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Passport control is a designated area at an airport, port, or border where travellers' passports and other documents are checked and verified by border control officers. It is a standard procedure for international travel, and most airports have clear signposts indicating where to go for passport control. Travellers may encounter queues at passport control, and they may be asked questions by the officers. The process typically involves visual inspection of passports and supporting documents, and some airports have introduced ePassport gates that use facial recognition technology for faster processing. In some countries, such as the United States, travellers can expedite their passport control experience by using mobile applications like Mobile Passport Control (MPC).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Place at an airport, port, or border where travellers' passports are checked |
| Purpose | To check travellers' passports and other necessary supporting documents |
| Process | A border force officer visually inspects passports and supporting documents and may ask travellers questions |
| Technology | ePassport gates use facial recognition technology to compare travellers' faces to their passport photos |
| Queue System | There are often separate queues for different nationalities |
| Time | Wait times can vary, and it may take a while to go through passport control |
| Location | London Stansted Airport, various U.S. airports, and other airports globally |
| Alternatives | Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app allows travellers to submit information and answers to inspection questions ahead of time |
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What You'll Learn
Passport control officers
Passport control refers to the place at an airport where travellers' passports are checked. Passport control officers, also known as customs officers, border control officers or CBP officers, are responsible for checking travellers' passports and asking them questions to determine their identity, citizenship and immigration status. They may also search travellers' belongings for contraband.
Officers may use machine assistance to verify documents, such as self-service kiosks and e-gates, but visual checks are also crucial. They will open the data page of the passport and scrutinise the photo, checking for any discrepancies in appearance that may indicate the document does not belong to the person presenting it. This includes changes to the person's appearance, such as a new haircut or weight loss, as well as changes to the photo itself.
If there are no red flags during the visual check, the officer will open the gate and allow the traveller to enter the country. If there are doubts, the traveller may be referred to a separate location for a secondary inspection, where specialists will examine the passport in more detail using forensic devices. This includes checking the document under ultraviolet light to look for unexpected luminescence, which could indicate a counterfeit document.
In the US, customs officers have the right to ask about travellers' religious and political beliefs, although US citizens and lawful permanent residents do not have to answer these questions and cannot be denied entry for declining to do so. Non-citizen visa holders or visitors may be denied entry if they refuse to answer officers' questions.
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Self-service ePassport gates
Passport control is the place at an airport where travellers' passports are checked by officers.
The ePassport system is based on the German EasyPass border control system, which was first introduced in 2012. The first airport in Eastern Europe to offer an automatic passport control eGate was Prague Airport. Copenhagen Airport has also installed self-service passport control at the beginning of Pier C. Oslo Airport was the first in Norway to implement self-service passport control, and eight new eGates were installed in 2017 for departing passengers.
To use the ePassport gates, travellers must have their passports open to the picture page and ensure that the passport is not covered. British citizens, European Union, European Economic Area, and Swiss citizens who are aged 10 or over and holding biometric passports are eligible to use the ePassport gates. However, citizens with a Tier 5 Temporary Worker Certificate of Sponsorship or on a permitted paid engagement are not eligible to use the ePassport gates, as a passport stamp is required in these situations.
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Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
Passport control is the place at an airport, port, or border where travellers' passports are checked. Typically, travellers are asked questions by a passport control officer.
To use MPC, travellers must first complete their travel information and answer CBP inspection questions. The app user must then capture a clear and unobstructed photo of themselves and each member of their group. Upon arrival at the selected port of entry, users must tap the "Yes, Submit Now" button. Once the submission is processed, CBP will send a virtual receipt with instructions that must be followed, and travellers will be expected to present their physical passport and other relevant travel documents. It is important to note that MPC does not replace the need for a physical passport for travel.
The MPC app has been praised for its efficiency and speed, with a dedicated line at select airports, significantly reducing wait times. However, some users have reported issues with the app, such as bugs and crashes, as well as a lack of support at certain airports, leading to a substandard experience.
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Border checks
During border checks, travellers are typically required to present their passports to border control officers. These officers are responsible for examining passports and other supporting documentation, such as visas, to ensure their authenticity and validity. They may also ask travellers questions about their trip, purpose of travel, and duration of stay. This process helps verify the identity of travellers and assess their eligibility to enter or exit a country.
At some airports, such as London Stansted Airport, there may be separate queues for different groups of travellers. For instance, one queue may be designated for European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), British, and Swiss nationals, while another queue caters to all other nationalities. This helps streamline the border check process and facilitate the flow of travellers.
To enhance efficiency and security, some airports have introduced ePassport Gates as a self-service alternative to conventional border control. These gates utilise facial recognition technology to compare a traveller's face with the photograph stored on the chip in their passport. This automated system allows eligible travellers, such as those from EEA countries, to pass through border control more swiftly.
Additionally, mobile applications like Mobile Passport Control (MPC) have been introduced to expedite the border check process. Travellers can download the MPC app, scan their passports, answer inspection questions, and submit their travel details electronically before their arrival. This pre-clearance process speeds up interactions with border control officers, enabling travellers to move through passport control more quickly.
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Immigration
Passport control is a mandatory process at airports, ports, and border crossings where travellers' passports and other documents are checked by border control officers. The process involves verifying the authenticity of passports and other travel documents, such as visas, and ensuring that they are valid and have not been lost, stolen, or tampered with. This process is essential to confirm the identity and travel authorisation of individuals entering or exiting a country.
At airports, passport control is a standard procedure that all travellers must undergo. The layout and procedures may vary slightly depending on the airport and the country, but the core purpose remains the same. Typically, there are separate queues for different categories of travellers, such as one queue for European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), British, and Swiss nationals, and another queue for all other nationalities.
Upon reaching the passport control desk or counter, travellers are required to present their passports and any other necessary documentation to the border control officers. These officers are authorised officials responsible for examining travellers' documents and conducting interviews to ascertain the purpose and legality of their visit. They may ask questions about the traveller's trip, plans, and personal details to ensure they meet the entry requirements of the country.
In some airports, ePassport gates or electronic passport control options, such as the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, are available as an alternative to the conventional manual process. These methods use facial recognition technology or electronic declaration to expedite the passport control process, reducing the time spent waiting in lines. However, even with these alternatives, travellers may still need to interact with border control officers and undergo further checks if required.
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Frequently asked questions
Passport control is the place at an airport where travellers' passports are checked by border control officers.
Passport control exists to ensure travellers have the correct documentation to enter a country. Border Force officers will check that passports are genuine, valid and belong to the traveller.
Travellers will join a queue for their nationality and present their passport and any supporting documentation to a Border Force officer. ePassport Gates are available at some airports, which use facial recognition technology to compare the traveller's face to the photograph on their passport.
The time taken to pass through passport control can vary. Some airports have long wait times, while others may wave travellers through with a quick glance.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an app that allows travellers to submit their passport information and travel details ahead of time, speeding up their interaction with border control officers.
