Operations Division

• SOFA status personnel who arrived via Armed Forces Identification (AFID) card and military orders require a passport stamp to travel abroad from Japan while using their personal passport. Naval Forces Japan Exit-Reentry Permit Stamps are administered at the Military Customs Office, Bldg 727 (Air Terminal).

• The Naval Forces Japan Exit-Reentry Permit Stamp is valid for one year. Personnel stationed locally may renew an expired stamp at the Military Customs Office.

• Military Customs cannot stamp Japanese passports regardless of status. Individuals possessing Japanese passports must see Japanese Immigration for any updates or renewal.

• All SOFA status personnel transferring to MCAS Iwakuni via the Patriot Express may have an entry stamp put in their passport regardless of travel status.

Per MCASO 5500.4F

• Importing or possessing handguns is prohibited.

• U.S. forces personnel who comply with Japanese law may purchase and register shotguns, air or gas operated rifles, and sporting rifles used for hunting, skeet, or trap shoot.

• Storage and handling of firearms and dangerous instruments are prohibited in all BEQs/BOQs.

• Paintball guns cannot be stored in BEQs/BOQs; however, they may be stored in station armory.

• Authorization for storage in family quarters must be granted for approved shotguns, spear guns, and replica firearms whether or not they are capable of firing any type of projectile.

• If weapons are to be transported off-base you must register them with PMO and the Japanese police.

• A combination of both shotguns and rifles may be purchased and shipped from Japan to the U.S. by active duty military personnel. However, anyone desiring to exceed the maximum of 3 must obtain an import permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

• Swords [except with military uniform and nonfunctional (unsharpened blade) or swords sold for decorative purposes], stilettos, sabers, ice picks, daggers, machetes, spears, bow and arrows or other similar instruments are prohibited. Knives with blades longer than two and three eighths (2-3/8) inches or 6 centimeters are prohibited.

• Any SOFA personnel requiring to ship any type of privately owned firearms back to the United States may come to the Customs Office to fill out the proper paperwork. Instructions will be given regarding deregistration, storage and shipment of personal firearms.

Per MCASO 5500.4F

• Household utensils are exempt when utilized in the quarters.

• No vegetation of any kind may enter into the country of Japan.

• No fruits, vegetables, seeds, plants, or parts of plants.

• No unfinished wood products are permitted due to the possibility of insect infestation.

• Not more than 4 liters of any alcoholic beverages, of which 3 liters must be bottled in the United States and of U.S. manufacture, may be imported free of duty. The individual making the claim must be 21 years of age or over.

• Only over the counter or prescription drugs may enter the country of Japan. Any medication not in original medical bottle with the individual’s name and expiration date will be confiscated.

• Any medications that have been mixed into one bottle or are stored in a plastic baggy will be confiscated.

• This applies to both carry-on baggage and checked baggage.