WILLEMSTAD - Considering that we are entering a period of high holiday season and an influx of visitors to our country, the Council of Ministers, upon the proposal of Minister Hato, has given the green light to make necessary changes at Hato Airport. In the coming months, there will be several improvements aimed at facilitating the arrival and departure process for our visitors. 

As widely known, Hato Airport currently has eGates, which are electronic systems that use biometric data to check passengers and their passports. As part of the efforts to enhance service quality and efficiency, individuals over the age of 16 with a chip-enabled passport will be able to use the eGates when entering or leaving Curaçao. It is important to note that all minors under 18 years old will still require written permission from a parent or legal guardian in order to travel. 

Additionally, all individuals aged 12 and above with a Canadian, American, or European Union (Schengen) passport can also use the eGates upon departure (accompanied by their parent or guardian, of course). Furthermore, Minister Hato has approved the replacement of the current eGates at the airport with a newer and more modern model. 

Currently, there are a total of 14 eGates, eight G10 eGates, and six GT11 eGates. In the near future, all G10 eGates will be replaced by the new GT11 model. This transition to a single system will make the process more structured, as all gates will be of the same model, resulting in a unified system instead of two. This transition to a single system will make the process more efficient and financially beneficial for Curaçao. In addition to this, four information kiosks will be installed to provide assistance in 2023. 

The mentioned upgrades will primarily ensure better control at our borders and, at the same time, help reduce waiting times at the airport. The efficiency brought about by these upgrades will result in a more pleasant environment at the airport, benefiting both visitors and immigration staff.