Zetes launches Panasonic facial recognition at Cape Verde Airport

The Republic of Cape Verde officially launched its new biometric border control system developed by Zetes, promising travelers faster and secure border travel. The new system was unveiled during an event headed by Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, the Minister of Internal Affairs Paulo Rocha, the Cape Verdean police, and Zetes representatives.

Zetes designed and executed the multi-phase project that includes an online visa and security airport fee (Electronic Travel System or ETS) system and 11 Panasonic facial recognition eGates. The new border solution is integrated with national and international watch-lists, Advance Passenger Information (API), and other global repositories. Zetes also opened a new office in Cape Verde as part of the deal.

The solution will reduce travel time spent on border control per traveler from 1 minute 30 seconds to 30 seconds thanks to Panasonic’s egates. Zetes also promises further optimization to reduce this time window to approximately 12 seconds per traveler.

(Panasonic biometric eGates at Cape Verde Airport)

“Thanks to our Zetes Orbis range of solutions, we are able to support the public authorities of Cabo Verde with top-notch, highly secure and reliable solutions for both the identification and authentication of travelers,” Alain Wirtz, CEO of Zetes, states. “Since Zetes has been acquired by Panasonic, in 2017, we have been looking at synergies between both companies and we are very happy with this first implementation of Panasonic’s e-gates, which include a high-performance facial recognition engine which is also active in 7 airports in Japan. Panasonic is recognized for their excellence in developing robust and reliable technologies and we are convinced of the incredible potential of these e-gates for worldwide implementations in airports.”

Cape Verde appointed Zetes as the company’s offer best suited the nation’s growing border automation needs. Zetes’ offer presented a solution that combines the needed reliability together with flexibility in execution. This solution will allow Cape Verdean border authorities to provide travelers with a smooth border control experience while guaranteeing efficient identity checks.

“Zetes, our technological partner, provides top-notch technical solutions and has been in charge of the full execution of this project. We are very pleased and proud of the achieved results. Being able to provide safety and security, creating confidence and well-being is, without a doubt, a country and top touristic destination’s most important intangible asset. It is, indeed, a differentiating factor that we are committed to ensuring, alongside competitiveness.” Said Minister of Internal Affairs Paulo Rocha.

Travelers planning to visit Cape Verde can now apply online, via a dedicated website. Once visa payments are processed the system provides an application number which will be used upon arrival making consulate visits obsolete.

The new systems will be deployed at Cape Verde’s four international airports in Praia, Sal, Boa Vista, and São Vicente.

Article Topics

airports  |  biometric identification  |  biometrics  |  border control  |  eGates  |  facial recognition  |  identity verification  |  Panasonic  |  Zetes