Use of facial recognition automated gates continued (notice)

• List of airports introducing facial recognition automated gates (FY2019) - PDF

The Immigration Services Agency is currently operating facial recognition automated gates in the departure and return procedures for Japanese nationals, and now, starting with Haneda Airport on July 24, 2019, implementation of the gates is being planned at Narita, Kansai, Fukuoka, Chubu Centrair, New Chitose, and Naha Airports for the departure procedures for foreign nationals. For further details of the planned schedule, please refer to the top part of the "List of airports introducing facial recognition automated gates (FY2019) - PDF."

There is no need to register in advance in order to use the gates.
In addition, Japanese nationals can use the gates in their departure and return procedures as usual.

Various efforts have been made with the aim of increasing the number of foreign visitors coming to Japan to 40 million by 2020 and 60 million by 2030 in order to realize the goal of a tourism-oriented country, and the role of immigration in this is to streamline the departure and return procedures for Japanese nationals and the departure procedures for foreign nationals through the use of facial recognition automated gates. This allows the Immigration Services Agency to allocate a greater number of immigration inspectors to the examinations of foreign nationals and to facilitate the immigration process while maintaining the strictness of the examinations.

Facial recognition automated gates check the identity of an individual by comparing the facial image in the IC chip of the IC passport with the photograph taken by the camera at the gate. If the identity of the individual is confirmed through the crosscheck and there are no problems, the individual is able to pass through the gate. If the individual uses the gate, there is no need to get a stamp in their passport from an immigration officer.

(Note) About the stamp

(Note) About photographs

The photographs taken at the facial recognition automated gates are used only for identity checks; they will not be stored.

1. When using the facial recognition automated gates, you must:
   • Have an IC passport
   • Be able to operate the machine by yourself
   • Be 135 cm or or taller
   • In the case of foreign nationals, in addition to the above, it is necessary that you stayed in Japan with the status of residence of "Temporary Visitor" and intend to depart from Japan. (Excludes departure with re-entry permission.)
2. If the gates cannot be used for some reason, such as failure to identify the person via facial recognition, please undergo the procedure at the examination booth.
3. Wearing a hat, sunglasses, mask, or having hair covering your eyes may interfere with facial recognition. Please remove any headwear or other items before taking the photograph.

You can undergo departure and return procedures by following the instructions on the display.

1. Passport reader
   The information page can be read regardless of whether it is placed on the left or right-hand side.
2. Exit guidance LEDs
   Once the process is complete, the LEDs light up to guide the person towards the exit.
3. Gate doors
   Exit doors open and close automatically.
4. Monitor and Cameras
   The half-mirror monitor displays instructions, and cameras behind the monitor take photographs.
5. Entrance LED
   User-friendly signs show people to proceed or to wait.

Reading your passport
By opening your IC passport to the information page and placing it face down on the passport reader with the flashing blue LED light, the machine will automatically be able to read the information on your IC passport.

Taking Photographs
The built-in camera at the facial recognition gates will take a photograph of your face. Face the camera and stay still until the photograph has been taken.
(Note) Please remove any hat, mask or sunglasses, and ensure your hair does not cover your eyes as this may interfere with facial recognition.

Passing through the gate
Once the facial recognition process is complete, the gate will open and you will be able to pass through it. If you use the facial automated recognition gates, you do not need to receive a stamp in your passport from an immigration officer. If you would like to receive a stamp, please ask the nearest immigration officer.