The Bureau of Immigration has expanded the use of electronic gates at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, with 18 additional eGates installed to help speed up passenger processing and strengthen border security.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the new eGates form part of the government’s broader push to modernize immigration systems at the country’s main gateways.
With the latest installation, NAIA Terminal 3 now has 60 eGates available for qualified travelers using airlines that comply with the Philippine government’s Advance Passenger Information requirement.
The eGates may be used by arriving Filipino passengers from API-compliant airlines, as well as departing overseas Filipino workers traveling through airlines that meet the same requirement.
The BI said nearly 90 percent of airlines operating flights in and out of the Philippines are already compliant with the API requirement, which allows authorities to pre-screen passengers and provide faster, more secure immigration clearance.
Viado said all eGates at NAIA Terminal 3 were deployed by the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation. He also urged airlines that have yet to comply with the API requirement to do so, citing the direct benefit to travelers.
“We are steadily advancing toward a more efficient and secure immigration system. The rollout of additional eGates is part of our broader effort to modernize processes not only at NAIA but also across other major international airports nationwide,” Viado said.
The BI said the continued expansion of automated clearance systems is expected to reduce queues, improve passenger flow and support tighter border management amid rising travel demand.