Travel

Haneda Airport Tests Combined Immigration and Customs System

TOKYO, Jan 25 (News On Japan) - In an effort to expedite the immigration and customs processes for the growing number of foreign travelers to Japan, a new system that consolidates both procedures was unveiled to the press on Thursday, set for trial implementation at Haneda Airport's international terminal.

The system, which begins operation on January 31, allows for the shared use of data between immigration and customs, enabling travelers to register just once for both passport and facial photograph verification. Currently, foreign travelers and Japanese nationals returning from abroad are required to register separately at both immigration for entry inspection and customs for baggage examination.

To utilize the new system, users must pre-enter the necessary information on an online site provided by the Digital Agency. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of foreign visitors to Japan last year exceeded 25 million, nearly 80% of the pre-pandemic figure, and further increases are expected. In light of this, alleviating congestion at airports has become a pressing issue.

by Brian Dentry

Source: NHK

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