Ygor Lutz, Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Founder of Travizory Border Security, guides us through artificial intelligence-powered BorderTech, which balances the need for both speed and security
As competition between travel destinations increases, simplifying immigration processes remains a priority. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) offer a lifeline to those conscious of the security threats that come hand-in-hand with “open borders”. Enabling rapid traveller screening at scale, anticipating potential risks, and optimising front-line human resources, AI offers the promise of more secure, efficient, and robust border systems.
Yet, while AI has steadily cemented its place in the mainstream as a tool to enhance efficiency, and productivity, valid questions continue to arise about its ethical implications. This article will explore the impact of AI on border security, showing how it has rapidly transitioned from experimental to essential. Using real-life examples from Travizory Border Security, the case will be made for an ethical approach to AI at the border while demonstrating the tangible impact it can have on national security.
AI for large-scale traveller screening: precision meets scale
According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, around 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024. (1) This sheer number of passengers demonstrates the urgent need for According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, around 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024.
AI systems excel at analysing vast datasets with remarkable speed and accuracy. By identifying patterns within the data and applying pre-set rules, AI can be a powerful ally for border authorities. With traveller data becoming more accessible through systems like eVisa, Electronic Travel Authorisation and Advance Passenger Information Systems, it is imperative that border agencies can collect, analyse and assess the rich data about each potential traveller in real-time.
For example, AI-driven risk assessment platforms can analyse a traveller’s biometric and biographic data alongside historical travel patterns within seconds of a passport scan. This eliminates the reliance on manual checks, drastically reducing bottlenecks at immigration counters while maintaining a high-security threshold.
Notably, these tools are not confined to spotting immediate threats but can also predict future ones through trend analysis. Using machine learning algorithms, these advanced systems recognise patterns indicative of security threats – such as inconsistencies in travel histories, flagged profiles, or unusual ticketing patterns – allowing border agencies to focus their attention where it is most needed.
Case study: Combatting drug trafficking
Partnering with Travizory since 2020, the Republic of Seychelles has reported a significant increase in the number of drug-related interventions made at the international airport. Seychelles’ market-leading AI-powered risk engine combines the biometric and biographic data from API-PNR and a Biometric Travel Authorisation, to offer an unparalleled profile of each individual traveller.
Using AI to analyse real-time data, authorities can identify undeclared relationships, flag similar profiles and automatically monitor known high-risk individuals. Anecdotal evidence from senior government stakeholders suggests that introducing AI within the border control eco-system has resulted in a 70% increase in drug-related arrests.
Facilitating a world-class traveller experience
AI drives distinct benefits for low-risk travellers, who can submit documents remotely and are fast-tracked on entry and exit. These solutions contribute to simplifying and streamlining the end-to-end process by prioritising convenience and ease of use. From validating travel and ID documentation on eVisa and Electronic Travel Authorisation applications, to verifying identity remotely, travellers benefit from record processing times. Following the deployment of Travizory’s Biometric Travel Authorisation system in one major African country, average processing times dropped significantly from seven days to less than 40 hours.
Furthermore, AI-powered tools can assist front-line officers by providing real-time translation, facial recognition for identity verification, and automated document validation. These capabilities enable them to handle higher passenger volumes with greater efficiency. Using Travizory’s non-stop FaceLaneTM to categorise passengers based on an AI-powered risk assessment, Seychelles International Airport has seen an 84% reduction in processing time, screening up to 30 passengers per minute.
Trend identification at a macro level: Insights for proactive governance
AI’s ability to sift through millions of data points in real-time provides authorities with unprecedented insights into macro-level travel trends. By identifying anomalies, such as spikes in irregular migration or changes in visa application patterns, AI equips governments to proactively anticipate and respond to challenges. Similarly, tracking seasonal trends in tourism can inform policy adjustments to facilitate smoother operations.
Such insights extend beyond operational advantages. By combining anonymised traveller data with AI analytics, policymakers can gain a powerful tool for strategic decision- making. AI’s ability to spotlight patterns, such as demographic shifts in traveller profiles, strengthens the case for data-driven policies.
Replacing humans with machines: The symbiotic relationship between humans and AI
Contrary to popular belief, the rise of AI does not eliminate the need for human expertise; it enables smarter deployment of human resources. Automating routine tasks and low-risk traveller processing allows immigration officers to focus on high-value activities, such as conducting secondary inspections or handling complex cases.
Consider a scenario where an AI system flags a traveller for additional scrutiny based on certain risk factors. While the algorithm detects the anomaly, the human officer conducts the final evaluation. In all cases, the decision to deny travel or detain an individual should be reserved for human border officers, who can combine their targeting expertise with emotional intelligence. This synergy between AI and human expertise ensures that decisions remain fair, accurate, and defensible.
Adopting AI for border control raises questions about bias, transparency, and accountability – issues that governments and technology providers must address collaboratively. One key consideration is the inherent bias in the datasets on which many AI systems are trained. If training datasets are flawed, algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes or target specific groups unfairly. To mitigate this risk, Travizory’s BorderTech solutions use diverse and representative datasets and conduct regular reviews and testing. The system also mandates manual review for complex cases, removing automated decision-making where needed.
Revolutionary AI for border control
AI is revolutionising border security by enabling large-scale traveler screening, but the future of AI for border control is not without challenges.
Strong and effective regulation is paramount when exploring the impact of AI on travel and cross-border processes. Technology providers should be at the helm of this discussion, working with industry bodies and governments to define and enact policies that manage AI fairly, transparently and securely. Knowledge sharing, capacity building and coordination across borders will also be central to the further harmonisation of global standards.
As governments start to embrace this transformative technology, innovative providers like Travizory stand ready to deliver tomorrow’s borders, today.
Reference
This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
