The typical work-flow of an automatic border control system (eGate)
Automated border control systems (ABC) or eGates are automated self-service barriers which use data stored in a chip in biometric passports along with a photo or fingerprint taken at the time of entering the eGates to verify the passport holder's identity. Travellers undergo biometric verification using facial or iris recognition, fingerprints, or a combination of modalities. After the identification process is complete and the passport holder's identity is verified, a physical barrier such as a gate or turnstile opens to permit passage. If the passport holder's identification is not verified or if the system malfunctions, then the gate or turnstile does not open and an immigration officer will meet the person. E-gates came about in the early 2000s as an automated method of reading the then-newly ICAO mandated e-passports.
All eGate systems require the use of an e-passport that is machine readable or an identity card. Some countries permit only specific nationalities to use the automated border crossing systems, e.g. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens or AUS/CAN/JPN/KOR/NZL/SGP/UK/US passport bearers, etc. For all other nationalities, citizens must go to immigration officers to be questioned and then have their passports stamped. They come in different configurations, including a gate, kiosk and gate, or mantrap kiosk, and the process for each setup is the same for departing and arriving passengers.
In the gate configuration, an incoming passenger places their passport data page either on or under a scanner, looks at a camera that will take a live picture to compare to the picture in the passport, and walks through a set of barriers that will open if the citizen's identity is verified. At either the passport scan or photo stage, if either identity cannot be verified or a malfunction happens, an immigration officer will step in at that point. Fingerprint and/or iris scans can also be taken depending on the system.[2] In the kiosk and gate configuration, a passenger approaches a kiosk for a facial, finger and passport scan. They then proceed to a set of doors and pass through using their fingerprint. In the mantrap kiosk configuration, a passenger walks through a first set of barriers to a kiosk for a facial, finger and passport scan. They then proceed out through a second set of barriers.
The number of e-gate units deployed globally is expected to triple from 1,100 in 2013 to more than 3,200 in 2018, according to a 2014 report by Acuity Market Intelligence. Most e-gates have been deployed in airports in Europe, Australia and Asia.[3]
Privacy issues
Automated border control systems typically collect personal information such as the information on the biometric page of the passport: name, sex, date of birth, passport number, passport photograph, nationality, and the country of origin of the passport.
Other information may also be collected, such as travel details, and the facial biometric template.
Travellers’ passport booklets are typically no longer stamped if they are processed by eGates.
SmartGate is an automated self-service border control system operated by the Australian Border Force and located at immigration checkpoints in arrival halls in eight Australian international airports. SmartGates allow Australian ePassport holders and ePassport holders of a number of other countries to clear immigration controls more rapidly, and to enhance travel security by performing passport control checks electronically.[4] SmartGate uses facial recognition technology to verify the traveller's identity against the data stored in the chip in their biometric passport, as well as checking against immigration databases.
Travellers require a biometric passport to use SmartGate as it uses information from the passport (such as photograph, name and date of birth) and in the respective countries' databases (i.e. banned travellers database) to decide whether to grant entry or departure from Australia or to generate a referral to a customs agent.[5]
The SmartGates require travellers to look as much like their passport photo as possible, which may require removing accessories such as glasses, hats, or masks when using the SmartGate.
Requirements
Departing travellers, regardless of age and nationality, can use the SmartGates if they have an ePassport or machine-readable passport and can independently use the machine.[6] Arriving travellers must meet the following conditions:[7]
Be aged 16 or older (or aged 10–15, if an Australian citizen being accompanied by at least 2 adults)
Hold a valid Australian passport, or an ePassport (biometric passport) issued by one of the following jurisdictions:
The first trials of SmartGate began in 2002 with Qantas aircrews.[8] The trials were expanded in 2004 to include over 1,000 Qantas platinum frequent flyers, and in 2007 it was launched to the public at Brisbane Airport.[4]
Since October 2005, Australia has issued only biometric passports, called ePassports. As the validity of Australian passports do not exceed 10 years, all previous Australian passports have now expired and are now biometric.
In May 2015, the Australian Government announced that SmartGate will be launched at air and sea ports, using solely biometrics to identify and process arriving passengers, with a goal of processing 90% of air travellers automatically by 2020. The introduction of biometric arrivals, under the Seamless Traveller initiative, is expected to cost approximately AUD93.7m over 5 years and be completed by March 2019.
Bahrain
Bahrain International Airport has 12 departure e-gates and 8 arrival ones. They require taking photos or fingerprints depending on the directions the machine prompts for passengers. Those currently eligible to use it are: Bahraini citizens using their passports or ID cards, GCC citizens using their biometric passports, residents of Bahrain using their passports or ID cards, and visitors holding multi-entry visas using their biometric passports (after an initial successful arrival at the immigration counter).[9]
Most major Canadian airports use Primary Inspection Kiosks to screen returning Canadian citizens and permanent residents. These machines have meant that there is no longer a requirement at most major airports to complete a customs declaration form for returning citizens and residents. These machines take a photo, but may also require a fingerprint if the individual is not Canadian citizen.[10] These machines have been heavily criticized by travellers as the setup of these machines creates disruptive passenger flow (as opposed to eGates elsewhere), in addition to the printing of the receipt at the end of the inspection process, negating the original intent of cutting the use of paper.[citation needed]
Travellers must present their receipt obtained from the Primary Inspection Kiosk to a border officer, who will triage in seconds, whether the traveller needs to line up to speak with a border officer for further questioning. The border officer assigned to triage may ask the traveller a question or two, but often directs passengers almost immediately after seeing the traveller's form.
eGates were introduced in Terminal 1 of Toronto Pearson International Airport in June 2022 as part of a pilot project with the aim of reducing delays.[11] eGates, however, still require travellers to speak to a border officer after completing their declaration.[12]
Members of the NEXUS program for trusted travellers may use a special lane with different requirements for identification.[13]
European Union and Schengen Area
The European Union funded project FastPass, one of the Seventh Framework Programs (FP7), aims to develop and demonstrate a harmonized, modular reference system for European automated border crossing points.[14] Another FP7 project is the ABC4EU project, the primary goal of which is to make border control more flexible by enhancing the workflow and harmonizing the functionalities of ABC e-gates.[15]
Most ABC systems in member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) (which includes all the member states of the European Union together with the EFTA states of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and in Switzerland are available for citizens of the EEA and Switzerland to use since, according to Council Regulation (EC) No 2252–2004, all passports and travel documents issued by EFTA and EU member states shall comply with minimum security standards, and passports must incorporate a storage medium (a chip) that contains the holder's facial image and fingerprints.[16]
It was planned that, except for Denmark, Ireland and the UK (which is no longer an EU member state), EU passports would have digital imaging and fingerprint scan biometrics placed on their RFID chips.[17] This combination of biometrics aims to create an unrivalled level of security and protection against fraudulent identification papers. Technical specifications for the new passports have been established by the European Commission.[18] The specifications are binding for the Schengen agreement parties, i.e. the EU countries, except Ireland and the UK, and three of the four European Free Trade Association countries – Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.[19] These countries were obliged to implement machine readable facial images in the passports by 28 August 2006, and fingerprints by 29 June 2009.[citation needed] According to EU requirements, only nations that are signatories to the Schengen acquis are required to add fingerprint biometrics.[20]
Austria
Vienna International Airport have been using the E Gates automated border control system given from Secunet to provide a very convenient and efficient border control system.
Prague Airport was the first airport in Eastern Europe to offer its passengers an automatic passport control at the E-Gate. It can be used by passengers arriving in Terminal 1[22] and is based on the German EasyPASS border control system.
Denmark
Copenhagen Airport has installed self-service passport control at the beginning of Pier C.
The automated border control system is operated by the Finnish Border Guard and is based on the biometric identification of passengers. A real-life picture is taken to compare individual facial dimensions with the photograph held on the chip in the passport. Passengers travelling with an infant or with a wheelchair still need to choose the manual border control line.
The Finnish Border Guard will implement automated border checks for all nationalities.
Helsinki Airport has dozens of automated passport machines. These can be used by travellers who have an e-passport (biometric passport).
Citizens of EEA, Switzerland and Japan can use the passport machines at arrival and departure.
Citizens of United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can use the passport machines whenever they are departing.
France
PARAFE gates are operated by the direction centrale de la police aux frontières and located at immigration checkpoints at major French border controls and offer an alternative to using desks staffed by immigration officers. The gates used fingerprint technology and facial recognition to verify the user's identity against the data stored in the chip in travellers' biometric passports. Facial recognition gates have replaced finger recognition gates. Facial recognition is now confirmed as available at all Parafe-hosting border controls.
For the finger recognition gates, French, Luxembourg, Belgian and German passport holders were pre-registered, while other passports had to go to a border police officer for registration.[25] While the online documentation has not been updated, at least some other European passports work without pre-registration. It is known that German passports work without pre-registration. German passports, like French passports (but unlike British passports), have fingerprint information encrypted in the passport chip. Other EEA/Swiss passports with fingerprint information encrypted in the passport chip might work as well.
Parafe gates are available at the following locations:
Electronic passport holders of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States that are aged 18 can also use the eGates in the Flight Connections Area of Dublin International Airport if they are in transit with an onward flight to a destination outside of the Common Travel Area.[29]
There are proposals to extend the service to non-European citizens. Irish Passport Cards can, as of 1January2020,[update] be used.[30]
Italy
E-Passport gates are operated by the Polizia di Frontiera and located at selected immigration checkpoints in non-Schengen arrival and departure halls in some airports across Italy, offering an alternative to using desks staffed by immigration officers. The gates use facial recognition technology to verify the user's identity against the data stored in the chip in their biometric passport. The eGates can also accept the Italian Electronic Identity Card, providing that is valid for foreign travel and issued after 7 February 2018.
Passengers who are over 12 years old and hold a passport from the following countries may use the E-Passport Gates. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian.
Passport booklets are no longer stamped if using eGate as a matter of principle (all entries and exits are recorded in a national database since 2010), however, travelers that are exiting Schengen area through another country may experience difficulties if their passport hasn't been stamped on arrival. Officers are available next to the eGates to stamp passports on request. Following the introduction of the EU-wide Entry/Exit system, passports stamps won't be available for all travelers regardless if they're using eGates or not, and even on request.
At present, eGates are available at twenty international airports:
The Netherlands Marechaussee has rolled out e-gates in the Netherlands over the past few years.[when?] They work by scanning facial information from the passport and, using facial recognition the image on the chip is compared to an image captured of the traveller. Currently, there are there are 78 eGates at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. They are located in the arrival, departure and transfer areas.
The e-gates require the use of a biometric passport.
On arrival and departure, the e-gates can be used by European Union, European Economic Area and Swiss citizens aged 14 and over.
On departure, the following citizens, aged 14 and over may use the e-gates as well:[38]
For non-EU citizens, the passports will be manually stamped by a border official after using the gates.
Norway
The EasyPass system was introduced in 2012. Two automated self-service passport control units were put in place, designed in collaboration with the National Police Directorate.
Oslo Airport was the first in Norway to implement self-service passport control. Initially only Norwegian passport holders were eligible.[39] In the autumn of 2017, eight new e-gates were installed for departing passengers, and during 2017, twelve were installed on arrival.[40]
Norway, Switzerland and European Economic Area citizens can use the ePassport gates to enter the country provided that they are aged 12 and over and hold a valid biometric passport.[41]
On departure only, the RAPID4ALL e-gates can be used by travellers aged 18 and over holding a valid biometric passport from the European Economic Area or Switzerland or a Portuguese ID card, as well as the following non-EU countries (provided that they entered the Schengen Area through Portugal and have are not overstayed the limit):[43]
After a non-EU/EEA citizen clears the e-gate, a border police performs the final verification and affixes a passport stamp.
Romania
Romania installed their first e-gates in March 2021. The ABC gates can be used by citizens of the European Economic Area and Switzerland who hold a biometric travel document (passport or identity card) and are over 18 years old.
The gates check people's travel documents, by comparing the facial image from the electronic chip of the passport/identity card with the one captured from the person physically present at the border control, to carry out the process of identification. The gates are connected to the Information System of the Border Police and allow checks to be carried out by querying the databases and access to the relevant operative information.
Currently, they are only available at Bucharest's Henri Coanda International Airport. There are 6 e-gates for departing passengers but the Romanian Border Police intends to install up to 24 e-passport gates at Henri Coanda International Airport. The Romanian Border Police also intends to install e-gates throughout other airports in Romania in the future.[44]
Spain
At some of the Spanish borders, Automated Border Control (ABC) is available to citizens of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and United Kingdom who are aged 18 and over with ePassports, as well as Spanish ID cards, at immigration halls, operated by the Spanish National Police. They come in either a gate, kiosk and gate, or mantrap kiosk configuration.
In the gate configuration, a passenger places their passport on a reader, looks at a camera and walks through a set of barriers. Finger scans are sometimes taken depending on the type of gate. Spanish Airports are replacing original kiosk/mantrap gates with these from providers such as Minsait and Everis. These gates also enable departing passengers to use them.
In the kiosk and gate configuration, a passenger approaches a kiosk for a facial, finger and passport scan. They then proceed to a set of doors and pass through using their fingerprint.
In the mantrap kiosk configuration, a passenger walks through a first set of barriers to a kiosk for a facial, finger and passport scan. They then proceed out through a second set of barriers.
Automated Border Control is available at the following locations:
Automated passport controls were introduced at Zürich Airport in May 2018. Currently as of 2024, all passengers over 18 who are holders of biometric passports issued by Switzerland and European Economic Area member states are eligible to use them on bo the departure and arrival.[45]
Hong Kong
e-Channel machines at Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong's e-Channels are situated at all border crossing points. A person who holds a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) inserts the card into a slot to enter the first eGate and then has their thumbprint scanned to pass through the second eGate.[46]
The Automated Passenger Clearance System was introduced by the Hong Kong Immigration Department in 2004 and designed to speed up border immigration processes for residents of Hong Kong, Macau and frequent visitors to Hong Kong entering and exiting the territory whether it be by land, air or sea via the use of self-service kiosks employed at various border control points.[47]
Eligibility
A Hong Kong permanent resident aged 11 or above[48] (using a smart identity card)
A Hong Kong resident aged 11 or above holding a Document of Identity for Visa Purposes (using a smart identity card and carrying a valid Document of Identity for Visa Purposes)
A person aged 11 or above who has the right to land or is on unconditional stay in Hong Kong (using a smart identity card)
A non-permanent resident issued with a notification label (using a smart identity card and carrying a valid travel document)
A registered cross-boundary primary school student under the age of 11 (using the enrolled valid travel document)
A registered frequent visitor aged 18 or above (using the enrolled valid travel document)
A registered Macau permanent resident aged 11 or above (using a Macau permanent identity card)
A registered mainland resident aged 11 or above (using an Electronic Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (e-EEP))[49]
A registered Republic of Korea citizen aged 18 or above and enrolled under Smart Entry Service (SES) scheme[50] (using the Republic of Korea Passport valid for at least 6 months and having no adverse record in the HKSAR)
The user upon entrance to the e-Channel inserts his Hong Kong Identity Card into the card reader (which reads the embedded chip) or places his registered travel document or Macau Identity Card onto the document reader. The channel gate will open, the user takes his Hong Kong identity card or registered travel document or Macau Identity Card and steps in and the gate will close. Thumb or finger is then placed onto the fingerprint reader, once identity has been confirmed, another set of gates in front open allowing exit. If an issue arises and identity cannot be confirmed or a malfunction occurs, an immigration supervisor will be on hand to assist.
Locations
e-Channel machines at Lok Ma Chau Station
First made available on 16 December 2004 in Lo Wu Control Point, over the past several years the locations have expanded to include:[48]
1 - Suspended until further notice (for Sha Tau Kok, passenger services suspended)
By allowing registered users to use the self-service kiosks to pass through Hong Kong immigration, processing time averages around 12 seconds[47] making E-channels far more efficient than traditional immigration counters.
Macau residents
Since its first inception where only Right to Abode Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card holders were permitted to use the self-service kiosks, the program expanded on 12 September 2006; allowing not only those of Right to Land or those with unconditional stay in Hong Kong but also to those residents and non-residents with notification labels to use the E-Channels.
The program was expanded further again on 10 December 2009 to allow holders of Macau Resident Identity Card to register for and use of the Hong Kong E-channels to enter and exit the territory.
Border cities to Hong Kong on Mainland China's side such as Shenzhen and Zhuhai have E-Channels for use of the Home Return Permit cards.
Frequent Visitor Automated Passenger Clearance
Frequent visitors to Hong Kong as well as Macau Resident Card holders can register for Frequent Visitor Automated Passenger Clearance.
A valid travel document with a multiple visit visa (if applicable), plus one of the following documents is needed:
Hong Kong International Airport Frequent Visitor Card or
Frequent Flyer Programme Membership Card issued by an airline which has joined this arrangement (please enquire with your airline).
e-Channel Service for foreign nationals
The Frequent Visitor program was further expanded to nationals of the following countries.[54] Such arrangements are reciprocal and eligible Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders may also enroll for the respective automated border clearance schemes under these countries:
Republic of Korea enrolled under Smart Entry Service (SES) scheme (Since 16 December 2013)
A special vehicular E-Channel has been erected for Shenzhen Bay known as One Stop Customs and Immigration Clearance for goods vehicle passing through the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, indicating how versatile this system is, and an asset for the Hong Kong Immigration Department.[clarification needed]
Smart Departure
Departing visitors from Hong Kong can use Smart Departure e-Channels regardless if they enrolled for the e-Channel service or not. They must be aged 11 or above and hold a valid electronic document compliant to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Hong Kong Immigration Department.[55]
Indonesia
Automated border control gates (also known as autogates) in Indonesia were first installed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in 2012.[56] The autogates can be used by Indonesians, nationals of visa-free countries, and nationals from non-visa-free countries who have obtained a visa on arrival (see Visa policy of Indonesia). Holders of a limited long-term stay or a permanent residence permit are also eligible to use the autogates.
Indonesian citizens with all types of passports (ordinary, e-passport, polycarbonate-page e-passport) can freely use the autogates. Foreigners must have an e-passport in order to use the system. The autogates can only be used by travelers aged 16 and above.
The autogates are available for use at these ports of entry:
Japan's J-BIS Biounit is an immigration control system that was introduced into Japanese airports and located at immigration booths. Fingerprints of both index fingers are collected along with a photograph. At the same time, the person is checked against immigration office lists, and criminals, people who were previously deported, and other punished foreigners are prevented from entering Japan. On 20 November 2007, Narita Airport, Kansai International Airport,[58] and Chūbu Centrair International Airport had the system, with plans to roll out the system to the 27 airports and 126 harbours in Japan.[59]
Until the start of J-BIS, when people would land in Japan and apply for entry, it was difficult to tell which people had changed their names or used special names on their passports, had been deported, or had criminal records. After the events of 9/11, Japan amended its Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
On 20 November 2007, the changes to the act went into effect. Most foreigners (everyone except special permanent residents, diplomats, people who were invited by the government, and people under the age of 16) were now required to have fingerprints taken from their two index fingers, as well as a photograph. The J-BIS system was the second system of its type enacted in the world; the first was the United States's US-VISIT system.[60]
The fingerprint scans and photographs are transferred from the airport to the immigration office's servers, and this information is compared against a blacklist in around five seconds.
This list is a collection of Interpol information and around 14,000 people that have been searched by Japanese police, as well as the fingerprints and pictures that were recorded from around 800,000 foreigners who were deported from Japan.[60] According to the immigration office, it is predicted that 0.001% of people who enter Japan appear on the blacklist.[60]
Since the introduction of the system, 846 people received exclusion orders by immigration authorities[61] and 8 people were arrested for fabricating their fingerprints.[62] The Japan Coast Guard also reported that the number of smugglers crossing the Korea Strait from the Korean peninsula has increased rapidly.[61]
Along with the introduction of J-BIS, an "Automated gate" (自動化ゲート) was set up at Terminal 1 and 2 at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Centrair Airport and Kansai Airport.[63] With this system, when a person enters or leaves Japan, rather than having to be processed by a human examiner there, a person can use an eGate, thereby making both entry and departure simpler and easier, as well as more convenient.[64] Japanese people with valid passports, foreigners with both valid passports (this includes refugees with valid travel certificates and re-entry permits) and re-entry permits can use this system.[64]
The gate works by holding up the identification page of the passport up to the terminal in front of the transparent booth, and the entrance to the booth will open. Inside the booth, there is an equipment to read fingerprints, where prints from two fingers are taken. After confirmation of identity, the exit gate will open.[64] Although there is a worker sitting at the gate, according to the Ministry of Justice immigration office's information guide to the automated gates, most Japanese should be able to use the automated gate.[64] When the automated gate is used, passports are not stamped. When an entry stamp is needed, officials are available near the gate to stamp passports;[65] alternatively, one can use the regular gate.
To use Japanese eGates, prior registration is required. For details, see the Ministry of Justice immigration office's information guide. For this advance registration, Japanese people (those who hold Japanese passports), only fingerprints are needed (not an image), as the automated gate does not take a picture.
In addition as of 2024, all foreign visitors aged 12 or above who hold a passport that is valid for 90 days and is issued by the following countries and territories can use the E-Channel conveniently upon finishing registration (unless otherwise stated) under reciprocity. Additionally, minors aged 12 to 17 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to be eligible for the E-Channel.
Malaysia was the first country in the world to issue biometric passports in 1998. As such, it was among the first to adopt the use of an automated border control system to facilitate immigration clearance for Malaysian citizens. The Autogate system is available at most immigration checkpoints for all Malaysian passport holders. The system uses facial recognition and thumbprint verification to match against information stored in the traveller's biometric passport.
Biometric passport holders of the following countries (pre-enrolment registration required) and foreign residents with Malaysian long-term passes may register to use the Autogate system at Kuala Lumpur International Airport[66]
At the two road border checkpoints with Singapore (Sultan Iskandar Building in Johor Bahru, Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Iskandar Puteri), all Singaporean citizens (with the exception of those with Malaysian Permanent Residency status) are eligible to use the Autogate system (with initial pre-enrollment required at the manual counters) under the MACS 2.0 program. In addition, MBIKE is open to registered Malaysian motorcyclists, using an RFID sticker in the registered user's passport.
The Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) can be used by registered Singapore citizens, Singapore permanent residents and foreigners residing in Singapore. However, registration for the MACS scheme has been suspended since August 2018, although existing registered users may continue to use automated clearance until the expiration of their MACS stickers.
Mexico
Mexico's Viajero Confiable program is only open to Mexican and US citizens who are members of Global Entry. It is a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) program and prospective members must pass a background check, interview with a Mexican immigration officer, and have fingerprints and iris scans taken. Kiosks are currently available at the Cancun, Los Cabos, and Mexico City international airports, but the Mexican government hopes to expand it to other cities in the near future.[67]
In January 2023, Mexico began operating eGates as part of a pilot program, which enabled citizens from Canada and the United States to clear passport control without interacting with a border control officer.[68] These eGates are at Cancun's airport in terminals 3 and 4, and involve the passport holder entering a booth by themselves, scanning their passport and having their picture taken. The Mexican government plans to expand eGates next to airports in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.[69]
eGates can only be used by travellers 12 years of age or older. (Customs is conducting a trial, in conjunction with other border agencies, about whether to lower the age of eligibility to use eGate for people with an eligible ePassport from 12 years of age to 10 years of age.)
New Zealand eGates use biometrics to match the stored image in the ePassport with the picture of the user taken at the gate.
To make sure eGate can do this, travellers must make sure they look as similar to their ePassport photos as possible and remove veils, scarves and hats that obscures any part of the face. Glasses may be left in place if worn in the ePassport photo and they have thin frames. eGate can handle minor changes in your face, for example if the travellers' weight or hair has changed.
Customs, Biosecurity and Immigration officials will use information provided at eGates, including photos, to clear travellers and their items across New Zealand's border.
Biometric information is kept for three months before destruction but other information, including about movements across New Zealand's border is kept indefinitely and handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1993, or as the law authorises. This might include information being used by or shared with other law enforcement or border control authorities.
Unlike Australian eGates, arriving passengers aren't required to complete a questionnaire before reaching the eGate.
The Bureau of Immigration suspended the operations of eGates at Philippine airports in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged due to concerns that the biometric fingerprint scanning feature could potentially expose passengers to the COVID-19 virus and facilitate its spread. The bureau lifted the suspension in December 2021.[75]
Qatar
E-Gate is a program that allows Qatari national, expatriate citizens of Qatar and GCC nationals to apply for an e-gate card by visiting the Ministry of Interior office in Al Gharafa (Doha).
Singapore
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) has integrated information technology to streamline the entry and exit procedure at checkpoints. Singapore citizens, permanent residents and other registered travellers can use automated lanes called the enhanced-Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS). Foreign visitors whose fingerprints are registered on arrival may use the eIACS lanes for exit clearance. The Biometric Identification of Motorbikers (BIKES) System at land checkpoints can be used by residents and work pass holders entering and leaving Singapore by motorcycle.
The Frequent Traveller Programme (FTP) allows eligible travellers to enjoy convenient immigration clearance via the eIACS automated clearance facilities. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders or visitors who have visited at least 2 times within the last 24 months, from certain eligible countries, are able to apply. Eligible countries or regions include Australia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, United Kingdom (“British Citizen” only), New Zealand, Thailand, People's Republic of China (with prior approval of 5-year, multiple-entry visas and Hong Kong SAR passport) and the United States (for citizens who are existing members of the U.S. Global Entry Programme (GEP)), with age variations depending on the type of nationality.[76]
In 2016, ICA began the biometric registering and verification of travellers using the Bioscreen system.[77] Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents have their iris bio-data registered as well.[78]
In 2019, ICA began trialing using the facial and iris recognition as an upgrade to the current fingerprint recognition at various land and air border checkpoints.[79][80]
In May 2022, ICA announced that from the second half of this year, foreign travellers who have enrolled their facial and iris biometrics on their initial visit to Singapore will be able to obtain automated immigration clearance on subsequent trips to Singapore.[81]
Under the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)’s Automated Clearance Initiative (ACI), eligible foreign visitors, including those visiting Singapore for the first time, can use automated lanes for both arrival and departure immigration clearance without the need for prior enrolment.[82] As of April 2023, the ACI was deployed to 130 automated lanes at Changi Airport and 40 automated lanes at the land checkpoints.[82]
Travellers are required to provide a valid email address within their SG Arrival card submissions in order to receive their Electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) when using the automated lanes; travellers will not be issued an arrival immigration endorsement in their passports.[83]
Under the ACI, eligible arriving foreign visitors are directed to the automated lanes for immigration clearance.[82]
a) Their biometrics (iris, facial and fingerprint images) are automatically enrolled during the arrival clearance process (if not already enrolled during a previous trip to Singapore).
b) Information on their enrolment is included in the electronic visit pass (e-Pass) which is emailed to them after immigration clearance.
c) Enrolled foreign visitors will then be able to use any automated lane during departure and on subsequent visits to Singapore.
ACI is a critical component of ICA's New Clearance Concept (NCC), which aimed to make automated immigration clearance the norm at the checkpoints. Automated immigration lanes leverage multi-modal biometric scanning technology to provide travellers with a more secure, efficient, and seamless immigration clearance experience. 95% of all arrivals at Changi Airport are expected to be cleared through the automated lanes, by the first quarter of 2024.[82]
Through the use of automated lanes which take up less physical space and require less manpower than manual counters, ICA would be able to increase its clearance throughput and meet the growing traveller volume, which was expected to reach 300 million travellers per year by 2025.[82]
ICA also announced in the future, Singapore residents - either departing or arriving - will be able to clear immigration entirely with iris and thumbprint verification, without presenting their passports.[81]
As of May 17, 2024, ICA has officially announced that all first time foreign visitors, regardless of their nationalities, will be able to clear immigration using automated lanes at all four terminals of Changi Airport, marking the first in the world to do so.
Moving on, ICA aims to implement contactless immigration clearance at all checkpoints of Singapore by late-2024. The combination of both iris and face recognition would eliminate the need to present passports at checkpoints, reducing immigration clearance time by 40%.[84]
Machine-readable passport holders of the following countries are currently eligible for the Automated Clearance Intiative (ACI):[85]
South Korea's Smart Entry Service (SeS) is a voluntary program that allows pre-approved and trusted travellers to proceed through South Korean immigration using biometric information included in their passports at eGates. Typically this takes less than 12 seconds.[86]
Eligible applicants register their fingerprints and facial image in advance and must agree to the use of their registered personal information.
South Koreans aged 7 or above, citizens from selected countries, foreigners aged 17 or above and holding Korean Alien Registration Card, foreign crew members with multiple-entry visas, and foreigners holding Korea Priority Card issued by Ministry of Justice are eligible. Foreign nationalities eligible to register include American citizens enrolled in Global Entry, Hong Kong SAR passport holders, Macau SAR passport holders, and Taiwanese passport holders. The nationals must not hold Korean Alien Registration Card. For Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passport holders, they must not use other passports such as People's Republic of China passport, British National (Overseas) passport, and Portuguese passport when they enter South Korea to be eligible.
Serbia
The automated passport control was introduced to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport back in December 2010 as a donation of the German company Millbauer.[87] Only Serbian passports are eligible for use. As of now, there is still only one gate and only at arrivals immigration (as everyone, including Serbian citizens, receives an exit stamp on departure) and no further development was announced.
On 20 December 2024, a new eGate system was implemented at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport[88] passport control. Currently, the new egates can be used only by the adult Serbian citizens using their biometric Serbian passports. There are plans to expand the functionality to other national passports at an unspecified date. Before the introduction of the latest iteration of the eGates, article 47 of the Serbian law dealing with border control - Zakon o graničnoj kontroli [89] - had to be modified and approved by the legislature so that the requirement for stamping Serbian passports on exit control could be dropped from the law.
Taiwan
Taiwan's eGate is a free automated entry system for Republic of China citizens and certain classes of residents and frequent visitors.
Users simply scan their travel documents at the gate and are passed through for facial recognition. Electronic fingerprinting is used when facial recognition fails. Registration is available at the immigration counter right at the port of entry.[90]
Passengers who are over 16 years old and have an electronic passport from one of the following countries (pre-enrolment registration required at the manual immigration office near checkpoint) may use the eGates:[91]
Thailand's automated passport control (APC) system at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport has been available for only Thai nationals since 2012.[92] In addition, Hong Kong and Singapore E-Passport Holders can also use the automated passport control gates on both departure and arrival from Thailand under current reciprocal agreements.[54][93] Since 15 December 2023, the APC system can be used for all nationalities with an electronic passport but only when on departure from the country and have not overstayed the limit.[94]
Turkey
Automated Passport Control gates, called "Hızlı Pasaport Geçiş Sistemi" (Expedited Passport-Entry System) was introduced first in Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport in May 2019, quickly followed by the newly opened Istanbul Airport in June 2019. Citizens of Turkey and Azerbaijan with a valid and chipped biometric passport (both old and new chipped-models are accepted) are eligible to use the automated gates, which require passengers to scan their passports and fingerprints, as well as using a facial-recognition system by taking a live photograph of the passenger. In the departure immigration checkpoints, a Turkish Border Police will check the departure tax stamp/card ("Harç Pulu") for Turkish citizens. Receiving an exit / entry stamp is optional for Turkish citizens.
ePassport gates are operated by the UK Border Force and located at immigration checkpoints in arrival halls in some airports across the United Kingdom, offering an alternative to using desks staffed by immigration officers. The gates use facial recognition technology to verify the user's identity against the data stored in the chip in their biometric passport. The ePassport gates do not accept national identity cards, even though EU/EEA national identity cards are accepted at manned gates under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Citizens with European Economic Area, European Union, Swiss, Australian, Canadian, Japanese, New Zealand, Singaporean, South Korean, and United States passports[95] can use ePassport gates, provided that they are aged either 10 or over and holding valid biometric passports. Users between the ages of 10 and 17 who are using ePassport gates are required to be accompanied by an adult.
Holders of valid biometric passports from the following countries can use ePassport gates, provided that they are aged 12 or over and are already enrolled as a "Registered Traveller":[96]
Besides APC, certain low-risk travellers can also apply to enroll in Trusted Traveler Programs operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, such as Global Entry and NEXUS. Applicants must file an application, pay a registration fee, go through a background check and attend an interview. Once approved, in addition to using self-service kiosks just like APC, travellers may receive additional benefits such as TSA PreCheck.
Global Entry is a program of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection service that allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to receive expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States.
Border control comprises measures taken by governments to monitor and regulate the movement of people, animals, and goods across land, air, and maritime borders. While border control is typically associated with international borders, it also encompasses controls imposed on internal borders within a single state.
SmartGate is an automated self-service border control system operated by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) and located at immigration checkpoints in departure and arrival halls in ten Australian international airports, and 4 New Zealand international airports. SmartGates allow Australian ePassport holders and ePassport holders of a number of other countries to clear immigration controls more rapidly, and to enhance travel security by performing passport control checks electronically.
The Singapore passport is a passport issued to citizens of the Republic of Singapore. It enables the bearer to exit and re-enter Singapore freely; travel to and from other countries in accordance with visa requirements; facilitates the process of securing assistance from Singapore consular officials abroad, if necessary; and requests protection for the bearer while abroad.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is a law enforcement agency within the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the border control agency responsible for frontline border control operations at air, sea and rail ports in Singapore.
Iris Recognition Immigration System (IRIS) was an initiative, launched in 2004, to provide automated clearance through UK immigration for certain frequent travellers. It functioned in "one-to-all" identification mode, searching a large database of some million enrolled frequent travellers to see if anyone matched the presenting iris. The passenger was not asked to assert any identity, e.g. by presenting a Passport or ID card which would then require only a "one-to-one" verification test against that single enrolled identity. Thus IRIS exploited the great robustness of iris recognition against making False Matches, since (unlike weak biometrics such as face recognition) it could survive the vast number of opportunities to make False Matches when searching a large database, instead of only needing to test just a single asserted identity. It was decommissioned in September 2013 in favour of e-passport entry using biometric data stored on the e-passport chip, which requires only a single asserted identity to be tested and thus could function using weaker biometrics in the simple "one-to-one" verification mode.
Visa requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Global Entry is a program of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection service that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to receive expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports and via the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes by land and sea. As of May 4, 2018, Global Entry was available at 53 U.S. airports and 15 preclearance locations. By April 2018 more than five million people were enrolled in Global Entry and approximately 50,000 new applications for the program were being filed each month.
Visa requirements for Mongolian citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Mongolia.
Visa requirements for Afghan citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Afghanistan.
Visa requirements for Iraqi citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Iraq.
Visa requirements for Bolivian citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Bolivia.
Visa requirements for Singapore citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states which are imposed on citizens of Singapore.
As of 2024, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 171 countries and territories, ranking the passport 18th in the world according to the Henley Passport Index. It is ranked 15th by the Global Passport Power Rank.
e-Channel, also known as The Automated Passenger Clearance System, is an expedited border control system introduced by the Hong Kong Immigration Department in 2004, designed to speed up border immigration processes for residents of Hong Kong, Macau and frequent visitors to Hong Kong entering and exiting the territory whether it be by land, air or sea via the use of self-service kiosks employed at various border control points.
The visa policy of Singapore deals with the requirements a traveller must meet to enter Singapore. A foreign national, depending on their country of origin, must meet certain requirements to obtain a visa, which is a permit to travel, to enter and remain in the country. A visa may also entitle the visa holder to other privileges, such as a right to work, study, etc. and may be subject to conditions.
Biometrics refers to the automated recognition of individuals based on their biological and behavioral characteristics, not to be confused with statistical biometrics; which is used to analyse data in the biological sciences. Biometrics for the purposes of identification may involve DNA matching, facial recognition, fingerprints, retina and iris scanning, voice analysis, handwriting, gait, and even body odor.
ePassport gates are automated self-service barriers operated by the UK Border Force and located at immigration checkpoints in arrival halls in some airports across the UK and at the juxtaposed controls in international railway terminals abroad, offering an alternative to using desks staffed by immigration officers. The gates use facial recognition technology to verify the traveller's identity against the data stored in the chip in their biometric passport, as well as run the data against numerous databases to determine if the traveller is a security risk.
Visa requirements for crew members are administrative entry restrictions imposed by countries on members of a ship or aircraft crew during transit.
Many countries have entry restrictions on foreigners that go beyond the common requirement of having either a valid visa or a visa exemption. Such restrictions may be health related or impose additional documentation requirements on certain classes of people for diplomatic or political purposes.
PARAFE is a passport verification and border control system deployed in France and operated by French border guards. PARAFE consists of automated self-service gates, located at certain French border checkpoints and offer a faster alternative to manual checks at desks staffed by border guards. The gates use facial recognition technology to verify the user's identity against the data stored in the chip in their biometric passport.
↑ EC News articleArchived 9 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine about the relevant regulations: Council Regulation (EC) 2252/2004, Commission Decision C(2005)409 adopted on 28 February 2005 and Commission Decision C(2006)2909 adopted on 28 June 2006
↑ "Morpho Australasia completes eGate installation in New Zealand airport". asmag. Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd. 16 December 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2018. Safran Identity & Security, through its subsidiary Morpho Australasia, has completed installing the next generation of eGates into Christchurch Airport. This installation is part of national upgrade and innovation program for 51 new generation border processing eGates for the New Zealand Customs Service (NZ Customs). The rollout has seen new generation Safran Identity & Security's eGates installed in Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and now Christchurch airport.
↑ "護照條例施行細則", Laws & Regulations Database of The Republic of China, Taipei: Ministry of Justice, 29 June 2011, retrieved 21 December 2011. English translation available from the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
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