Smart Borders: The Rise of Automated Border Control Systems Worldwide
Automated Border Control (ABC) systems are transforming global travel by making border crossings faster, more secure, and more efficient. As passenger volumes continue to rise, airports and border agencies are under pressure to process travelers quickly while maintaining high security standards. ABC systems address these challenges by using advanced technologies such as biometrics, AI, and e-passports to automate identity verification with minimal human intervention. At the core of Automated Border Control are self-service e-gates or kiosks that authenticate a traveler’s identity using biometric data. When a passenger approaches an ABC gate, the system scans their e-passport, reads the embedded RFID chip, and matches the stored information with live biometrics taken on the spot — usually facial recognition or fingerprint scanning. If the identity matches and the traveler is eligible, the gate opens automatically, allowing them to pass through within seconds. This eliminates the n...