Bhutan Launches Automated Immigration Clearance System at Paro Airport

Bhutan’s Department of Immigration launches the Automated Immigration Clearance System at Paro International Airport, introducing faster and more secure biometric e-gates for travellers.

Bhutan has taken a major step toward modernising its border control system. The Department of Immigration today launched an Automated Immigration Clearance System at Paro International Airport. Built for Nu 60 M (approx. USD660k), the system introduces 12 electronic gates to speed up passenger processing. Although initially scheduled for completion in one year, the project was completed in just seven months.

The new system uses biometric verification and passport scanning technology to authenticate passengers’ identities and travel documents. The process involves scanning the passport, verifying biometrics, and clearing the traveller within seconds.

Installation of E-Gates

Six e-gates have been installed in the arrival terminal and six in the departure terminal.

According to the Department of Immigration, automation is expected to reduce waiting times by nearly 75 per cent, while improving the accuracy and reliability of immigration records.

Biometric verification is also expected to deter fraudulent travel documents and reduce identity fraud risks.

Home Minister Tshering said, “One of the key advantages of the e-gates is time efficiency. Previously, immigration clearance for arriving or departing passengers took three to five minutes. With the introduction of the e-gates, the estimated processing time has been reduced to approximately one minute.”

For Bhutanese travellers, eligibility requires being an adult, holding a valid Bhutanese passport, and having recent biometrics enrolled with the Department of Civil Registration and Census.

For foreign visitors, once their biometric data is captured upon entry, the system retains the information. This allows faster processing during departure without the need to re-enter details.

The Minister said, “We have now installed e-gates at three locations. Moving forward, we will assess additional points of entry where automated immigration systems are required to further enhance efficiency and passenger flow.”

E-gates are already operational in Phuentsholing, and resources are in place to install similar systems in Gelephu. With the launch of the e-gates, Bhutan takes another confident step toward a faster, smarter, and more secure border system.

A Step Towards Smarter Border Management

According to the Department of Immigration, the AICS forms part of a broader effort to strengthen efficiency, accuracy and the overall passenger experience through advanced border management technology.

Key benefits of the AICS include:

• Faster clearance: Automation enables travellers to pass through immigration more efficiently

• Improved passenger experience: Eligible travellers can complete immigration independently via e-gates

• Enhanced accuracy and reliability: Automated checks minimise human error and improve record integrity

• Strengthened security: Biometric verification helps deter fraudulent travel documents and identity fraud

Officials noted that the rollout reflects Bhutan’s commitment to adopting international best practices and positioning the country as a regional leader in secure and efficient border management.

E-Gate Requirements for Foreign Travellers

The Department of Immigration clarified that foreigners must meet specific criteria to use the e-gates at Paro International Airport:

• Must be an adult

• Must carry a valid ICAO-compliant passport

• Must have pre-cleared authorisation issued by the Department of Immigration

• Must remove hats, sunglasses and masks that could obstruct facial recognition

• Travellers unable to use the e-gate may proceed to the manual immigration counter for assistance

Requirements for Bhutanese Citizens

Bhutanese nationals are also eligible to use the automated system, provided they meet the following conditions:

• Recent biometrics must be enrolled with the Department of Civil Registration and Census

• Must carry a valid passport

• Must remove hats, sunglasses and masks that could obstruct facial recognition

Children Not Eligible

The Department confirmed that children are currently not eligible to use the e-gates and should proceed through the standard manual immigration counters.

Looking Ahead

With the introduction of the Automated Immigration Clearance System, Paro International Airport takes an important step toward a more seamless and secure travel experience. As Bhutan continues to modernise its infrastructure in line with global standards, travellers can expect smoother arrivals while maintaining the Kingdom’s strong emphasis on safety and integrity.