The Bureau of Immigration (BI) continues to strengthen the country’s border management through digital technology, automation, and advanced passenger information systems, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve government services and enhance border security.
Key initiatives include the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), electronic gates (eGates), automated passenger screening, airline data connectivity, and the APIS Operations Center (APOC), which collectively support faster immigration processing, more efficient passenger screening, and stronger border security.
Through APIS, airlines electronically transmit passenger information to the BI before flights arrive, enabling immigration authorities to conduct advance checks and identify passengers who may require further assessment before reaching the immigration counters.
The system also supports the faster processing of eligible travelers through the BI’s eGates. By allowing passenger information to be received and screened in advance, APIS helps facilitate a more seamless and automated immigration process, with eGate clearance taking approximately five to 15 seconds under normal operating conditions.
Beyond improving processing times, the BI’s digital systems promote transparency and accountability by reducing unnecessary manual intervention and personal discretion, while supporting immigration checks through passenger data, established procedures, and system-generated alerts.
“This is not only about faster processing. Digitalization also strengthens accountability by reducing unnecessary intervention and personal discretion,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said.
The country’s modernization efforts have also gained international recognition. The International Border Management and Technologies Association (IBMATA) featured the Philippines’ APIS implementation in its September 2026 issue of Border Management Today.
The BI’s APIS Operations Center was likewise featured during the International User Community (IUC) on UN goTravel Meeting held in Chișinău, Moldova, on September 23–24, 2026, where the Philippines shared its experience in establishing and expanding airline connectivity.
The BI’s hands-on approach to assisting airlines in connecting to the system was highlighted as a practical model that other countries using UN goTravel API software may consider adopting. Through close coordination, technical assistance, and regular monitoring, the Bureau has accelerated airline integration, connecting 49 airlines and covering nearly 99 percent of international flight operations in the country.
The Bureau has also strengthened its use of international databases for passenger screening. According to the 2025 INTERPOL Annual Assessment, the Philippines ranked first in the Asia-Pacific region and sixth globally in database screening efficiency.
The BI emphasized that these accomplishments represent initial milestones in its continuing modernization program. The Bureau will sustain efforts to upgrade its systems and adopt emerging technologies, ensuring that Philippine border management keeps pace with technological advancements and evolving operational requirements.
“This is a continuing journey. Our goal is not only to modernize what we have today, but to ensure that the BI continues to keep pace with technology and remains ready for the border management needs of the future,” Viado said.
The BI reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with airlines, government agencies, and international partners to strengthen border security, improve processing efficiency, promote accountability, and build a modern border management system capable of adapting to emerging technologies and future challenges. | Press release from the Bureau of Immigration
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