The Justice Ministry launched a new program Tuesday to allow repeat visitors to Japan to complete the immigration entry process at unmanned gates, a move aimed at cutting wait times.
Under the Trusted Traveler Program, the Immigration Bureau now lets low-risk travelers — such as foreign nationals who come to Japan often on business — use automated gates for short-term stays.
Automated gates are already in use at four major airports — Narita, Haneda, Chubu Centrair and Kansai. But they had only been available for Japanese nationals and foreign residents of Japan who pre-registered. The new initiative opens the gate for frequent visitors, a Justice Ministry official said Tuesday.