The Las Palmas Port Authority installed the first container of the Border Control Point that will automate the entry and exit control processes for citizens of third countries.
This is the first of two containers acquired by the Port Authority for this purpose, both installed at the cruise terminal of the Port of Las Palmas. They are part of the contract for the supply, installation, and comprehensive maintenance of automated equipment for border control and passenger information services within the framework of the European /Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
This first container is equipped with eight registration kiosks, which will complement the existing manual procedures currently carried out at border control points.
The president of the Las Palmas Port Authority, Beatriz Calzada, stated that these containers represent a key step in the digitalisation of the port system and allow the Port of Las Palmas to continue advancing in the digital transformation of its infrastructure, aligning with European strategies for smart border management and consolidating its position as a strategic hub for access control to the Schengen area.
In this regard, Calzada added that “the implementation of EES and ETIAS will bring a substantial improvement in the passenger experience, while ensuring a higher level of security and control over international passenger traffic.”
The project, awarded to Thales-TIS with a value of USD 1.18 million, is financed by the European Internal Security Fund, with USD 900 thousand allocated for the acquisition and installation of equipment and USD 280 thousand for maintenance.
In addition to the containers, the contract includes the supply and installation of registration and verification tablets for the ports of Las Palmas, Arrecife, and Puerto del Rosario, video surveillance systems, telecommunications infrastructure via fibre optic connections between the National Police border control post and the Cruise Terminal, as well as signage and the integration of passenger information services.
The implementation of the EES system will allow the electronic recording of entry and exit data for travellers from third countries, which will contribute to better management of migratory flows, greater efficiency and speed in passport checks, increased security at the external borders of the European Union, and support for the prevention and investigation of serious crimes, including terrorism.
To support operations, the Port Authority has awarded a complementary contract for passenger assistance and information services to Activa Forum Canarias. The service aims to facilitate the use of the equipment and optimise queue management at control points, and will begin operations in May. This contract also receives USD 163 thousand in European funding.
