Irish passengers permitted to use self-service immigration border control - could the U.S. be next?

Airline passengers from Ireland and other EU member countries will be permitted to use a self-check immigration in a new trial border control system.

Dublin airport will introduce e-gates for a six month trial, where travelers will use a special machine to match their faces with their passport photo. Passengers will not have to present themselves to an immigration officer but instead verify their passport electronically.

RTE reports the e-gates will be located at Pier A to Pier D in Terminal One, which facilitates the entry of 4.4m passengers to the State every year.

The Irish government said that in the future it hoped e-gates could be implemented for all tourists and travelers.

The Department of Justice said the new technology will help strengthen border security and allow for the interception of false documents and illegal entry into the State.

The new system will be available for over 18s citizens of Ireland, the 27 European Union countries and Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway who pass through terminal one in the airport.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said it is part of major change at the airport.

“Civilian immigration officers are replacing gardai with the aim of freeing up garda resources for other policing duties, immigration control processes are being reviewed and leading-edge border technology such as automated gates is being tested,” he said.

“Many major European airports are adopting a similar trend towards the deployment of automated gates for immigration control functions to enhance passengers’ experience on arrival at airports while also strengthening border security.

“The trial period will test the suitability of e-gates for use at Dublin Airport with a view to providing a more secure and efficient means for clearing passengers through immigration control.”