Border officers are being replaced by electronic gates for faster immigration.

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It seems like years after the idea was first proposed Automated border controls are finally being rolled out globally.Especially after this chaotic travel summer, the problem has been exacerbated by the increase in the length of stay at the airports and the reduction of immigration staff. With many European countries, and now even Canada, introducing electronic gateways for ID verification; It may not be long unless border officials want it..

International travelers using the Agate automated passport gate at UK airports

Electronic gates, shortened to e-gates, are used for a The smoothest, fastest border experience, travelers arriving in the country are forced to scan their passports using a machine that reads their biometric information and verifies their identity. When they qualify, they are not required to speak with border officials, nor do they undergo any thorough screening.

To all you passport stamp collectors out there, we’re sorry to inform you, but this may soon be a thing of the past:

Why are e-gates becoming more popular now?

Young female traveler wearing face mask and looking at phone at airport before air travel.

Although not actively discussed until recently. E-Gates has been around for years.It was introduced to the public at Brisbane Airport in Australia in 2007. At that time, this proved a great effort, because biometric passports, the main requirement for e-Gate eligibility, were first issued. Only one year ago.

While many expect the concept to quickly spread to other centers, The global distribution has been very low. Except for those available to returning nationals, tourists can enter countries only at designated e-Gate locations, mainly Europe and a few North American points of entry. Even then, Not all Tourists are allowed to ‘check in’.

A traveler scanning an electronic boarding pass at the airport

Airports have struggled to cope with a surge in travel demand this year amid staff shortages, including Lack of border workers. E-gates have once again become popular and are bound to be a valuable resource in speeding up identity checks and ensuring the smooth flow of arrivals.

They are part of Canada’s strategy to speed up border operations.

Exterior shot of Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Now, more countries are turning to e-Gates to solve their labor issues. this month, Canada’s Toronto Pearson International Airport announces plans to implement ‘fully digital’ border Replacing kiosks for ease of use in future bureaucratic procedures. These are not empty promises either: the first step has already been taken.

As reported by Global News in early August, Canada began operations. New e-gates for customs declaration at Toronto’s busy Terminal 1After the airport was blasted as the world’s worst for delays for putting passengers through hell. So far the only objective is to ‘combat airport delays’, and border officers have a significant presence at the airport.

Passengers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada

To use the e-Gate to Toronto, Americans who are authorized to fly to Canada must meet two simple requirements:

  • Be 16 years or older
  • Carry a valid biometric passport

The only downside? After passing through the E-Gate, they still need to contact a border agent, even if only for a short time. Automated border control is a complex project, and several security measures must be put in place to protect both traveler data and national security. It may be some time until it is the Canadian border. Really flawless.

Arrivals hall at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada, international travel concept

However, this is an indication that Toronto is trying new technologies to improve its tarnished reputation as a safe airport. According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the newly opened e-gates are available to international visitors.Another option is to submit their customs and immigration statementAs opposed to manually verified by staff.

Uzbekistan recently added e-gates to international border crossings

Aerial view of the historical center of the city of Khiva in Uzbekistan, Central Asia

An unheard of, but up-and-coming Central Asian destination unlike Canada, which is known to be overly conservative when it comes to borders. Uzbekistan is included in the list of limited countries that tourists can enter automatically. with biometric passports. Starting in September, eligible travelers will be free to use the Fast Track service.

The system is biometric based and allows tourists to cross the country’s border easily.Border control authorities with minimal involvement‘ . This is an important period for Central Asia, where until now the diffusion of the technology has been largely limited to the West. If anything, This is evidence that global change is coming..

Sunset at the historic Mizdakan Necropolis in Nukus, Uzbekistan, Central Asia

To date, e-gates are located at Samarkand International, serving the city of Samarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited and growing international hubs in the region. According to the director general of Air Marakanda LLC, Gayrat Nematov, the responsibility of the airport management this is ‘A reasonable solution for any modern transportation facility.

Judging by Nematov’s statement, we understand that Uzbekistan’s goal is to reduce the waiting time for travelers when they land and to de-bureaucratize the border. E-gates are expected to boost tourism significantly and may be deployed at other road and pedestrian checkpoints. Above all, Uzbekistan a A double landlocked country.

E-Gates are available to Americans at other major international destinations.

Travelers undergo a border control interview at an international point of entry in Berlin, Germany.

Besides Canada and Uzbekistan, other countries have already deployed the measure. When you enter united kingdom, Americans and citizens of 36 other countries can use express and automated lines where available. These include major entry points such as London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Eurostar Terminal and Edinburgh Airport.

Similarly, the neighbor France extends e-Gate privilege to Americans. Soon to be introduced into at least six international airports:

  • Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (the number one airport in Paris)
  • Orly (second busiest in Paris)
  • Bordeaux
  • Leon
  • Marseille
  • nice
Lisbon's trademark yellow tram with Ce de Lisboa, Lisbon Cathedral, Alfama District, Lisbon, Portugal

US citizens in Europe have other options, such as entry through PortugalAbove 18 years of age to access e-Gate. Also being the first to install the technology in Italy Leonardo da Vinci of Rome It’s another European airport that ensures Americans are checked in quickly and efficiently electronically.

Other Italian airports for Americans 14 and older include Milan Malpensa, Treviso, Venice Marco Polo, Bologna and Verona. After successful E-Gate clearance, They may still need to speak with a border agent.. Other notable countries that are known to have opened e-Gate lines for Americans are as follows

  • Australia
  • Finland*
  • Germany**
  • Mexico***

* European Schengen area only available upon departure from Helsinki International – not available upon arrival unless you are a citizen of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, Japan or South Korea.

** Registration for German EasyPASS card is required

*** For international login members only

Custom officer stamping passport during international border crossing, international travel concept

As you may have noticed, some countries have completely switched to automatic e-gates, while others have b Mixed system Depending on enrollment programs or citizenship, one thing is clear: this is a global trend to consider.

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This article originally appeared on Off-Road Travel. For the latest breaking news affecting your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel laws and restrictions Subject to change without notice. Travel decisions are ultimately your responsibility. Before traveling, contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm changes to your nationality entry and/or travel requirements. Off Road Travel does not support traveling against government advice.

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