3M Security Systems Launches Multilateral Border Security Program

Travelers between participating nations of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will enjoy faster, hassle-free travel due to a border security program designed by 3M Security Systems. CARIPASS, the first multilateral border crossing program, is a voluntary travel card program that provides secure and simple border crossings for citizens and legal residents of ten CARICOM nations. With the introduction of CARIPASS, participating governments aim to enhance regional security and support expedited travel throughout the participating member states.

To participate in CARIPASS, eligible travelers must pre-enroll at local immigration or designated offices and have a facial image and two fingerprint images captured. Users are then issued a card with a 2-D barcode which they can use to electronically process through self-service border crossing gates. These gates are connected to the system’s user database and after matching the user’s biometric data with that on the card, the gates open, allowing the traveler to pass through. The gate prints a receipt for the traveler to document his or her valid entry.

CARIPASS utilizes a number of new technologies sourced and integrated by 3M in response to CARICOM’s needs, allowing travelers to move quickly between ten CARICOM nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

“This one-of-a-kind program which is premised on the cooperation of multiple sovereign states will help facilitate the efficient movement of travelers, while maintaining a high level of security,” said Lynne Williams, Executive Director, CARICOM IMPACS. “In working with 3M, we were able to achieve a customized solution specific to our security needs and goals. We look forward to future phases of the system and extending it to other CARICOM member states.”

The creation of the program began after the implementation of a similar system used during the 2007 Cricket World Cup. After gaining a thorough understanding of the nature of travel between the participating countries and CARICOM’s goals in expediting this traffic, security experts at 3M were able to introduce a whole solution. One of the key components of the system is the electronic immigration gate, the 3M Autogate Solution. Autogates automate the border clearance process, allowing CARICOM to focus its immigration resources on higher risk travelers, while low risk travelers/CARIPASS holders benefit from processing.