Take our user survey and make your voice heard.
A Justice Ministry council has recommended that Japan ease immigration procedures at airports for foreign professionals.
The council handed in its report to Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki this week, according to the Nikkei Shimbun.
Under an automated system called "Trusted Traveler," foreign business travelers who have been confirmed not to have any links to crime, would go through immigration much faster at unmanned automated gates, the Nikkei said. This system would be especially used by regular visitors to Japan, who have already had their fingerprints and passport data recorded.
The ministry said it hopes to eventually expand the system to all foreign travelers, but gave no schedule.
© Japan Today
3 Comments
Login to comment
Pukey2
Half the times, they either didn't have them at the particular area of the airport or it wasn't reading my passport (oddly enough it read a Japanese passport with no problems - thanks for nothing).
Yeah, I don't understand it either. I still end up having my photo and prints taken. If you want to see a REAL automated gate, try Hong Kong. You don't need any officer running up to set up anything or check anything. And there is NO difference between Hongkongers and permanent residents, regardless of nationality.
Yeap, frequent travellers have had quick entry facilities in Hong Kong for years. Once again, Japan (thinking of) playing catch-up.
Godan
I have been using the automated gate system since they first started it. Good point? No one seems to know it exists. Seriously, I have never seen anyone else use the gates.
BTW, it isn't really "automated" as there always seems to be someone running over to "man" the automated gate. They ask if I need a stamp for my passport and do something or another. Quite a strange system in place, IMO.
nath
That system is for Japan residents. This time they're talking for non-resident but frequent-travellers. Kind of like the APEC travel card system.