BI to install e-gates in Philippines international airports

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December 31, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — With the Ninoy Aquino International Airport now utilizing electronic gates at its immigration counters, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is ready to spend P1.5 billion to install 47 e-gates in other international airports in the country.

The BI said it entered into a contract worth at least P1.5 billion with travel technology company Amadeus for the expansion and upgrading of e-gates in international airports outside Metro Manila.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval earlier said the P1.5-billion deal included the acquisition of 47 e-gates and 57 biometric devices for manned counters.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that based on the contract, which was signed on Dec. 22, the bureau would procure upgraded e-gates, which are set to be rolled out starting next year.

The project is part of the BI’s “Bagong Immigration” agenda, which prioritizes modernization and efficiency as well as secure yet traveler-friendly border management.

“President Marcos has made it clear that modernization of government services is not optional… it is imperative,” Viado said.

“The expansion of e-gates is a concrete step toward building a faster, smarter and more secure immigration system that supports economic growth while safeguarding our borders. This is in line with the Bagong Pilipinas envisioned by the President,” he added.

Once installed, the e-gates will enable the BI to fast-track the processing of travel documents, thereby reducing passenger queues.

Aside from serving passengers efficiently, the e-gates will enable the BI to detect people included in alert lists or linked to questionable activities.

“With the aid of advanced technology, our immigration officers are able to perform mission-critical functions more effectively. Automation allows us to focus our personnel on higher-level assessment and enforcement, while routine processing becomes faster and more accurate,” Viado said.

The e-gates expansion and upgrade project aims to replace and enhance existing facilities in order to improve travelers’ experience at the country’s entry and exit points.