
Automated passenger verification is expected to be implemented at two other ports in the country, Durrës and Saranda, after Rinas. This will allow travelers to expedite what is known as border control.
The Centralized Purchasing Operator has opened a procurement procedure with a fund of approximately 1.4 million euros, focusing precisely on this service on behalf of the institutions responsible for border control.
"The overall objective of this project is the design, development and implementation of the electronic Border Controller system, which will enable automated verification of travelers at two port border points of the Republic of Albania – the Port of Durrës and the Port of Saranda – with the possibility of expansion in the future to other maritime or land border points. The system will be built on modern technology and secure architecture, using intelligent devices for document reading, real-time image capture and biometric validation.
"This project aims to ensure increased border security, facilitate crossing procedures and increase operational efficiency, while guaranteeing the integrity, confidentiality and availability of personal data, in accordance with international border security and data protection standards," the project objectives state.
The documents argue that the solution in question was implemented at Rinas International Airport, as the first border point in Albania to apply the passenger control process entirely electronically, without human intervention.
“The installation of e-Gate devices aims to speed up crossing procedures, improve the traveler experience and reduce the operational burden of border officers, while maintaining the highest standards of security and identity control.
The devices installed at Rinas operate through automatic biometric verification, where the system reads the data of the electronic passport and compares the photo stored on the chip with the photo taken in real time, to confirm the traveler's identity.
The process is carried out entirely locally (on-premise), without an internet connection and without storing data after verification is complete, guaranteeing maximum security and privacy protection," the document states./Monitor