Egates: A Seamless Airport Experience

The global increase in air travel has led to the implementation of improved immigration control systems in airports worldwide. Automated Border Control (ABC) systems or eGates are automated self-service barriers that use data stored in a chip in biometric passports along with a photo or fingerprint to verify the passport holder's identity. Travellers undergo biometric verification using facial or iris recognition, fingerprints, or a combination of modalities. eGates provide a quick, seamless, and secure passage for eligible users, reducing queues and waiting times at security checkpoints.

E-gates are available at 7 international airports in Japan

E-Gates, or Electronic Customs Declaration Gates, are available at seven international airports in Japan. These include New Chitose Airport, Narita International Airport (except Terminal 3), Haneda Airport (except Terminal 2), Chubu Centrair International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and Naha Airport.

The E-Gates are designed to streamline the customs process for passengers, reducing congestion and shortening wait times. Passengers can make customs declarations electronically using terminals located in the customs inspection area while they wait for their checked baggage. After collecting their baggage, they can simply walk through the E-Gate without any further stops or delays.

To use the E-Gate, passengers must hold an IC (integrated circuit) passport, which contains their photo and personal information. They place this, along with a 2D code or QR code obtained from the "`Visit Japan Web`" or the Customs Declaration App, on the terminal scanner. The terminal then guides them through the customs declaration process. Face photos are taken at the terminal and again at the E-Gate for identification and facial recognition purposes, after which they are immediately deleted.

Even with electronic declarations, baggage may still be inspected by customs officers. Passengers using the E-Gate may be directed to the customs inspection desk for additional procedures, such as when they have personal effects beyond the duty-free allowance or unaccompanied articles. The system allows for convenience and flexibility, as children under 100 cm can pass through the gate with a family member.

Passengers must use an IC passport to pass through the e-gate

E-gates, or Electronic Customs Declaration Gates, are available at several international airports in Japan. They are designed to facilitate the smooth entry of passengers, shorten their waiting times, and reduce congestion at the customs inspection area.

To pass through an e-gate, passengers must use an IC (Integrated Circuit) passport. IC passports contain a small integrated circuit or chip, which stores the holder's personal and biometric data, including facial recognition data, fingerprints, and iris scans. This chip is embedded in the passport's cover and can be read electronically. The data on the chip can be compared to both the traveller and the travel document being presented, providing multiple layers of security and preventing duplication.

When using an e-gate, passengers must hold their IC passport and the 2D code over the terminal scanner and follow the provided guidance to complete their customs declaration. Face photos are taken at the terminal for identification and facial recognition at the gate, and passengers are asked to remove any face coverings, such as masks or sunglasses. After completing the customs declaration, passengers may proceed through the e-gate smoothly, with their carts or wheelchairs if needed, while their faces are scanned once more for facial recognition.

It is important to note that even with electronic declarations, customs officers may still inspect a passenger's baggage. Additionally, passengers with personal effects beyond the duty-free allowance or unaccompanied articles may be directed to the customs inspection desk for additional procedures after completing the electronic declaration.

Face photos are taken at the terminal for identification and facial recognition

At select airports, face photos are taken at the terminal for identification and facial recognition purposes. This is done to verify that the traveller's facial features match those on their identification documents. The photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made, except in a limited testing environment for the evaluation of the technology. Passengers who do not wish to participate in the facial recognition process may decline and choose an alternative identity verification process. This alternative process does not use facial recognition technology and will not cause any delay in the security screening process.

The face photos are taken at kiosks with an iPad affixed to it, with a security officer nearby. The photos are then matched to a photo from a government database, after which the traveller is allowed to proceed. This process does not require a physical ID or boarding pass.

The facial recognition technology is also used to verify a passenger's identity at the TSA checkpoint. This is done by creating a secure biometric template of a passenger's live facial image and matching it against a gallery of pre-staged photos that the passenger has previously provided to the government. Participation in this process is optional, and passengers can opt-out at any time and choose to go through the standard identity verification process.

The Electronic Customs Declaration Gates (e-Gates) are available at 7 international airports in Japan. At these airports, face photos are taken at the customs inspection area to verify identification with the photo inside the IC passport. Passengers are asked to remove any items that cover their face, such as masks or sunglasses. After completing the customs declaration procedures, passengers may proceed to the electronic declaration gate, where their face photos are taken once again for facial recognition.

Passengers can pass through the gate with carts or in a wheelchair

E-Gates, or Electronic Customs Declaration Gates, are available at several international airports in Japan. They facilitate the smooth entry of passengers, shorten their waiting times, and reduce congestion at the customs inspection area. Passengers with electrical declarations may still have their baggage inspected by customs officers.

Passengers using E-Gates must hold their IC passport and a 2D code over the terminal scanner and follow the provided guidance to complete their customs declaration. Face photos are taken at the terminal and gate for identification and facial recognition purposes and are deleted immediately after the passenger passes through the gate.

Passengers can pass through the E-Gate with carts or in a wheelchair. It is recommended to face forward and walk slowly when passing through the gate. Passengers with disabilities who require assistance are entitled to stay in their wheelchairs until they reach the gate. At the gate, their wheelchair will be replaced with an aisle chair if they cannot walk. The airline is required to promptly provide the requested assistance, which may include guide assistance or wheelchair assistance.

It is important for passengers with disabilities to self-identify and request assistance when they arrive at the airport. This can be done by selecting the 'Add special assistance' option when booking or managing a trip or by informing a team member at the airport. Early boarding and wheelchair assistance can also be requested at the gate.

Baggage may be inspected by customs officers even after electronic declaration

Electronic Customs Declaration Gates (e-Gates) are available at seven international airports in Japan. These include New Chitose Airport, Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and Naha Airport. The e-Gate system aims to facilitate the smooth entry of inbound passengers, shorten their waiting times, and reduce congestion at the customs inspection area.

Passengers can make customs declarations electronically using an electronic declaration terminal while waiting for their checked baggage. After picking up their checked baggage, passengers can walk through the e-Gate for customs clearance without stopping or waiting. To do this, passengers must hold their IC passport and the 2D code over the terminal scanner and follow the instructions to complete their customs declaration. Face photos are taken at the terminal for identification and facial recognition at the gate, and passengers are asked to remove any face coverings, such as masks or sunglasses.

Even with electronic declarations, baggage may be inspected by customs officers. This inspection process is authorised by the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) to ensure border security and the safety of the nation. Officers have the legal authority to search baggage and may ask travellers to place their opened baggage on the exam station. Passengers are advised to keep purchase receipts in an envelope in their carry-on bag to ease this process.

It is important to note that certain items may be exempt from duties, such as personal or household goods, gifts, and merchandise accompanying the traveller. However, items sent separately or not declared may not be eligible for duty-free exemption, and undeclared items risk being forfeited. Therefore, it is recommended to declare any items in doubt to customs.

Frequently asked questions