Big Changes Are On The Way For Dublin Airport Starting Today

New electronic passport machines will come into play today (Thursday) at Dublin Airport following successful trials at the start of this year.

There has been 20 self-service automated passport control gates installed at the Airport meaning people entering the country will be allowed to use the machines to do so. 

There will be ten gates in each terminal.

How does it work? 

Well, the automatic border gates will use facial recognition technology and passport readers which will conduct security checks on people arriving into the country. 

Only one immigration officer is needed to monitor the several gates and the new development will speed things up no end for passengers arriving at the Airport. 

The first phase of 'eGate' will include all Irish passengers, EU, EEA and Swiss visitors over 18 who have an electronic passport. 

The machines will do a quick read of the passport's electronic chip while a camera captures the person's facial image comparing it to the one on the passport itself and once that is given the green light, the passenger is allowed to exit. 

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said back in August that the move would “greatly enhance our immigration controls, including border security, while at the same time providing an improved passenger experience through self-service and speedier passage through the immigration process”.

If you're flying into Dublin today or this weekend, you may be one of the first lucky ones to try this out.