Unmanned passport control is definitely coming
Zurich Airport is definitively introducing automated passport control for inbound and outbound travel. This project was preceded by a test trial lasting several months.
Since last September, when entering Switzerland, eight unmanned border controls in operation. The experience of the pilot phase has been positive, writes the operator of Zurich Airport. Therefore, in addition to the entry, the exit in Zurich will now also be equipped with five such airlocks, which will make border control more efficient for passengers.
In automated passport control, a passenger crosses the Schengen border by scanning the biometric data of his or her passport. Unmanned passport control is voluntary. Anyone who has a biometric passport, is over 18 years old and is a Swiss, EU or EEA citizen is allowed through these barriers. No personal data will be stored, airport officials promise.
Also more operated switches
Due to the steadily increasing number of passengers, the passport control hall at Zurich Airport reaches its capacity limits at peak times. For this reason, the airport operator has implemented six additional staffed counters at the local exit, in addition to the unmanned airlocks.
The total costs for the expansion of the passport control hall and the installation of the additional counters and airlocks amount to around eight million Swiss francs. These costs will be borne jointly by the airport operator, the canton of Zurich and the European Internal Security Fund (ISF Fund), according to a final statement. (rs)
