## (4) Study on Expanded Use of the Automated Gates in the Departure Procedures for Foreign Nationals

The “Tourism Vision Realization Program, 2016” (Tourism Vision Realization Action Program 2016) (decision of the Ministerial Council on the Promotion of Japan as a Tourism-Oriented Country of May 2016) outlined a plan to expand the use of the automated gates in the departure procedures for foreign nationals in order to reduce the time required for the departure procedures at airports in Japan. Based on this, as well as conducting research and surveys related to expansion of the use of automated gates in the departure procedures for foreign nationals in FY 2016, consideration was given to the range of users of the automated gates in the departure procedures for foreign nationals, matters necessary for system renovation and methods of installing the automated gates in the departure examination halls.

## Article “Tourism Vision” and Efforts of the Immigration Bureau

In March 2016 the “Tourism Vision to Support the Future of Japan” of the “Council for the Development of a Tourism Vision to Support the Future of Japan” chaired by Prime Minister Abe outlined the goal of aiming for 40 million visitors by 2020 and 60 million visitors by 2030.

As efforts of the Immigration Bureau, we will be implementing the following measures in order to introduce the world's first immigration control package, to utilize the world's most advanced technology and to realize innovative immigration examinations.

○ Advance acquisition of personal identification information through the implementation of Bio Carts utilizing the time spent waiting in line for an immigration examination (implemented at Kansai Airport, Takamatsu Airport and Naha Airport in 2016. Also expanded to 12 airports such as Narita Airport from April 2017, with further consideration to be given to the need to expand the applicable airports in light of the status of implementation at these airports and the situation of airports without Bio Carts.)

○ Implementation of pre-clearance for advance acquisition of personal identification information at airport of departure and simplification of the procedures at the time of entry at the earliest possible date (aim for early start of operations in FY 2018).

○ Realization of the use of the automated gates not just by business persons but by foreign tourists, etc. as trusted travelers (aim for implementation by 2020)

○ Introduction of the world’s most advanced facial recognition technology in the departure and return procedures for Japanese nationals (advance implementation at Haneda airport on October 18, 2017, aim for full-scale introduction in FY 2018)

○ Expansion of the use of the automated gates in the departure procedures for foreign nationals (promptly consider expanding the range of users of the automated gates at the time of departure utilizing personal identification information)

Based on these, the Immigration Bureau has implemented commencing operation of the Trusted Traveler Program (November 1, 2016), expanding of airports introduced Bio Carts (April 2017) and commencing advance operation of facial recognition automated gates (October 18, 2017).