What’s really behind the border challenges you keep hearing about?

Global travel is booming again while at the same time border threats are increasing. This dual problem is putting government border agencies under tremendous pressure: they need to maintain national security while providing smooth and efficient travel flows. Yet outdated manual systems simply can’t keep up anymore.

That’s where modern border tech comes in. Today’s modern platforms bring together travel authorizations, biometrics, and real-time risk checks to keep things secure and moving fast. It’s not just about speed—governments need the tools to act quickly, confidently, and smartly.

Here are five big challenges border teams face—and how digital tools are helping them stay ahead.

1. Doing more with less

Budgets are tight. Staff are stretched thin. And the tech? It’s often outdated. Meanwhile, traveler numbers keep climbing while various threats are increasing.

Digital tools help address these problems. Online electronic travel authorizations and e-Visas let travelers apply online from anywhere—no need for in-person visits. Real-time updates to entry rules? Easy to do with Advance Passenger Processing (APP) and it doesn’t require system overhauls. And biometric ABC gates and kiosks speed up ID checks, so officers can focus on the high-risk travelers who really need their attention.

The result? Lower costs, faster passenger processing, stronger security, and a smoother traveler journey.

2. Keeping up with changing rules

Border policies can shift fast—thanks to politics, global events, and new rules. Agencies must stay in step with international standards, industry frameworks and regulations like ICAO, IATA One ID, GDPR, or the EU’s Entry/Exit System.

Rigid systems can’t keep pace. But more flexible digital ones can. Dynamic advance passenger processing lets governments change entry criteria easily and share information with airlines to approve or deny boarding based on identity, documentation and risk profiles. 

This allows government agencies to be flexible, compliant, and ready for whatever comes next.

3. Staying ahead of health risks

COVID-19 showed just how vulnerable manual border checks can be— with health threats creating long lines, lots of contact between border agents and passengers, along with slow health screenings.

Now, digital systems are built with health in mind. Travelers can upload test results or vaccine records before they fly for verification. Self-service ABC gates and kiosks with facial recognition make for fast, contactless entry or exit processing. And everything updates in real time.

It’s safer for the public, faster, and gives travelers peace of mind.

4. Responding to mass migration / displacement

Wars, natural disasters, and economic crises are forcing millions to move. Borders need to handle sudden surges while treating these people with care and dignity.

Digital tools help make that possible. In a digital clearance process, ETA serves as the first layer, pre-screening travelers before they begin their journey. At departure, APP links to this data, allowing airlines to verify authorization and approve or deny boarding in real-time. Upon arrival, eGates use biometric checks to match the traveler to their cleared records, automating and finalizing the clearance process efficiently. Together, these systems create a continuous, risk-based control flow from pre-travel to arrival.

It’s about staying in control, knowing who's coming and going while being compassionate even   while under time pressure.

5. Stopping organized crime

Transnational Criminal Organizations exploit border weaknesses to move drugs, weapons, fake goods, and people. Manual checks alone can’t stop them.

Digital platforms offer a smarter defense. Governments can conduct real-time risk profiling using PNR data, APP integration with watchlists, biometric collection with ETAs, and travel histories to flag suspicious travelers. Integrated biometric clearance links ABC gates and kiosks with digital travel applications, so only verified travelers can use automated lanes. Watchlist checks happen instantly.

This is a strategic transformation that empowers governments to intercept threats before they arrive.

The future of Borders is smart, safe, and seamless

Security and smooth / fast travel don’t have to clash. With the right tech, they go hand in hand. Modern border solutions help governments protect people, stay compliant, respond to health and humanitarian needs, and help keep economies growing, while enhancing traveler experience.

This isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a whole new strategic way of thinking about modern borders—built for today, ready for tomorrow.

Find out more about the products that can help you overcome the challenges here.