Lithuanian embassies will use the MorphoTOP terminals to process all visa requests. In practical terms, they collect photos and fingerprints from all those requesting visas. This biometric data is stored in a secure database, and can be compared to previously stored data. The database is available to border control authorities in countries that are part of the Schengen Area. When a traveler enters this area, authorities can check their identity to ensure that it is the same person who received a visa. As an option, MorphoTOP is capable of detecting if a fake finger is placed on the scanner and sending a warning to the operator.
The Lithuanian government’s purchase of MorphoTOP terminals was partly financed by the European Commission’s External Borders Fund (EBF). The system is part of VIS (Visa Information System), a European project that allows Schengen countries to exchange visa data. Commissioned in October 2011, the VIS is designed to strength-en security at borders.
The Lithuanian contract follows the award of the e-Border management project by the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates. The project combines new developments in biometric technologies, automation and system integration.
The UAE contract covers the implementation of a fully integrated multi-biometric border control system, including the delivery of 96 e-Gates and 94 e-Counters, in five major airports acrossthe UAE. Abu Dhabi airport will be the first to implement the system, in spring 2015.
The system features Morpho’s Finger on-the-Fly technology, a contactless method of capturing fingerprints via a wave of the hand. The e-Border project is also using iris and face recognition for border control, featuring Morpho Iris-at-a-Distance (IAD) cameras.
