In a groundbreaking advancement for the aviation industry and traveler experience, Curaçao has introduced the first fully operational, traveler-enabled contactless border crossing at Curaçao International Airport (CUR), the Curaçao Express Pass.

 

This pioneering initiative utilizes the Airside Digital Identity App and the Seamless Journey Platform developed by Vision-Box, offering travelers a truly seamless and secure digital pre-clearance border control through the use of cutting-edge pre-processing technology before their flights.

 

This launch has been 10 years in the making and started with a partnership between the Ministry of Justice and Curacao Airport Holding (CAH) whereby parties committed to a vision to enhance the operational efficiency of immigration at the airport. In the past decade, the border control process has been digitized, automated, and optimized into a robust platform called the Border Management System. This system is owned by the Ministry of Justice and conducts all the border control checks.

 

The Border Management System is the foundation on which the Airside and Vision-box technologies were added, to create the world’s first traveler-enabled contactless border crossing.

 

AIRSIDE DIGITAL IDENTITY APP

The Airside Digital Identity App, developed by Airside, an Entrust Company, plays a pivotal role in this innovative system. This app allows travelers to create a secure digital identity using their smartphones. Here’s how it works:

 

• Digital ID Creation: Travelers scan their e-passport (passports with an embedded chip) using the app, capturing and verifying their passport information (Specifically the MRZ and the information stored on the NFC chip)

 

• Biometric Enrollment: The app prompts travelers to take a selfie, which is then matched against their passport photo using facial recognition technology to verify their identity. The selfie includes Liveness detection which is a feature unique to the solution ensuring that the person taking the selfie is a live person.

 

• Data Security: The digital ID created is securely stored on the traveler’s device, ensuring privacy and control over personal information. The information is encrypted, and the application is secured based on the principles of blockchain technology.

 

 

 

SEAMLESS JOURNEY PLATFORM BY VISION-BOX

Vision-Box, an Amadeus company, has developed the Seamless Journey Platform to integrate with the Airside Digital Identity App and streamline the airport entry process. Key features include:

 

• Contactless Border Crossing: The platform enables travelers to cross borders using facial recognition. Upon arrival at Curaçao International Airport, travelers simply present their faces to automated gates equipped with biometric technology.

 

• Enhanced Security: The system improves security by ensuring that only verified individuals can pass through, reducing the risk of identity fraud.

 

• Efficiency and Convenience: The pre-processing of traveler information results in reduced waiting times and smoother immigration transit, significantly enhancing the passenger experience.

 

ABOUT DATA PRIVACY

Both Airside and Vision-box technologies are GDPR by design, and Airside is compliant with the international standards for Digital Travel Credentials. The information is solely stored on the user’s phone and is an opt-in process.

 

When passengers opt in, their biometric data and passport data are sent to immigration for pre-checks. The information is solely used during the passenger’s journey. When the passenger crosses the border, the biometric information is cleared from the system and only the passport information is kept by immigration under the law.

 

 

ABOUT ENTRUST AND AIRSIDE

Entrust ensures global security through strong identities, secure payments, and protected data. Their solutions are crucial for the future of secure enterprises, governments, and the people they serve. Entrust’s acquisition of Onfido in April 2024, including Airside, has positioned the company at the forefront of seamless travel solutions.

 

By combining Airside’s expertise in digital identity verification with Entrust’s extensive capabilities in secure credential issuance, the company is well-positioned to lead the global adoption of secure, contactless border control systems.

 

Airside, now a part of Entrust, specializes in secure digital identity solutions. Their mission is to offer privacy-respecting technologies that enable individuals to verify their identity and share personal information securely. The Airside Digital Identity App, Airside’s flagship product, is a leader in digital ID innovations and significantly contributes to secure and efficient traveler processing.

 

 

ABOUT VISION-BOX

Vision-Box, an Amadeus company, is a global leader in biometric seamless travel, automated border management, and electronic identity management solutions. With a presence on five continents and over 13,000 digital identity solutions used by more than 1 billion citizens in over 100 airports worldwide, Vision-Box is a pioneer in the aviation industry’s digital transformation.

 

The Seamless Journey Platform by Vision-Box is a collaborative ecosystem that integrates biometric devices into third-party systems, ensuring interoperability among travel stakeholders. The platform enhances security, customer experience, and operational efficiency through real-time traveler-centric information sharing and monitoring.

 

IMPORTANCE FOR CURAÇAO

The introduction of the Curaçao Express Pass represents a significant milestone for the island for several reasons:

 

• Innovation Leadership: By launching the first full-scale traveler-enabled contactless border crossing, Curaçao positions itself as a leader in aviation innovation. This initiative demonstrates the country’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies to enhance the travel experience.

 

• Tourism Boost: The streamlined and secure entry process is expected to attract more tourists, boosting the local economy. An efficient and hassle-free arrival experience can enhance the island’s appeal as a travel destination.

 

• Operational Efficiency: The new system reduces the workload on immigration officers, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks and leading to better resource allocation and improved airport operations.

 

• Enhanced Security: The use of biometric verification enhances border security, reducing the risk of fraudulent entries and ensuring that only legitimate travelers gain access. This is possible because of the track record of Entrust and its standards regarding cyber security.

 

Eligible Travelers

Initially, the Curaçao Mobile ID System, the Curaçao Express Pass, is available to travelers who meet the following criteria:

• Owners of any smartphone (iOS or Android). They can download the Airside Digital Identity App wherein they will find the Curaçao Express Pass from the App Store or Google Play.
• Aged 16 and older
• Holders of e-passports from the EU, UK, US, and Canada

 

The service is expected to expand to include travelers from additional countries over time.

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

The launch of the Curaçao Express Pass at Curaçao International Airport marks a groundbreaking step towards modernizing air travel. By leveraging advanced biometric and digital identity technologies, this initiative not only enhances security but also provides a seamless and efficient experience for travelers.

 

With the collaboration of innovative companies like Airside and Vision-Box, Curaçao is setting a new standard in the aviation industry and paving the way for other airports worldwide to follow. Ultimately, the true measure of success will be demonstrated by how well the process works in practice.

 

Sources

Airside. (2024). Airside launches Curaçao Express Pass. Retrieved on July 10, 2024, from https://airsidemobile.com/press-releases/airside-launches-curacao-express-pass/

 

Airside. (2024). Curaçao Express Pass. Retrieved on July 10, 2024, from https://airsidemobile.com/curacao-express-pass/

 

Airside. (2024). Curaçao announces partnership with Airside. Retrieved on July 10, 2024, from https://airsidemobile.com/press-releases/curacao-announces-partnership-with-airside/

 

Mobile ID World. (2024). Curaçao launches mobile ID system for airport entry. Retrieved on July 10, 2024, from https://mobileidworld.com/curacao-launches-mobile-id-system-for-airport-entry/

 

Curaçao Chronicle. (2024). With Curaçao Express Pass, Curaçao is the first in the world for innovation in pre-processing passengers at immigration. Retrieved on July 10, 2024, from https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/tourism/with-curacao-express-pass-curacao-is-the-first-in-the-world-for-innovation-in-pre-processing-passengers-at-immigration/

 

Special thanks to Mrs. Duin-Circkens, Chief Strategy Officer at Curaçao Airport Holding, for her collaboration on the article.