Many foreign residents will soon be leaving the country for Christmas vacation, and I'm sure you have all heard about the new immigration procedures for when you return. Politics aside, there has been a lot of talk over here at japan-guide about the logistical aspects of the system and whether or not it is beneficial for resident aliens to preregister for immigration. If you aren't aware, there are special automatic gates at immigration that you can preregister for and possibly speed up your reentry time.
Here's the specific details regarding preregistration:
To Preregister:The most convenient place to preregister is at Narita. It is only available at Terminal 1 South Wing and Terminal 2 South Wing Immigration. There is a special desk set up inside the immigration area beyond the security checkpoints. You need your passport, alien registration card, and a re-entry permit. You must fill out a simple form and there are instructions in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. They input your info into the computer as well as take your fingerprints and picture. You then proceed to a special desk where they show you how to scan your passport and fingerprints. There is an automatic gate for Immigration leaving Japan but it is only available for Japanese nationals. This means that while there is the option of using the preregistration system to speed up your exit from Japan, the option is only available to Japanese nationals.
Notes: press down hard on the fingerprint reading machines. Keep pressing even when the lights on them turn green. That just means that they are reading and not that you are done. If in doubt, keep pressing. Also, you may need to moisten your fingers (moistener is provided) as the readers have trouble reading dry skin.
The process takes 10-20 minutes per person not including waiting in line time. I would give yourself at least an extra hour if you plan to do this. If you are running late I would skip preregistration.
When returning to Japan:The automatic gates are only available at Narita airport Terminal 1 South Wing and Terminal 2 South Wing. We are currently unconfirmed on how the automatic process works but if the preregistration walk through is any indication then it is not really an automatic process at all. More of a self service desk where you swipe your own passport, take your own fingerprints, then show your passport to an immigration officer for stamping (who is supervising you the whole time). Considering that your passport must be stamped, I don't see how the process can ever be fully automated.
As for the north wing of terminal 1, as well as the north wing of terminal 2, there is a new re-entry permit holders line between the Japanese and foreigners' lines. It has orange signs that say ''re-entry permit holders.'' Preregistration is not necessary to use these lines. The process is the same as for people in the foreigners' line. You present your passport, take fingerprints, and get your picture taken. Takes about 30 seconds at the desk. Pretty much the same as before the new system was implemented. Since re-entry permit holders now have their own line it has potentially shortened the waiting time at immigration as we can use both the special line and the foreigners' line.
Is preregistration necessary?In my opinion, yes and no. Unless you arrive at either terminal's south wing at Narita airport then you will see no benefit; however, if you go through the South Wings or either terminal then you won't be able to take advantage of the Automatic gates unless you preregister. If you can find out which wing you will enter through then you can determine if you'll want to preregister. Otherwise immigration line wait times seem unchanged from before, if not slightly improved because of increased staff and the new re-entry permit holders' lines.
See the official Ministry of Justice instructions here:
http://www.moj.go.jp/NYUKAN/nyukan63-9.pdfHere's another thread on this topic:
http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?2191+438...
