The Automated Border Control system at Lisbon Airport is now open to passengers of nine more nationalities.
The self-service face recognition border clearance system is already in use by EU, EEA (European Economic Area) and Swiss citizens. The upgrade means that citizens of nine additional countries outside of the European Union can now also use the ABC e-gates for departures.
Beginning immediately, citizens of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United States, and Venezuela flying out of Lisbon are now able to use the self-service border crossing system .
Lisbon started using ABC e-gates in 2007. The system, used by arriving and departing passengers, was developed by Portuguese company Vision-Box whose products are now seen at airports all over the globe.
As well as increasing the nationalities using the system, the Portuguese authorities (SEF) are rebranding it. The original name of being changed from RAPID to RAPID4ALL to reflect the new situation.
Currently almost 2 million passengers use the system.
Now encompassing 35 countries around the world, the RAPID4ALL system represents an important improvement on border control procedures and offers a significant upgrade in passenger flow.
By clearing the departing passenger automatically it means that border control officers only are involved in case of irregularities.
The RAPID4ALL system is currently available to passengers who are 18 years of age and older, are in possession of an e-passport, and entered the Schengen Area through Lisbon International Airport.
N.B. Image credit: Vision-Box
