Location: Calais (France) – Folkestone (UK)

Focus: Excursion and tourist coaches and minibuses at maritime border crossing points.

Pilot use case 2 extends AutoBorder’s drive-through border control concept to coaches and minibuses carrying tourist and group travellers through the Eurotunnel LeShuttleTM Schengen-non-Schengen, where 10,000-12,000 coaches cross the Channel annually. Currently, border checks can take 10-20 minutes per vehicle (excluding waiting time), with passengers required to disembark for identity verification. AutoBorder aims to eliminate this step, enabling on-board biometric processing for a faster and smoother experience.

Using on-board sensors, passengers’ biometric data will be captured as they embark (or disembark), while pre-registration is completed through the coach operator’s web or mobile app. This includes travel, vehicle, and passenger details, securely linked to DTCs.

Same as PUC1, if no concerns arise during the automated checks, eligible vehicles continue through a fast-track lane without stopping.

This pilot will also explore ethical and practical challenges, including mixed traveller groups, ensuring fair, transparent, and privacy-compliant processing.