Portugal introduces biometric passport control at Lisbon and Porto airports, expanding to Faro, Madeira, and Ponta Delgada, aiming to lead in Schengen biometric security. Initial tests with TAP Air Portugal prioritise travel efficiency and security using facial recognition for boarding in the Schengen Area.

Portugal's Biometric Tech Transforms Airport Experience

Exploring Portugal's biometric travel technology's influence on airport passenger experience provides insights into its transformative effects on travel efficiency and security.

-Reduced queue times: Facial recognition systems and automated border control gates enable much faster identity verification and customs processing, lowering waiting times.

-Increased convenience: With automated kiosks and bag drops requiring only a quick biometric scan, passengers save significant time and enjoy higher convenience.

-Enhanced travel flow: Streamlined passenger handling, security protocols, and boarding leveraging biometrics smooths overall airport transit, minimising congestion points.

-Higher safety and security: Integrated biometric database access allows more comprehensive cross-checking of passenger identities against various watchlists and records.

-Optimised resource allocation: Automating passenger management functions through biometrics enables airports to deploy staff for higher value interactions and oversight roles.

How does Biometric Passport works

Biometric passports incorporate biometric technology to enhance security and streamline border control processes.Here is how it works:

• Registration: Passengers can register in advance using a mobile application called Biometrics Experience, available on both iOS and Android. During registration, they capture a photo of their boarding pass, electronic passport, or Portuguese citizen card, along with a selfie while accepting the terms and conditions.
• Biometric Data Collection: Passengers provide various biometric data including facial images and fingerprints. This data is then digitally captured and stored securely in the passport's embedded microchip.
• Microchip Encoding: The biometric data is encrypted and encoded onto a microchip embedded within the passport. This chip is located on the data page, which also contains the passport holder's personal information and photograph.
• Verification Process: During border control procedures, the passport is scanned using a compatible reader. The reader then communicates with the microchip, retrieving the encrypted biometric data stored within.
• Biometric Comparison: The biometric data retrieved from the passport is compared with live biometric data captured from the passport holder at the border control point. This comparison involves matching facial features or fingerprints to verify the identity of the passport holder.
• Authentication: If the biometric data matches successfully, the passport holder's identity is authenticated, allowing them to proceed through border control. If there is a discrepancy or the data cannot be matched, further scrutiny or manual inspection may be required.
• Boarding: When it’s time to board, passengers simply approach the machine that reads their facial biometric data. After boarding, the data is promptly deleted to ensure privacy and security

Frequently asked questions

What is biometric passport control?

Biometric passport control is a security measure that uses biometric technology, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, to verify travellers' identities at immigration checkpoints.

Why has Portugal initiated biometric passport control at major airports?

Portugal has initiated biometric passport control as part of its efforts to enhance border security, streamline immigration processes, and improve the efficiency of passenger screening at major airports.

How does biometric passport control work at Portugal's major airports?

Biometric passport control involves capturing travellers' biometric data, such as facial images or fingerprints, and comparing them against the data stored in their electronic passports to verify their identities. This process helps expedite the immigration process by automating identity verification.

What are the benefits of biometric passport control for travellers?

The benefits of biometric passport control for travellers include faster and more efficient immigration processing, shorter wait times at border checkpoints, enhanced security through biometric verification, and improved overall travel experience.

Do travellers need to register for biometric passport control before travelling to Portugal?

In most cases, travellers do not need to register for biometric passport control before travelling to Portugal. Biometric data is typically collected at the immigration checkpoint when travellers present their passports for inspection.