How Are Passports Scanned? Airport Security Explained

When passports are scanned at the airport, the information is used to confirm the identity of the passport holder, check their travel history, and verify that they have the correct documentation for their destination. This includes checking if the passport holder has any outstanding warrants or is on any watch lists. The information on the passport is typically checked against various government databases and watch lists to identify individuals who may pose a security risk. Additionally, some countries have implemented expedited entry programs, such as Global Entry in the United States, which allow pre-approved, low-risk travellers to undergo expedited clearance upon arrival by capturing a photo to verify their membership.

What information is displayed when a passport is scanned?

When a passport is scanned, basic personal information is displayed, including name, date of birth, and country of citizenship. The passport also contains a 'code key' which, when scanned, grants access to a chip that holds the same information. This helps the immigration officer to verify that the information in the passport is valid and not forged.

In the US, this basic information is then cross-referenced with various databases, including the Terrorist Screening Database (FBI), the Border Crossing Information system of records, the Interagency Border Inspection System, and other databases created by international organisations. Other countries have similar processes at their borders.

The scanning process is also used to check for any red flags, such as overstaying a visa, committing a crime during a visit, or a request to be held/detained by law enforcement.

Additionally, the passport is scanned using UV, infrared, and white light, and from different angles, to check the holograms and ensure they match the passport version. International databases of passport designs and security features are referenced as part of this process.

Why are passports checked at the check-in counter?

When checking in at an airport, your passport will be checked by the airline to document your identity and to confirm that you have the correct visas or permissions to enter your destination country. Airlines are required to collect this "advance passenger information" and communicate it to the authorities of your destination country. If a carrier brings someone without the correct documentation who is then denied entry, the airline will have to return the passenger to their country of origin or home country and may face a fine.

At the check-in counter, airline staff will also check your passport to ensure that you are the person named on your ticket. This is to prevent someone from using a boarding pass that does not belong to them.

In some cases, there may be additional security checks before reaching the check-in counter, where you will be asked questions about your immigration status and what you are carrying. These checks are often imposed by the destination country and are carried out by a third-party company.

At the gate, your passport will be checked again to ensure that you are still in possession of it and to confirm your identity before boarding. This is because some people use automated check-in and do not encounter any airline staff before reaching the gate. Additionally, there is a possibility that a passenger could give their boarding pass to someone else after checking in, so this additional check helps to prevent security risks.

Why are passports checked at the gate?

Passports are checked at the gate to verify a traveller's identity and ensure they are boarding the correct flight. This is particularly important for travellers who have checked in online and not had their documents checked by airline staff. The gate is the last opportunity to ensure that the person attempting to board the plane is the person who bought the ticket and has had their immigration status confirmed. This is also an opportunity to check that the traveller's passport is valid and that they have the correct documentation for their destination.

In some cases, a passport check at the gate may be carried out by immigration officers from the destination country, who are posted abroad to pre-clear people before they board the plane. For example, the United States imposes additional security checks for flights to the US, and airlines are required to collect "advance passenger information" and communicate this to US authorities.

Additionally, a passport check at the gate can help catch passengers transiting from a different airport or airline who may have missed previous security checks. It also ensures that travellers have not lost their passports or had them stolen since checking in.

While it may seem redundant to have multiple passport checks throughout the airport, each check has a specific purpose and helps to ensure the safety and security of all travellers.

What is the Global Entry program?

Global Entry is a program by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection service that allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to receive expedited clearance upon arrival in the United States. It was available at 62 U.S. airports and 14 non-U.S. airports with U.S. pre-clearance as of 2024, with over 12.7 million people enrolled in the program.

Global Entry was initially deployed in 2008 at a small number of airports, including New York-JFK, Washington-Dulles, and Houston-Intercontinental. It was then expanded to include Los Angeles International, Atlanta-Hartsfield, Chicago-O'Hare, and Miami International Airport. As of 2024, the program is available at major airports across the U.S. and several international locations.

To enrol in Global Entry, applicants must first file an application, pay a non-refundable fee of $120, and submit to an interview and background check. The application includes employment history and residences for the prior five years. After submission, applicants must wait for either conditional approval or rejection. If conditionally approved, applicants must schedule an appointment for an interview, photograph, and fingerprints. The wait for an interview may be months to a year.

Once approved, members can proceed to the Global Entry lanes at participating airports. Processing technology will capture a photo to verify their membership, after which they will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer. While Global Entry aims to speed travellers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States.

Global Entry membership lasts for five years and provides access to expedited security screening through TSA PreCheck lanes at participating domestic airports and accelerated entry at eligible U.S. Customs locations. Global Entry members are also eligible for TSA PreCheck, which allows them to use dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at over 200 airports across the U.S.

Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select other countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

What is the purpose of checking passports at border control?

Passports are checked at border control to confirm the identity of the person crossing the border. Border control officers will check that the person standing in front of them matches the name and photo on the passport. They will also confirm that the passport is valid and that the person holding it has the correct documentation for their destination.

Border control officers will also check that the passport holder is allowed to exit the country they are in and that they were in the country legally. They may also check that the passport holder has not overstayed their visa.

In some cases, border control officers will check the passport against various government databases and watch lists. This is to confirm the identity of the passport holder and to check for any criminal activity. This may include checking for any outstanding warrants, both in the country the passport holder is exiting and internationally.

Checking passports at border control helps to ensure that people are who they say they are and that they are legally allowed to enter or exit a country. It also helps to prevent illegal immigration and to catch people who may be trying to evade arrest.

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