Paro International Airport Embraces Digital Immigration Clearance System
Bhutan has introduced a major upgrade to its border management system with the launch of an Automated Immigration Clearance System (AICS) at Paro International Airport. The initiative, implemented by the Department of Immigration, is designed to enhance efficiency, strengthen security, and improve the overall passenger experience.
Built at a cost of Nu 60 million (approximately USD 660,000), the system features 12 biometric electronic gates—six in the arrival terminal and six in the departure terminal. Although the project was initially expected to take a year, it was completed in just seven months.
The new e-gates use biometric verification and passport-scanning technology to authenticate travelers’ identities within seconds. The process involves scanning a passport, verifying biometric data, and granting clearance in approximately one minute—significantly faster than the previous manual process, which took three to five minutes per passenger.
According to officials, the automation is expected to reduce waiting times by nearly 75 percent while improving the accuracy and reliability of immigration records. Biometric verification will also help deter fraudulent travel documents and reduce identity-related risks.
Home Minister Tshering highlighted the time-saving benefits of the system, stating that faster processing would ease congestion and streamline passenger flow at the airport.
For Bhutanese citizens, eligibility to use the e-gates requires being an adult, holding a valid Bhutanese passport, and having updated biometric data enrolled with the Department of Civil Registration and Census. Foreign visitors will have their biometric data captured upon arrival, allowing for quicker processing during departure without needing to re-enter details.
The minister also confirmed that similar automated systems are already operational in Phuentsholing and that resources are in place to install e-gates in Gelephu. Authorities plan to assess additional entry points where automation could further enhance border efficiency.
Children are currently not eligible to use the e-gates and must proceed through standard manual immigration counters.
The launch of the AICS marks another step in Bhutan’s efforts to modernize infrastructure in line with global standards while maintaining the Kingdom’s strong emphasis on security and integrity. With faster processing times and advanced biometric safeguards, Paro International Airport is set to offer travelers a smoother and more secure immigration experience.