Biometric Advancements in Portugal: How They are Changing the Travel Experience

Portuguese airports have recently rolled out an innovative biometric experience, starting earlier this year at Lisbon and Porto airports. By mid-2024, this transformative travel initiative will extend to Faro, Ponta Delgada, and Funchal airports, promising passengers an elevated journey experience. Spearheaded by a collaboration between ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal/VINCI Airports and Vision-Box, a prominent technology company specializing in the travel industry.

The initial phase of the program, introduced at Lisbon and Porto airports, is overseen by ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal/VINCI Airports and is exclusively available for TAP Air Portugal flights. Travellers aged 18 and above journeying within the Schengen area can take advantage of this streamlined biometric process. The aim is to expand this initiative to include more destinations and airlines.

Funding for these cutting-edge biometric experiences is provided by the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (PPR) and the NextGenerationEU program, through the Accelerate and Transform Tourism Agenda. This strategic agenda aims to change the customer experience in Portugal's tourism sector.

Vision-Box leads this innovative travel experience through its Seamless Journey Platform, seamlessly integrating biometric devices into existing systems for real-time data orchestration. This guarantees smooth collaboration among various travel stakeholders' systems, optimizing efficiency, security, and convenience for both passengers and stakeholders alike. Notably, this modern approach eliminates the need for traditional boarding passes and travel documents, fostering a privacy-focused ecosystem.

Initiating with enrolment, travellers can effortlessly register via ANA Aeroportos' mobile app, facilitated by Vision-Box Seamless Mobile SDK. 

Alternatively, at the airport, self-service check-in kiosks equipped with Vision-Box's Seamless Kiosks allow travellers to register autonomously, or they can receive assistance at check-in counters utilizing Vision-Box's Seamless Desk. 

Consequently, enrolled travellers can navigate the airport effortlessly, relying solely on facial recognition at biometrically enabled Vision-Box Security Gates. 

During boarding, passengers can utilize Vision-Box Self-Boarding Gates, powered by state-of-the-art AI-enabled Vision-Box Facial Recognition Algorithm.

This groundbreaking initiative aligns with the Portuguese government's digitalisation agenda, aimed at fostering growth within the tourism sector. Moreover, Lisbon's recognition as the capital of innovation in Europe underscores the city's commitment to pioneering advancements in the technology field and customer journey experience. All of these aspects are augmented by the new tax benefit that the Portuguese government has devised for the year 2024, as outlined in this article, for those who opt to reside and work in Portugal under a qualified occupation.

If you are interested in living and working in Portugal or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be delighted to offer our assistance.