Secunet white paper argues biometric kiosks needed for efficient European EES border control

Biometric kiosks are needed to provide the accurate identity verification and automated travel processes needed for efficient border controls under the European Entry/Exit System, according to a new white paper from secunet.

The white paper, ‘Kiosk systems in border control: Why kiosks play a key role in the launch of the European Entry/Exit System,’ explains the role of automated biometric kiosks in speeding up border checking processes. Data from a smart borders pilot project in Germany shows reductions in time spent at border control booths of 53 seconds for individuals exempt from Visa requirements, and 82 seconds for Visa holders, well over 50 percent reductions in each case.

Challenges in the field are discussed, including uncertainty around what form of review will be applied to biometric data collected at self-service stations under Article 8a of the Schengen Borders Code, as well as how kiosks can help mitigate the long response times of the central EES.

The benefits to border control officers, a cost comparison to stationary border control desks, and physical space considerations, such as flexible positioning of kiosks, are also covered.

While the introduction of the EES will present border control authorities with significant challenges, secunet sees kiosks as making the transition easier for them, as well as for transport companies, infrastructure operators and travelers.

“They ensure that the collection of routine EES data, including biometrics, is consistently secure and of high-quality before the traveller moves on to the border control officer for inspection. This keeps inspection times at the desk roughly consistent with that prior to the launch of the EES,” the company argues.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  border control  |  border management  |  Entry/Exit System (EES)  |  Europe  |  kiosk  |  secunet  |  stocks  |  white paper