But to what advantage? Before governments knew who was arriving on thier shores travellers would be held for days, even months, sometimes on dedicated islands. Even in the 90s, 10+ hours to clear customs and immigration was not unussual in many countries. Today, law enforcement and immigration officials can rely upon advance data and do away with lengthy in-person background checks for all. This is why land crossings, which are unannounced, take so much longer and are more unpredictable than air crossings.

Fly to Dubai. Then try driving to Dubai. Same boarder, vastly different inspection.