Passport checks on departure.
There are a couple of stories in the BBC today about the forthcoming passport checks on departure from the UK, which is going to be a real pain for all travellers. Knock on effects will include fewer officers to check arrivals as well.
I'm wondering why they have to physically check my passport in the departure hall, why can't they use the existing APIS system to record departing foreigners? ie if I check-in and board I have departed.
Of course they would have to extend APIS to rail and sea arrivals, but that would be a good thing?
The Airlines would have to tweak their system to report pax who have checked in, but didn't board. They already capture this data.
Of course there are ways around this, but any system short of personally escorting someone offshore is going to fail?