By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Juan Santamaría International Airport has officially launched four biometric eGates designed to streamline immigration control for eligible travelers. The new automated system uses advanced facial recognition technology to verify passenger identities, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s technological modernization efforts. Developed through a public-private partnership, this initiative represents a major technological upgrade for Costa Rica’s primary international gateway.
The state-of-the-art eGates can process approximately 180 passengers per hour each, providing an additional collective capacity of 720 passengers per hour. According to AERIS, the airport’s private concessionaire, this integration is projected to boost international arrival processing efficiency by approximately 64 percent. This operational enhancement is particularly crucial as the terminal continues to manage growing volumes of international travelers.
The eGates represent an example of the joint work between the Government of Costa Rica and AERIS
Juan Belliard, Director of Operations and Security of AERIS
The project required an investment of approximately $3 million, a capital allocation that aligns with the airport’s overarching innovation and modernization roadmap. The initiative was planned and executed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) and the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME).
Very satisfied to continue moving forward with the implementation of changes and modernization of the Juan Santamaría International Airport
Efraím Zeledón Leiva, Minister of the Ministry of Public Works and TransportCargando...
In this initial rollout phase, the eGates are strictly available to adult Costa Rican citizens holding valid biometric passports who meet specific eligibility criteria established by immigration authorities. Located next to conventional booths in the international arrivals hall, the automated check takes between 17 and 22 seconds. Travelers scan their biometric passports, undergo facial recognition validation, and proceed once authorized. Staffed monitoring stations remain nearby to handle any exceptions and assist passengers as needed.
Beyond processing speed, the technology aims to distribute passenger flow more effectively during peak travel hours. By automating routine processing, the system frees up immigration officers to focus on more complex cases requiring specialized human review. This approach ensures high-level security protocols are maintained without compromising operational efficiency.
The biometric identification of Costa Rican passengers aligns the operation with international national security standards
Gerald Campos, Minister of Governance and Police
Authorities plan to expand the biometric system to accommodate other nationalities in subsequent phases, guided by regulatory framework updates. The new eGates complement existing airport upgrades, such as self-service check-in kiosks, automated baggage drops, the SJO Fast Track system, and ongoing structural improvements, establishing the airport as a highly competitive regional hub.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the private concessionaire responsible for the operation, administration, and modernization of Juan Santamaría International Airport, working to position the terminal as a leading gateway to Central America.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport:
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Costa Rica is the government cabinet ministry responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure and transport services across the nation.
For further information, visit migracion.go.cr
About Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería:
The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería is Costa Rica’s immigration authority, tasked with regulating the entry, stay, and exit of domestic and foreign nationals to ensure national security and orderly migration.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
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