Regulatory framework

Facilitating bonafide travelers and resourcing to risk

• The vast majority of travelers are bonafide travelers who in principle can be processed automatically without seeing a border control officer

• Immigration authorities have to do more and more intensive checks with less resources

• Automation of identity checks and passenger facilitation in combination with a risk-based approach to finding threats are the way forward

• Depending on traveler status (i.e. national, VISA or VISA waiver) different procedures for border controls apply when entering the EU Schengen area

• No comprehensive unified approach to automated border passage exists to date, no existing body is driving international standardization on this matter

• Various authorities and bodies including ICAO, IATA, European Commission and ACI have recently announced their views on border control and RT programs.

Dartagnan is closely monitoring all developments and trends in the field of border control and RT programs and is actively involved in some of the most important initiatives:

European Commission Communique on better protection of EU borders

Early 2008, the European Commission (EC) communicated its vision on an Integrated EU Border Management Strategy including an approach to Registered Traveler Programs. Amongst other things, the EC is proposing:

• To launch a discussion on the possibility of setting up a system requiring third-country nationals to obtain an electronic authorisation to travel.

• To promote automated border passage using MRTD’s for EU citizens as well as a registered traveler program to facilitate border checks for certain categories of frequent travelers from third countries.

• To consider an entry/exit system to record, when the border check is carried out, the dates of entry and exit of each third-country national admitted to the Schengen area, using biometric identifiers.

ACI, ICAO and IATA position on border control and registered traveller programs

On 21 april 2008, Airports Council International (ACI) Europe launched a taskforce on border control and registered traveler programs.

• The key strategic objectives of the task force are to enhance security and facilitate travel for EU and third country nationals through truly integrated border management.

• The ACI EUROPE task force will show the way in the implementation of modern processes at airports, airlines and authorities level and seek harmonisation of these processes across Europe.

• The task force will promote a risk-based approach to facilitate flows and reduce costs through:

  • expedited clearance facilities (automated border passage)

  • biometric identifiers

  • premium membership benefits within RT programs

  • interoperability between RT programs at EU airports

  • standardisation of common application and enrolment procedures

The IATA/Control Authorities Working Group (CAWG) is developing a best practise document on an International RT Program. Led by the British Immigration Authority (BIA), a number of countries with existing RT programs have come up with the initiative to describe global best practises on the subject. Mid 2008 the CAWG is expected to publish the results of their initiative.

The ICAO/New Technology Working Group is writing a set of guidelines for the implementation of eMRTDS in Passenger facilitation. The comprehensive document is expected to appear May 2008.