Redefining a Traveler’s Border Entry Experience: Seamless, Safe and Secure

Tourism is on target to grow, with the number of tourists projected to be 8.2 billion by 2037, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For years, international travel experiences, at points of departure and arrival, have been laborious and cumbersome. Countries with inefficient airports, endless documentation processes, travel document validations, as well as endemic systems, are in need of a complete overhaul to respond to forecasted demand, and newly redefined expectations of the global tourist. 

Today, international travelers are required to fill the same information multiple times at different stages of borders crossings. Indeed, safety and security, and a convenient experience are an important aspect of a traveler’s expectation and a high priority for the global travel industry. Hence, creating the right border crossing processes, requires immigration departments and the airport authority to come together. It’s time for a travel tech. disruptor with an integrated approach that brings together the Government and Private Sector to maximize and enhance the tourist experience at every touch point. 

Although, a few countries have made some strides by launching the use of digital forms, autogates and self-check kiosks upon arrival, visitors are still looking for a seamless entry and departure experience. In ICAO’s Trip Guide on Border Control Management, Part 1, it states, “Commercial imperatives of airport operators and airlines need to be reconciled with the regulatory responsibilities of government agencies. Efficient processing of travelers, and a good passenger experience, need to be reconciled with efficient security screening”.  The implementation of new technology platforms such as, the MagellanGO Travel App, for instance, creates an opportunity for travelers to prepare in advance for all data required at an international port of entry, and becomes the antidote for immigration departments to manage national security, boost efficiency and assure an uncomplicated airport process, while expediting the movement of travelers. 

MagellanGO provides consent-based data sharing, reduces the redundancy and complexity of paperwork required for international travel, allowing travelers to cross borders in a fast, simple, and secure way and providing a convenient platform to book excursions and enjoy in-airport shopping. This ingenious Immigration tech platform is a comprehensive and secure digital travel wallet, bringing together multi-applications in an ‘all-in-one’ app for travelers, simplifying the border entry process and providing a frictionless experience for international travelers.

For immigration departments, MagellanGO enhances border security, offers real-time search, reporting & data analytics capabilities, and provides a border entry document management platform. MagellanGO utilizes Blockchain encryption as well as compliance with ICAO and GDPR standards.  It is not meant to replace a Government’s Visa, Passport, or Border Control System, but rather, integrate seamlessly via the MagellanGO API.  Additionally, it provides Immigration with the ability to review travel documents prior to arrival, pull reports for over-stays reports, access the traveler’s history within seconds and communicate with Travelers via email if required.

New technologies are expanding the possibilities of redefining border entry under a new norm of secure travel and data analytics. The power of data and the knowledge that MagellanGO provides allows the secure and seamless movement of visitors across international borders. But it takes the willingness of government to advocate for the right changes, and a holistic approach to working under the right technological environment by “adopting and adapting” a new mindset. The use of a digital travel wallet creates a safe, secure, and seamless end-to-end travel experience, to meet the new traveler’s expectations.

Written by Dr. Rudy Cardona.
Have you read it?
The world’s top 20 most travel-obsessed countries, 2023.
The most Twitter-obsessed countries revealed, 2023.
The world’s top 10 most popular luxury brands for 2023.
The most fast food-obsessed countries in the world, 2023.
Who Are the Richest Sports Owners in the World, 2023?