Simplified border control at Zurich Airport

On 1 December 2010, the six-month pilot scheme AuGreKo (automated border control) commenced at Zurich Airport as a joint project between Kantonspolizei Zürich and Flughafen Zürich AG. In order to simplify, speed up and modernise border controls, the new procedure uses the passport holder's biometric data. These are stored on the electronic chip integrated into the new passport (passports 06 and 10 for Swiss citizens), known as the e-passport.

The 6-month pilot scheme will form the basis for decisions about any subsequent extension to live operations at Zurich Airport. The legal basis for operating automated border controls is incorporated in the Foreign Nationals Act (FNA). Citizens of Switzerland, the EEA and the European Union who hold a valid electronic passport will gain additional benefit from this modern border control method. Travellers must be at least 18 years of age to use this service. Use of the AuGreKo gates is free of charge.
The AuGreKo gates are located in the border control area for departures leaving Switzerland from Pier E, and are indicated by "E-Pass Lane".
The following four steps take place at the AuGreKo gates:

• Step 1: Lay your e-passport on the passport reader at the gate and wait until the entrance door opens.
• Step 2: When you enter the gate, a biometric comparison is made between a picture of your face (live recording) and the electronic photo stored in your e-passport. At the same time as the biometric facial verification, the passport's details are checked against the RIPOL / SIS wanted persons register.
• Step 3: Once the face and e-passport checks have been completed successfully, the exit door opens and the passenger leaves the gate.
• Step 4:In case of further clarification is required, a manual check is made.

After the passenger has left the gate, the biometric data collected during the control are deleted.
The AuGreKo gates are being operated as a pilot scheme for a period of 6 months. Various operating scenarios will be tested during this pilot phase. This means that the AuGreKo security doors will not always be available for use by passengers.