Bhutan’s Department of Immigration has launched the Automated Immigration Clearance System (AICS) at Paro International Airport, representing a significant advancement in the country’s border control technology. The project, which cost approximately Nu 60 million (around USD 660,000), features 12 biometric e-gates—six in the arrival terminal and six in the departure terminal—designed to expedite passenger processing. Originally slated for a one-year completion timeframe, the system was successfully implemented in just seven months.
The AICS aims to reduce waiting times by nearly 75% and enhance the accuracy and reliability of immigration records. Home Minister Tshering highlighted the efficiency gains, noting that immigration clearance times for passengers have drastically decreased from three to five minutes down to roughly one minute, thanks to biometric verification and advanced passport scanning technologies. These e-gates will authenticate passengers’ identities quickly by scanning their passports and verifying their biometrics within seconds.
Eligibility criteria for using the e-gates vary between Bhutanese citizens and foreign visitors. Bhutanese nationals must hold a valid passport and have recent biometrics enrolled with the Department of Civil Registration and Census. Foreign visitors, on the other hand, must be adults, possess a valid ICAO-compliant passport, and have pre-clearance authorization issued by the Department of Immigration. Additionally, travelers must remove any items such as hats, sunglasses, and masks that could impede facial recognition.
Children are currently not eligible to use the e-gates and must proceed through the conventional immigration counters. The AICS is part of a wider initiative to enhance efficiency and improve the overall passenger experience through innovative border management technology. Bhutan is also assessing other entry points to introduce similar automated systems.
The rollout of the e-gates reflects Bhutan’s commitment to international best practices in border control and positions the nation as a regional leader in secure and efficient immigration processes. Travelers using the AICS at Paro International Airport can expect a streamlined and secure travel experience, aligning with global standards while ensuring the Kingdom’s emphasis on safety and integrity is upheld.
