No more paper forms for arriving passengers at MBIA

by Linda Straker

• 6 electronic kiosks presented by OECS Commission and European Union
• Biometric functions, Border Management System and Passport Issuance Systems will allow for efficient assessment of passenger threats
• Kiosks will work simultaneously with introduction of Grenada’s online embarkation and disembarkation form

As of 6 March 2025, passengers arriving in Grenada at Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) will no longer fill out paper immigration and customs forms. They will use electronic kiosks presented to Grenada by the Organisation of Eastern Caribben States (OECS) Commission and the European Union.

“We assure you that these investments will be cherished and will be effective in supporting the repositioning of the MBIA as an efficient and competitive international port,” said Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at the handing over ceremony the kiosks on the second day of the OECS Ministers of Migration Council which opened at the Radisson on 6 March.

Prime Minister Mitchell explained that the kiosks have advanced technology and are state of the art. “The biometric functions and effective integration with the Border Management System and Passport Issuance Systems allow for efficient assessment of passenger threats.”

He said, “The kiosk machines allow for the safe landing of passengers at a fraction of the traditional time, allowing these passengers to get on with their important business in Grenada sooner.” The Prime Minister who is also the Minister for National Security, said, “Additionally, the kiosk machines will work simultaneously with the introduction of Grenada’s online embarkation and disembarkation form, which will be launched soon. Hence, passengers arriving in Grenada will now have several efficient options for providing a declaration.”

“Given these functionalities of the kiosk machines, we can now more efficiently redeploy our immigration personnel to support other functions that add further value to our border security efforts. Our management of passengers arriving at MBIA will be completely revolutionised because of these investments and changes, providing for a greater focus on creating an efficient and passenger-friendly environment,” he told the ceremony attended by several high-ranking law enforcement officers.

Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Secretariat, said that through the support of the European Union, the Regional Integration Through Growth Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) Project has invested €1.52 million in the procurement of 20 kiosk machines for 3 OECS Member States, namely Grenada, Montserrat and St Lucia. Grenada received 6 kiosk machines.

“These investments support the Government of Grenada’s efforts to reposition the Maurice Bishop International Airport as a leading Port of Entry in the OECS,” said Dr Jules. He explained that while the investment has enhanced the aesthetics at the ports of entry, it should also transition into more traveller-friendly ports with a high impact on border security and reduced passenger time.

“These kiosk machines have the most up-to-date technology to enhance the assessment that needs to be done to determine whether a given traveller is a threat or not. As a result, such technology plays a critical role in protecting the borders and reducing border security threats,” he said.