Enhancing Border Security with Biometric Entry/Exit Systems
Importance of Border Control
Border security is essential for governments worldwide to protect their nations, citizens, residents, and visitors. Legal border crossings should be smooth, while strong measures must be in place to prevent illegal entries.
Governments use various systems to identify cross-border threats, with data collection being a key element. Even small amounts of passenger information help build traveller profiles. By combining this data with travel patterns and watchlists, authorities can spot suspicious individuals while ensuring legitimate travellers have a hassle-free experience.
Entry/Exit Border Control Systems
An Entry/Exit System (EES) is a border management tool that records the entry and exit of travellers, usually non-citizens, at a country’s borders. They are designed to monitor and control the entry and exit of individuals while ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations. Border control systems can vary widely depending on the country or region.
Countries implement these systems based on their security needs, legal frameworks, and technological capabilities. Some may use more advanced biometric systems, while others may rely on manual checks. These may include passport checks, customs declarations, biometric data collection and automated border control gates.
Different Border Crossings
Border crossings can occur in three primary scenarios: land, sea and air. Each scenario has unique characteristics and operational challenges that the EES addresses. However, in all scenarios, the EES ensures that authorities can efficiently manage the flow of travellers while adhering to security protocols.
Land Border Crossings
Busses
Long-distance bus services often cross multiple borders. The EES enables authorities to collect passenger data at boarding points and verify identities efficiently.
Trains
Train travel between countries, especially in regions like Europe, involves border control processes for boarding and disembarking. Biometric verification can occur at stations to ensure all travellers meet entry requirements.
Personal Vehicles
Travellers in cars may be subject to identity checks at border crossings. The EES facilitates seamless processing through automated lanes.
Crisis and Refugee Management
In times of crisis, such as large-scale refugee movements, the EES can help manage and document the influx of individuals, providing authorities with data to assess needs, allocate resources and provide safety.
Sea Border Crossings
Cruise Ships
Passengers disembarking often undergo identity verification through automated kiosks, which integrate EES data to ensure compliance with entry regulations.
Ferries
Similar to cruise ships, ferries transporting passengers between countries collect data from travellers before boarding, enabling quick processing upon arrival at the destination.
Smaller Yachts and Private Boats
While typically less regulated, vessels carrying tourists or individuals across borders may still require EES compliance. Authorities can check passenger information at marinas or docking points.
Cargo Ships
Although primarily for goods, if crew members are disembarking in port cities, their identities can be verified using EES protocols.
Airport Border Crossings
Commercial Airlines
Passengers flying on commercial flights are processed through automated kiosks at check-in and security checkpoints. The EES captures their data for verification, ensuring compliance with entry requirements.
Private Jets and Planes
Travellers using a private aircraft may undergo expedited processing. The EES can still apply, requiring the collection of information before departure or upon arrival at fixed base operators (FBOs).
Public Airports vs. Private Airports
Public airports often have established EES processes that handle large volumes of travellers. In contrast, private airports might implement more tailored border control protocols, focussing on efficiency and privacy for their clientele.
International Charter Flights
Charter flights, often used for business or group travel, also require EES compliance. Passenger data is collected in advance to facilitate smooth entry.
The Role of Biometric Data Capture
Biometric data capture in border control systems offers a reliable way to verify traveller identities. By collecting biometric data like fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans, the EES improves the accuracy of ID checks. This data enables quick and secure processing at border crossings, reducing the risk of identity fraud. Additionally, securely stored biometric data provides border authorities with access to historical information, which helps manage immigration and enforce border security policies effectively.
“European Entry/Exit System best practice needs professional devices for border control such as those provided by Laxton”
Biometric Device Deployment at Borders
Different biometric devices serve specific scenarios to enhance border security and streamline identity verification processes.
Portable biometric kits are ideal for quick deployment at checkpoints, providing flexibility in various environments. In contrast, desktop solutions are well-suited for fixed locations such as diplomatic missions, offering a stable verification point.
Handheld devices excel in verifying passenger identities on buses and trains, enabling real-time identity verification against the EES database even when offline. This capability ensures accurate processing of non-citizens, thereby enhancing security and reducing wait times.
At seaports, fixed kiosks are designed for high-volume processing, allowing for efficient handling of passenger traffic. Mobile devices can also perform checks before passengers arrive, ensuring that systems are prepared to manage heavy traffic during peak times. These devices are built to withstand humid and corrosive coastal conditions and connect seamlessly with customs and immigration databases, including the EES. This enables travellers to check in before boarding.
In airports, self-service kiosks facilitate quick biometric capture and automated passport reading. Integrated with the EES and other immigration databases, these kiosks ensure efficient verification of traveller information, helping to create smoother transitions through border controls. This integration reduces airport congestion, enhances security, and allows staff to focus on more critical tasks.
Privacy in Biometric Border Solutions
To strengthen border security while respecting travellers’ privacy, biometric solutions must adhere to stringent data protection standards. Here are the key principles ensuring that biometric data remains secure, transparent, and compliant with privacy regulations:
Data Encryption
Biometric data is encrypted at all stages to prevent unauthorised access.
Informed Consent: Travellers receive clear information about data use, ensuring transparency and consent.
Data Minimisation
Only essential data is collected and stored.
Storage
Data is stored in secure databases protected against cyber threats.
Access Control
Only authorised personnel can access sensitive data.
Audits & Compliance
Regular audits ensure compliance with GDPR and data laws.
Right to Erasure
Travellers can request data deletion when it’s no longer needed.
Laxton’s Devices in the EES Framework
Laxton’s advanced border security devices play a crucial role in implementing the EES across various border crossing points, ensuring compliance, efficiency and enhanced passenger experience. Key implications include:
Minimised Security Risks
Automated processes reduce human error and improve accuracy in identity verification.
Flexibility and Quick Implementation
Laxton’s devices can be deployed rapidly in response to changing needs at borders.
Compliance with Regulations
Laxton’s solutions support adherence to EES requirements, ensuring that border control authorities can efficiently manage the flow of travellers.
Benefits of EES Systems for Travellers
The implementation of EES enhances the travel experience by significantly reducing wait times at border crossings. Automated identity checks using biometric data ensure quicker processing while maintaining high levels of security. EES systems also reduce errors and improve efficiency, providing travellers with a smoother, more streamlined experience. Ultimately, this technology ensures that legal entry and exit procedures are more transparent and secure, benefiting both travellers and border authorities.
A New Era in Border Security
The Entry/Exit System represents a significant advancement in border security, and Laxton’s innovative devices are integral to its successful implementation. By combining cutting-edge technology with a focus on enhancing passenger experience, Laxton is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of border control in the Schengen Area and beyond.
As governments worldwide adopt these systems, they can more effectively manage the complexities of border control in today’s interconnected world. With the EES, travellers can expect a more streamlined, efficient, and secure crossing experience, contributing to the sustainability of airport operations and the safety of all who travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the European Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES is an automated IT system that registers non-EU nationals (those who are not citizens of any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland) entering for short stays each time they cross the external borders of participating European countries.
Who does the EES apply to?
The EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay to any of the mentioned European countries, whether they hold a short-stay visa or are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
How does the EES work?
It records travellers’ biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, along with personal details to enhance security and streamline processes. This reduces identity fraud, speeds up border processing, and ensures more accurate and reliable data collection across all EU Member States.
When is the EES being implemented?
The EU has cancelled the November 2024 launch date for the EES, but it has not set a new start date. Given the difficulties, the EU may roll out the EES gradually. This plan would start with a few border crossing points and then expand to cover all areas.
Why has the EES been delayed?
Integrating the system across multiple countries’ borders, combined with the high volume of travellers, has presented significant technical challenges. Ensuring the system’s reliability and security while maintaining efficient border crossings has proven difficult.
Germany, France, and the Netherlands informed the EU that their border computer systems would not be prepared by the November deadline. These countries handle around 40% of the passenger traffic impacted by the change, making their readiness crucial for a successful rollout.
