Praia airport started on Friday the experimental phase of the automated biometric control process at air borders (‘eGates’), which is now available for passengers arriving in Cabo Verde.
The announcement was made by the Cape Verdean ministry of internal affairs, indicating that the ‘eGates’ can now be used by national citizens holding Cape Verdean e-passport, who are over 12 years old.
“Soon this service will also be available to citizens of a number of countries, with ePassports, who arrive in Cabo Verde with valid pre-registration, done on the ‘online’ platform www.ease.gov.cv.”, the source added.
The Cabo Verde government said the introduction of automated border control was an important reinforcement of border security and an improvement in the standards of efficiency and effectiveness of border units.
“The implementation of ‘eGates’ means confirmation of facial biometric recognition will become another component of border control, along with verification of the other conditions for entry into the country, validation of the authenticity of the passport and passenger data, verification of the absence of precautionary measures or other legal prohibitions and, specifically in the case of non-resident foreign citizens, confirmation of the information provided at pre-registration,” the m Ministry added.
In addition to raising the level of security, the government also said that ‘eGates’ will have a direct and positive impact on reducing passenger waiting time (average of 10 seconds per person).
The measure will also minimise crowds and other constraints on entering the country, contributing to the idea of Cabo Verde as a safe country and tourist destination.
