All ports to get automated border system by month-end – DCIO

As part of its digitalisation programme, the Guyana Government is moving to implement an automated border management systems across the country. The new system which will allow persons entering the country to fill out customs and immigration forms online is anticipated to be deployed at all ports of by this month end. This was announced by Deputy Chief Immigration Officer (DCIO), Superintendent Stephen Telford during a recent interview with Radio Eve Leary. Currently the automated system is only being used at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), when asked about the implementation of the system at other ports of entry Telford revealed that they are currently working on deploying the system at all key entry points.
The DCIO highlighted that all ports should be equipped with the system by this month end.

“Well, as we speak currently, the implementation is ongoing and I foresee, maybe before the end of the month, all of our ports of entry would be fully equipped with a system where persons can follow their Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form online.”
Instead of waiting in long lines to be processed by an immigration officer, travellers can now simply swipe their ID Cards or passports and proceed. This not only speeds up the entry process, but also reduces congestion at the airport, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Telford lauded the Government for investing in modern systems, he revealed that with the new automated systems passengers are processed in approximately 12 seconds. On this point the DCIO revealed that the new system has been well received by travelers.
“But the feedback in terms overall, you have a very high percentage of person who’s commending the process they feel good about it and there’s a lot of foreigners who use the system, and I can speak personally of being on the ground, but I really commend our country for heading into this direction and commend its process where they are being processed in the shortest possible time. So what you find we would have found in the process with between the gates and the online ED form, it would have taken just about 12 seconds to be processed.”
Previously passengers were required to fill out printed forms upon arrival, a task that often causes delays and frustration. With the new system, travellers can complete these forms in advance, with the information being shared directly with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). This integration of digital systems reduces the likelihood of errors, speeds up customs processing, and ensures better tracking of goods entering the country.
Moreover, Telford highlighted that in a move to ensure Guyanese passports are in alignment with international standards, the immigration unit will soon roll out a new passport. According to the DCIO this new passport will be valid for a 10-year period.
“What we currently will be rolling out shortly for our country is our new passport. Those passports have been upgraded and it would now be valid for 10 years instead of five years so shortly, your next passport that you might lucky to be received will now be valid for 10 years instead of five years.”
The DCIO highlighted. “So, we are there with the international standard of those passports. We currently working and very soon we will have those passports rolling out to our citizens.”