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Extreme vetting drives automated border control kiosks; more than 3,500 deployed in three years

February 7, 2017

Concerns about national security are driving border authorities to continue to embrace biometric and digital identification based automation, according to a press release from Acuity Market Intelligence. The company reports there are 2,143 automated border control eGates and 1,436 automated passport control kiosks currently deployed at more than 163 ports of entry across the globe.

Deployments increased significantly between 2013 to 2016, achieving a combined annual growth rate of 37 percent. APC kiosks reached 75 percent growth during this period while ABC eGates grew at a more modest 24 percent CAGR.

"As the Trump administration doubles down on immigration restrictions and promises of 'extreme vetting,' the reality is that biometrics are used to scrutinize millions of international travelers across the globe every day," Maxine Most, principal at Acuity Market Intelligence, said in the press release. "Digital Identification technology, including biometrics, allow immigration and border agencies to reliably vet visitors, immigrants and refugees, and automate border identification and control, providing secure facilitation at ports of entry for international travelers worldwide."