without any issues. Other couples (French, Italian, and Polish) have also entered with the TIP without difficulty. I’d suggest contacting the Fukuoka customs office directly to confirm.
It remains the most expensive solution, but at the moment it’s the only reliable option that works.
Hi Paolo,
Thanks for adding this info. Can I ask which ferry service you took? And when you entered with a TIP?
Was it with Camellia Line? Because if so, they have tightened up recently and are not allowing passengers without CDP the last I heard.
Thanks again for your update.
Cheers,
Andy