Fukuoka Airport to Install Joint Immigration and Customs System
Ruka Shinozaki from Nikkei:
Travelers arriving in Japan must go through immigration, which verifies their eligibility to enter the country, as well as a customs inspection for illegal items. At each station, travelers submit their passport and declaration information. Consolidating the system will shorten the procedures for inbound tourists and Japanese residents returning from overseas.
The airports will use "joint kiosks" that let passengers submit all necessary information for entry at once. The system verifies identity by using a photo, fingerprint scanning and other information submitted in advance of arrival.
Great. Next let’s get rid of the paper re-entry permits that get stapled into my passport every time I leave the country.