Automated gate entry at Haneda
 

I have visited the Visit Japan website and got our QR code for using the automated gate for entry at Haneda. Since the last time I visited, the process was not exactly automated as we did scan the QR code into the machine but there was no automated gate so we still had to wait in line. I am hoping now the process is improved so it will save us some time. However, I was told I still need to get the temporary visit stamp in my passport so I can get tax free shopping. Can someone point me to the correct counter/person to get the stamps after we exit the automated entry gate?

TIA

There is no automated gate for immigration unless you have a Japanese passport, or are a member of the TTP program. The automated gates are only for exiting the customs inspection area.

They recently introduced kiosks for fingerprinting/photographing pre-registered visitors arriving at certain airports, but if you use these, you still have to give your passport to an inspector and I believe you get the usual entry sticker at that time.

on Sunday at Haneda an immigration officer scanned the vjw and placed the 90-day sticker in my passport

kiosk for customs

Interesting, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for these next month at Haneda. The only concern is arriving at the wrong time and having one of the surly line matrons force you to line up instead of using the priority lane

that is crazy to let someone into a country using automated entry gates...hahahahahaha

I take it you haven't traveled that much in the developed world.

it is not automated. I presented my passport and iPhone to a human immigration officer. She placed the sticker and scanned the QR. She asked my purpose (tourist) and length of visit

I did see the kiosk before immigration but maybe for Japanese. Was guided to the officer

kiosk for customs but an officer still waves you through

same as olden days except you don’t have to fill out the physical I&C forms

I was genuinely surprised by the automated entry I saw in to Hong Kong in 2019. Huge line, but walked at a brisk pace without stopping, fully automated entry. Easiest border crossing I've done.

Thanks for all the response. Somehow ChatGPT and Gemini both were giving me the impression that there is automated gateway for visitors now. BTW, last April when I was there, we need to wait in the same line with everyone even we had the QR code and then got to the machine to scan in the QR code. While everyone else just moved past us, is it still the same "odd" arrangement? I saw some immigration counters with sign stating they were for pre-registered visitor but they were all closed.

AFAIK the newest NEC kiosks are only installed in HND T2/T3, KIX T1, and NRT T3, and they became fully operational in April after an earlier trial period at HND T2, so you may have missed them depending on exactly where and when you entered. FUK is supposed to get them by year end and NRT T1/T2 are supposed to get them by next March.

There are fully automated "walkthrough" gates for Japanese nationals, but foreigners have to get passport stamps after using the kiosks (though there is supposed to be a faster line for this).

OTOH the emigration kiosks at KIX were fully operational this summer - both the customs declaration and passport control. To the point that, to our surprise, our 8yo son went through unaccompanied (though a very friendly airport employee helped him out)!