The measure is already available at the Las Américas and Cibao airports and eliminates one of the previous steps to use automated immigration controls.
SANTO DOMINGO.–Dominicans with electronic passports will be able to use automated immigration controls or Autogate without needing to register beforehand, as announced this Wednesday by the General Directorates of Migration (DGM) and Passports (DGP).
The new facility is now available at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) and Cibao International Airport, allowing travelers to complete their immigration process more quickly and automatically.
The entities emphasize that the elimination of prior registration is possible thanks to the interoperability between the technological systems of Migration and Passports.
By placing the electronic passport in the Autogate reader, the system can automatically query the biometric data linked to the document in the database of the Directorate General of Passports.
This allows travelers with the new document to go directly to the automated control, without having to register beforehand, which is still required for users of traditional passports.
The Director General of Migration, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, ARD, highlighted that technological integration seeks to simplify the migration process and improve the experience of citizens.
“Those who have their electronic passport will experience an automated immigration control process at airports where we have the Autogates service available,” he said.
AutoGate: automated immigration control system
AutoGate system that allows Dominican citizens to enter and leave the country quickly, avoiding long lines in front of immigration inspectors.
How does it work?
This mechanism works based on three determining factors: speed, operational efficiency, and cost.
- Quick step: Use electronic stations with biometric document and data readers.
- Operation: You only need to scan your passport on the machine and verify your identity using your fingerprint.
- Cost: It is a completely free service .
What changes for travelers?
With the electronic passport, users no longer need to register beforehand at Autogate. The authorization is integrated into the document, so the system can automatically recognize the information necessary to complete the immigration process.
However, Dominicans who still possess the traditional or machine-readable passport may continue to use Autogate, but they must maintain the registration procedure in force with the DGM.
The Director General of Passports, Lorenzo David Ramírez Uribe, explained that the new document was designed to offer higher levels of security, but also to integrate with technological solutions that facilitate travel.
“It’s no longer just about having a more secure and modern document, but about contributing to making travel increasingly agile and simple,” he said.
The initiative is part of the process of modernizing public services and reducing red tape promoted through the Zero Bureaucracy program.
Both institutions indicated that they will continue working on integrating their platforms to expand the available facilities and move towards more agile, secure and automated migration processes.
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