Get past immigration with a simple facial recognition scan, straight out of a sci-fi movie. Navigate automatic border control gates to get through immigration control in as quick as 7.5 seconds.

Who

SITA is the world’s leading specialist in air transport communications and information technology. They work closely with every sector of the air transport community, innovating, developing and managing business solutions over the world’s most extensive network - one that forms the “communication backbone” of the global air transport industry. SITA has extensive experience in dealing with the challenges facing border control authorities around the globe.

Where

Dublin International Airport. As part of a pilot programme, SITA joined forces with the Irish authorities to explore both passenger acceptance and the efficiency of the gates as European Union member states implement recommendations to move to self-service using automatic border control (ABC) gates.

Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D said: “Border control arrangements at Dublin Airport are currently undergoing major change. Immigration control processes are being reviewed and leading-edge border technology such as automated gates is being tested.

What

SITA’s iBorders biometric gates use the latest biometric technology to identify each passenger through facial recognition. They rapidly verify the passenger is the passport holder and is authorized to access the country. The ABC gates at Dublin Airport are currently processing up to 1,000 passengers a day, in as few as 7.5 seconds each.

How

The system uses facial recognition and vets it against the biometrics contained in the passport. And, after ensuring that the individual is not on any border control checklists, the passenger can speed through the gate.

A core element in this solution is NEC’s unsurpassed “NeoFace” face recognition software which provides high accuracy and selectivity regardless of the database size and image quality. This, combined with the sophisticated gates provided by Kaba, results in a seamless experience for the passenger and the removal of the “stand for a photo” request that most other systems require.

“Many major European airports are adopting a similar trend towards the deployment of automated gates for immigration control functions to enhance passengers’ experience on arrival at airports while also strengthening border security,” says Alan Shatter, Ireland’s minister for justice, equality and defense.

SITA’s gates will be at Dublin Airport until October by which time it is expected they will have allowed thousands of passengers to enter Ireland quickly and securely.

When do you think we’ll see one of these in India?