Portugal’s Lisbon Airport is testing future border control technologies this October. Instead of standing in line to show their passport to border guard, travelers are able to cross the border almost seamlessly thanks to face recognition and touchless scanning of fingerprints.
This “Biometrics on the Move” technology will be tested by Frontex – the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, along with the Border Service of Portugal and the Lisbon Airport Authority.
Biometrics on the Move is designed to make it easier for travelers to quickly pass through border checks without taking their passport or other documents out of their bags.
The technology will allow border guards more time to conduct systematic and efficient security checks without affecting regular travelers, increasing security at the borders while speeding up the process for the public.
The trial at Lisbon airport, which covers EU citizens leaving the Schengen Area, will specifically test whether biometric solutions can decrease waiting time at the borders.
A similar trial will take place at Dubai International Airport. Termed the “Biometric Passenger Journey”, the facial and iris recognition program means a pre-screened passenger would not need to show their passport or boarding pass from the check-in counter to the aircraft. While the full pilot is not yet underway, initial test runs enabled passengers to check in for their flight, complete immigration formalities, enter the Emirates Airlines lounge and board flights, simply by strolling through the airport.
