Navigating international airports can often be a tiring experience, especially after a long flight. Japan is committed to making your arrival as smooth as possible, and one way they achieve this is through the Electronic Customs Declaration Gates, or e-Gates. Available at seven major international airports across Japan, these e-Gates are designed to expedite customs clearance, reducing wait times and congestion for arriving passengers.
Currently, you can find e-Gates operational at the following airports:
- New Chitose Airport
- Narita International Airport (excluding Terminal 3)
- Haneda Airport (excluding Terminal 2)
- Chubu Centrair International Airport
- Kansai International Airport
- Fukuoka Airport
- Naha Airport
At Haneda, Fukuoka, and Naha Airports, the process begins even before you reach the e-Gate itself. Passengers can utilize electronic declaration terminals while waiting for their checked baggage. This allows you to complete your customs declaration in advance. Once you have collected your luggage, you can proceed directly to the e-Gate for a quick and efficient customs clearance. It’s important to note that even with electronic declarations, customs officers may still conduct baggage inspections if necessary.
The Purpose of e-Gates
The primary aim of the e-Gate system is to enhance the entry experience for the ever-increasing number of international visitors to Japan. By streamlining the customs process, e-Gates significantly shorten waiting times and alleviate congestion in customs inspection areas, leading to a more pleasant and efficient airport experience.
How to Use the e-Gates: A Step-by-Step Guide
The e-Gate system is straightforward to use, involving three key steps:
1. Visit Japan Web: Your Digital Declaration Platform
Begin your e-Gate journey by accessing the “Visit Japan Web” platform. This website allows you to electronically input your customs declaration information prior to your arrival. You can access the platform via the 2D code provided below or by visiting the website directly. After entering your details, the system will generate a 2D code containing your declaration information.
https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/
For comprehensive information about Visit Japan Web, please refer to the Digital Agency website.
Please be aware that as of January 25th, 2024, the 2D codes for immigration and customs declarations on Visit Japan Web have been unified. Consequently, 2D codes generated by the previous Customs Declaration App are no longer valid. Ensure you are using Visit Japan Web for electronic customs declarations.
2. Electronic Declaration Terminals: Initiating Your Scan
Upon arrival at the customs inspection area of airports equipped with e-Gates, you will find electronic declaration terminals. To use these terminals, you will need your IC passport and the 2D code generated by Visit Japan Web.
Simply hold your IC passport and the 2D code over the terminal scanner. The terminal will guide you through the process of completing your customs declaration. Based on your declaration, the terminal will direct you to either the e-Gate or a customs inspection desk.
During the terminal procedure, a facial photo is taken to verify your identity against the photo embedded in your IC passport.
It is important to note that these facial photos are solely used for identification at the terminal and for facial recognition at the e-Gate. They are automatically deleted immediately after you pass through the gate, ensuring your privacy.
3. Electronic Declaration Gate: Seamless Passage
After successfully completing the declaration process at the terminal, proceed to the electronic declaration gate. As you pass through the gate, your face will be photographed again for facial recognition, allowing for a smooth and swift passage.
Even after using the e-Gate and declaring electronically, your baggage remains subject to inspection by Customs officers if deemed necessary.
Similar to the terminals, facial photos taken at the e-Gate are exclusively used for facial recognition and are deleted immediately after you pass through.
Important Points to Remember When Using e-Gates
To ensure a smooth experience with the e-Gates, please take note of the following:
- IC Passport Requirement: An IC passport is mandatory for using the e-Gates. Ensure your passport is an IC passport before attempting to use the system.
- Individual Processing: Each passenger, including families and groups, must complete the procedures at the terminal individually.
- Child Accompaniment: For convenience, children under 100 cm in height can pass through the gate together with a family member.
- Facial Recognition Clarity: For accurate facial recognition at both the terminal and the gate, please remove any face coverings such as masks or sunglasses.
- Potential Further Inspection: Even after completing the e-Gate procedures, you may be directed to a customs inspection desk for additional checks. This may occur in situations involving personal belongings exceeding duty-free allowances or unaccompanied articles.
- Smooth Passage: When passing through the gate, face forward and walk at a moderate pace to ensure proper recognition.
- Carts and Wheelchairs: Passengers are permitted to pass through the e-gates with luggage carts and wheelchairs, making it accessible for all travelers.
Explore More: PR Movies and Brochures
For a visual guide and further information, Japan Customs offers helpful resources:
PR Movies:
- [Have a smooth and comfortable trip.- The Electronic Customs Declaration Gate System-15sec](link to movie if available)
- [Have a smooth and comfortable trip.- The Electronic Customs Declaration Gate System-](link to movie if available)
Brochures:
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