First ‘e-Gates’ now in operation at Dublin Airport

The first automatic border control “e-Gates” came into operation at Dublin Airport yesterday.

A total of five gates at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are now operational, increasing to ten gates at each terminal in “the coming weeks”.

The e-Gates are open to Irish and EU e-passport holders over the age of 18 and will be extended to other categories of passengers as the programme develops.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: “The introduction of e-Gates is aimed at improving customer service through self-service through the immigration process while at the same time enhancing border security.

“I look forward to the continuing roll out of this programme over the coming weeks. I would ask passengers travelling to be conscious that this is a new measure and to exercise patience should any teething problems arise. Ultimately, these gates should facilitate a more efficient process for those travelling through our airports.”

The contract for the implementation was awarded by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) to Lisbon-based Vision-Box, partnered with Accenture and ESP Global Systems.