WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao will collect a rate of $ 1.32 from January 1, 2020 to optimize border security in border control (immigration). This is announced by the Ministry of Justice.
This rate will be collected by Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) on behalf of the government and applies to all departing passengers and passengers who make a stopover here (in transit),” said the officials at the Ministry of Justice. “The rate of $ 1.32 has already been announced to the airlines and they will receive more technical information in December. This rate will be collected as part of the airport costs known as “passenger facility charge” (PFC).”
The border security legislation was introduced on November 1, 2019 and refers to the costs related to ensuring a higher level of security measures at the airport such as the introduction of the global ‘Advanced Passenger Information System’ (Apis) and more automated technology such as the eGates and other immigration sources.
It is explained that in 2015 the Immigration Service at the airport made a start on automating the border surveillance process to maximize border efficiency and security. The electronic border control gates (eGates) were installed shortly afterwards. Passengers aged 18 or over with a European, Canadian or American passport can use the eGates since then.
The first eGates were a gift from Curaçao Airport Holding (CAH) to the Ministry of Justice. Since then CAH has been working with the Ministry to further develop and optimize the use of them.
To further enhance border security, Curaçao has purchased Apis. Apis is an electronic database in which airlines enter passport information of the passengers for judicial organizations prior to the flight.
Only judicial partners have access to this database and the information is shared securely for security purposes.
