Passengers arriving at Ottawa can now verify their identity and make an on screen declaration using new self-service border control kiosks.
Called Primary Inspection Kiosks, they use biometric technology that will expand current self-service options for international air passengers arriving in Canada.
The new kiosks will allow passengers to verify their travel documents, complete an on-screen declaration, and confirm their identity using facial authentication (involving only a one-to-one photo comparison at the kiosk with the passenger’s passport).
Primary Inspection Kiosks will eventually replace the Automated Border Clearance program.
The on-screen declaration and mobile app will allow the CBSA to phase out the standard distribution of declaration cards on board aircraft, reducing paper consumption and allowing for cost savings through digital service delivery.
Primary Inspection Kiosks will be rolled out at other major Canadian airports later this year.
How it works
It is a simple two step process.
Step 1: Passengers insert their passport into the kiosk, have their picture taken and then answer a few questions. If all is ok, they get a receipt.
Step 2: The passengers take the receipt to a border services officer
Most passengers with a machine-readable travel document arriving in Canada by air, including returning residents and foreign nationals, can use the kiosks. Up to five passengers with the same place of residence can use a kiosk together.
Mobile app
Passengers can also use the CanBorder – eDeclaration mobile app. This is a mobile declaration application which gives them a quick response (QR) code to scan at a kiosk upon arrival.
The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness:
“Smart border management includes leveraging technology to improve security and help reduce wait times at Canada’s busiest airports. The Government of Canada is committed to using digital tools to improve services to Canadians and international travellers, ensuring smooth and efficient airport experiences.”
Mark Laroche, Ottawa International Airport Authority President and CEO:
“Using technology for more efficient border processing is welcome news for returning residents, and will enhance the passenger experience for arriving visitors. We thank the CBSA for allowing our airport to be the first to introduce the Primary Inspection Kiosks, and will continue to engage with our partners to make efficiency initiatives a recurring theme in all projects at the Ottawa International Airport.”
According to CBC News, Vision-Box is to install 130 kiosks at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
N.B. Image credit: Canada Border Services Agency
