In a landmark step toward streamlining travel and strengthening border security, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the Government of Saint Lucia jointly unveiled new automated passport control kiosks at the Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort.

Automated passport control kiosks will also be introduced at the  George F. L. Charles Airport in Castries.

Director General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules said  the initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring that border management is modern, efficient, and provides a welcoming travel experience.

“As global tourism becomes more competitive, travellers expect not only beautiful destinations but also efficient, hassle-free, and secure entry experiences. That is why the OECS Commission, together with the EU and our Member States, is investing in the automation of our ports of entry to make travel through our region faster, simpler, and safer,” he said.

The new self-service kiosks represent a significant advancement in Saint Lucia’s border management infrastructure, designed to reduce congestion and improve processing efficiency at the nation’s two  airports. By automating parts of the arrival and departure process, the technology allows travelers to complete key steps of passport verification quickly and securely, freeing border officers to focus on higher-priority tasks.

Minister for Home Affairs, Crime Prevention and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Jeremiah Norbert, highlighted that processing time will now drop to under one minute—an improvement that will result in a substantial decrease in wait times and an overall smoother experience for travelers.

“To sustain the global competitiveness of our tourism sector and to continue addressing border security issues, a closer examination of our Border Management Systems and procedures is necessary,” the minister said. “The existence of an efficient and effective system is critical to ensure that high risk passengers are denied entry into our country and that the legitimate passengers, visitors, citizens, OECS and CARICOM nationals are processed seamlessly upon entry and exit into our country.”

The OECS Commission and the Government of Saint Lucia have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing regional integration through practical, technology-driven solutions that strengthen border resilience while enhancing service delivery. This collaborative effort marks a step forward in making regional travel not only safer but also smarter and more seamless.