Bhutan’s Department of Immigration has launched an Automated Immigration Clearance System (AICS) at Paro International Airport, marking a significant upgrade in the country’s border management infrastructure.
Developed at a cost of Nu 60 million (approximately USD 660,000), the project features 12 electronic gates designed to accelerate passenger processing. Although the initial timeline projected completion within a year, the system was delivered in just seven months.
The AICS integrates biometric authentication and advanced passport-scanning technology to verify travellers’ identities and documents. The automated process involves scanning the passport, matching biometric data and granting clearance within seconds.
Of the 12 e-gates installed, six are operational in the arrival terminal and six in the departure terminal, enabling smoother movement for both inbound and outbound passengers.
According to the Department of Immigration, automation is expected to reduce waiting times by nearly 75 per cent, while improving the accuracy and reliability of immigration records.
The key benefits of the Automated Immigration Clearance System (AICS) include significantly faster passenger processing, as automation allows travellers to clear immigration more efficiently.
The system also enhances the overall passenger experience by enabling eligible travellers to complete immigration formalities independently through self-service e-gates.
In addition, automated verification improves the accuracy and reliability of immigration records by minimising the scope for human error and strengthening data integrity.
Security is further reinforced through biometric authentication, which helps detect fraudulent travel documents and reduces the risk of identity fraud.
Bhutan Home Minister Tshering said, “One of the key advantages of the e-gates is time efficiency. Previously, immigration clearance for arriving or departing passengers took three to five minutes. With the introduction of the e-gates, the estimated processing time has been reduced to approximately one minute.”
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