TSA & Clear Partner on new eGates

Passengers travelling through Washington National airport (DCA) and Seattle Tacoma airport can now use biometric eGates in the latest extension of a partnership between security specialist Clear and US Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Those signed up to the Clear + scheme can use a dedicated channel where biometrics automatically match a traveller’s face with their identity document and boarding pass, eliminating the need for manual checks by a TSA officer.

Clear + is available to US citizens and legal permanent residents over 18 with a government-issued photo ID, as well as citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada who have a valid passport. Membership is around £155 a year.

Clear differs from existing eGate systems such as in the UK because checks are done during departure security screening, not at border control. In addition, the system is not overseen by an immigration officer, as it is completely automated, unlike TSA biometric registration, which is scrutinised by a border control officer.

Clear says the system means shorter time in security lines and less stress for travellers and plans to expand to additional entry points. It says enhanced biometric screening supports stronger identity verification, aligning with duty-of-care and compliance objectives for corporates.

The introduction of the Clear system at DCA and Seattle airport follows that of Atlanta airport, which already offers the facility to registered travellers.

Get in touch with our team for more information.