
Bhutan Implements Automated E-Gates at Phuentsholing Border Crossing
21 February 2025

Bhutan Home Minister Tshering inaugurated the automated immigration system at the Phuentsholing pedestrian terminal on 21 February 2025. The e-gates will help facilitate a faster and more efficient immigration services for travelers crossing into Bhutan at the Phuentsholing pedestrian terminal. These will employ biometric data and facial or fingerprint recognition, allowing Bhutanese citizens and foreigners with registered biometrics to clear immigration without manual checks, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing security.
Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s second-largest town, serves as a critical gateway for trade and travel with India, connecting directly to Jaigaon in West Bengal (India). The adoption of automated border control reflects Bhutan’s commitment to modernizing its entry and exit procedures while strengthening ties with its larger neighbor.
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Phuentsholing border crossing to get e-gates for seamless Bhutan entry