The cutting-edge facial recognition system to speed up departure passport controls had previously been only for use by Japanese nationals. As published on July 2, 2019, it will be used on departing foreign visitors at 7 national airports by 2020.
Automatization begins from Haneda Airport since July 2019
The facial recognition gates first become activated for foreign visitors from Haneda Airport, following by Narita International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, Centrair Airport, New Chitose Airport and Naha Airport. The system applies to short-term foreign visitors who stay in Japan for up to three months.
According to The Asahi Shimbun, it is believed that the automatization of embarkation procedures will help ease customs procedures and will allow more immigration staff to be tasked with other duties. The following video shows that it only takes less than ten seconds for an official at the Immigration Services Agency to clear the process, without any staff involved.
The scheduled launch at different airports
| Haneda Airport | July 24, 2019 |
| Narita International Airport | August 27, 2019 |
| Kansai International Airport | September 25, 2019 |
| Fukuoka Airport | October 8, 2019 |
| Centrair Airport | November 7, 2019 |
| New Chitose Airport | Mid-November, 2019 |
| Naha Airport | July, 2020 |
Eligibility
- Integrated circuit (IC) chip passport holder
- Able to use the machine by oneself
- Height not less than 135 cm
- Short-term foreign visitors only
