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Traveling through Pakistan’s busiest airports is set to become quicker and more convenient as authorities prepare to introduce modern biometric e-gates at three major international airports. The initiative aims to improve passenger flow, reduce long immigration queues, and bring airports in Pakistan closer to global standards.

The new e-gates will be installed at Lahore Airport, Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, and Islamabad International Airport. These airports handle the majority of international flights from Pakistan, making them ideal locations for the first phase of this upgrade.

What Are E-Gates?

E-gates are automated immigration checkpoints that use biometric verification, such as facial recognition linked with passport data. Instead of standing in long lines for manual passport stamping, eligible passengers can clear immigration in seconds by passing through these automated gates.

For frequent travelers, overseas Pakistanis, and tourists, this change is expected to significantly improve the overall airport experience, especially during peak travel seasons.

How This Will Improve Travel from Pakistan

  • Reduced waiting time at immigration counters
  • Better crowd management during peak hours
  • Faster processing for international departures and arrivals
  • Improved security through biometric verification

At Lahore Airport, which sees heavy passenger traffic year-round, e-gates are expected to ease congestion and help passengers reach their boarding gates on time.

Airports Selected for E-Gate Installation

AirportCityType of FlightsExpected Benefit
Lahore AirportLahoreInternationalFaster immigration clearance
Jinnah International AirportKarachiInternationalReduced passenger congestion
Islamabad International AirportIslamabadInternationalSmoother arrival and departure flow

A Step Towards Modern Airports in Pakistan

The introduction of e-gates reflects a broader effort to modernize Pakistan’s aviation and immigration systems. Many international airports around the world already rely on automated border control, and this move helps ensure that Pakistan airports remain competitive and traveler-friendly.

As more passengers choose international flights from Pakistan for work, tourism, and family travel, such technology-driven upgrades are becoming increasingly important.

With these improvements, passengers passing through Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad can expect a faster, smoother, and more comfortable start to their journeys.

Other Coutnries That Lead in e-Gate Facility

E-gates are automated immigration systems used at major international airports around the world to make border clearance faster and more secure. Countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania use e-gates to process passengers through biometric verification, usually facial recognition linked to electronic passports. These systems significantly reduce waiting times, improve passenger flow, and help airport authorities manage growing international travel volumes. Widely adopted at busy hubs such as London, Dubai, Sydney, and Tokyo, e-gates have become a global standard in modern aviation. Their expansion reflects the shift toward smarter, technology-driven airport operations and smoother travel experiences.

Country / RegionWhere E-Gates Are UsedNotes / EligibilityComments
European Union (many countries)Major airports across EU (e.g., Amsterdam, Dublin, Luxembourg)EU/EEA/Swiss citizens + selected non-EU passport holders can use e-gates; biometric passport requiredEU automated gates widely used and growing
United KingdomLondon Gatwick, Heathrow and othersUK citizens + many foreign passport holders (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, Japan) can use e-gates depending on policyUK expanding biometric systems
United StatesSome major airports (Biometric kiosks & automated systems)Citizens of Visa Waiver Program can use automated systems (APC kiosks)Not exactly same as EU e-gates, but similar automated border clearance
CanadaMajor international airportsAutomated kiosks with photo/fingerprint; biometric tech used for returning citizens & residentsPrimarily for arrivals
United Arab Emirates (UAE)Dubai, Abu Dhabi airportsExtensive biometric e-gates with facial recognition; expanding across more airportsHigh-tech implementation
JapanHaneda, Narita, KansaiFacial recognition e-gates for nationals + registered foreignersRapid processing (under 10 sec)
South KoreaIncheon International & othersSmart Entry Service (SES) allows fast biometric entry for registered travelersEfficient and quick processing
AustraliaSydney, Melbourne & other airportsSmartgates use facial recognition with e-passports; passengers can be pre-clearedLong-standing system
New ZealandAll major international airportse-gates expanded to allow many nationalities (48+ eligible)Wide access for international travelers
BahrainBahrain International Airporte-gates for nationals, GCC citizens & some residents/visitorsRegional Gulf implementation
NetherlandsAmsterdam Schiphol78+ e-gates in arrivals, departures & transfer areasMultifunctional use
IrelandDublin AirportEU/EEA/Swiss + some other passport holders (Australia, Canada, NZ, US) in certain transit situationsGrowing system
LuxembourgLuxembourg AirportEU/EEA & select passport holders can use e-gatesSmall but modern system
PhilippinesManila, Cebu, Davao, Clark airportse-gates for Philippine biometric passport holdersFocus on arrivals
GhanaKotoka International Airport (Accra)New biometric border management with e-gatesExtending tech to additional airports
Zimbabwe (regional)Beitbridge & some airportsE-gates implemented at select locationsEarly African deployments
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