ID Tech

Biometric Border Control

Biometric border control uses face or fingerprint recognition at checkpoints to verify travelers and automate border processes.

Biometric border control systems automate entry and exit checks with biometric capture and matching at e-gates or manual stations.

Latest Updates

  • 2025-06-30: Somalia deployed the U.S.-backed PISCES border system at Mogadishu airport, capturing fingerprints and face images for real-time watch-list checks, with national roll-out planned.

References

Vendors using Biometric Border Control

CLEAR Secure, Inc.Thales Group

Latest Data Cards

  • Data Card

    Spanish Airport Operator Aena Fined €10M Over Biometric Boarding

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    Spain’s data protection authority has fined airport operator Aena €10 million over its biometric boarding program, citing GDPR violations in how passengers’ facial images were collected and processed.

    • The sanction relates to Aena’s use of facial recognition for automated boarding at Spanish airports.
    • Regulators found shortcomings in informed consent, transparency, and the legal basis for processing biometric data.
    • The case highlights regulatory scrutiny of airport facial recognition schemes across Europe.
  • Data Card

    Indonesia Launches Walk-Through Biometric Border ‘Seamless Corridors’

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    Jakarta and Bali airports now let eligible travelers clear border control while walking through facial-recognition corridors paired with e-passport checks.

    • Walk-through lanes perform facial recognition and e-passport verification without stopping at a booth.
    • Initial rollout targets Indonesian citizens and pre-vetted travelers, with expansion planned.
    • Program aligns with broader seamless travel initiatives like IATA One ID.
  • Data Card

    Somalia’s E‑Visa Platform Hit by Cyber Incident, Exposing Traveller Data

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    Somalia acknowledged a cyber incident affecting its e‑Visa platform that exposed traveler information, prompting remediation steps and scrutiny of e‑government security controls.

    • Exposure involved traveller data on e‑Visa system
    • Authorities confirmed incident and launched fixes
    • Highlights security debt in border‑ID digitization
See more data cards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is biometric border control?
It uses biometrics like fingerprints or face images at border crossings to verify travelers.
Where is it used?
Many countries deploy biometric e-gates at airports and land checkpoints for security.
How does it help travelers?
Automated gates reduce wait times while enhancing identity assurance.
What’s the difference between entry and exit checks?
Entry typically verifies a traveler against their travel document and watchlists (1:1 and 1:N). Exit can confirm departure and detect overstays, often with facial verification at gates.
How do systems handle spoofing?
They combine document checks, live capture quality controls, and presentation attack detection (PAD) to detect photos, masks, or replays.