Airport automatic clearance saves more time now — facial and fingerprint recognition takes just 10 seconds

▲ Starting March 8, the automatic clearance system now uses simultaneous facial and fingerprint recognition. (Photo / Provided by the Ministry of the Interior)

Lifestyle Center / Taipei Reporting

To save time, many passengers choose to use the airport's automatic clearance system. However, because the system uses segmented recognition — such as facial or fingerprint scanning — it often fails due to factors like hair covering the eyebrows or facial expressions, requiring passengers to use their index fingerprint for clearance instead. To enhance the efficiency of outbound passenger clearance, starting March 8th, the automatic clearance system has switched to “simultaneous facial and fingerprint recognition.” As long as one of the two methods succeeds, passengers can complete clearance in just 10 seconds, making the process much more efficient.

The automatic clearance system primarily identifies passengers using facial features. If a traveler’s facial recognition fails due to hair covering the eyebrows, facial expressions, or smiles, they can use their index fingerprint for secondary recognition to complete clearance. However, since the system previously used segmented recognition, it had to wait for facial recognition to fail completely before switching to fingerprint mode.

▲ After adopting simultaneous facial and fingerprint recognition, the automatic clearance process now only takes 10 seconds, saving even more time. (Photo / Screenshot from the National Immigration Agency website)

To reduce system recognition time and improve clearance efficiency, starting March 8th, the automatic clearance system has adopted simultaneous facial and fingerprint recognition. As long as either the facial features or fingerprints are successfully recognized, passengers can complete clearance in just 10 seconds, enjoying a more convenient and faster clearance experience.

The National Immigration Agency stated that travelers who have already applied for automatic clearance and submitted their fingerprints do not need to reapply. Those who previously applied with only facial images and no fingerprints can still be cleared using facial recognition. However, if they wish to further shorten clearance time, they can choose to re-register and submit their fingerprints to save time.

Travelers who have not yet applied for the automatic clearance system can register for free at the National Immigration Agency’s registration counters. Taiwanese nationals must be at least 14 years old, at least 140 cm tall, and carry their passport along with a second ID with a photo (choose one from an ID card, National Health Insurance card, or driver’s license). Foreign nationals aged 14 and above, residents from Mainland China, and Hong Kong and Macau residents who have residency status in Taiwan and hold multiple re-entry permits may also apply by bringing their passport and residence permit.