Enhanced Passenger Processing
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is continuing to roll out airport modernization enhancements to support the expected increase in international travel. The agency says that “enhanced technology ensures better allocation of resources, allowing officers to focus on higher-risk travelers”.
The latest innovation includes Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), which involves photographing travelers using auto capture technology to provide a complete customs assessment (biometric confirmation, eligibility, enforcement) before they reach the CBP officer. Travelers just walk up to a screen where they have their picture taken, without needing to scan a passport or show any other documents.
EPP is contactless and convenient making lines move quicker at eligible airports, and expediting processing time. There’s no pre-enrollment required and the service is voluntary.
Where Can You Use EPP?
EPP was first tested at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and it is now available to U.S. citizens at:
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Cross Border Xpress (CBX)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
- Dublin Airport (DUB).
SecretNYC also reports that American Airlines is the first carrier to implement EPP at JFK Airport in New York City, but the airport is not yet listed on the CBP website.
Other Options for International Travelers
CBP also provides a suite of mobile applications to help travelers streamline their entry into the U.S.
- CBP’s nearly 13 million Global Entry members may use the Global Entry mobile app, which allows travelers to complete their entry processing on their phones before leaving the aircraft. GE is available at 78 locations. Conditionally approved members may also use the app and then use the Enrollment on Arrival option to complete their interview without a prior appointment upon returning to the U.S.
- Travelers arriving to the U.S. from Canada may also apply for NEXUS, a fee-based, voluntary program, designed to expedite CBP processing for vetted, low-risk trusted travelers at 12 land border locations and eight Canadian airports. More than 2.2 members are currently enrolled in NEXUS. The program is open to citizens and permanent residents of both the U.S. and Canada.
- Travelers who are not TTP members may use the Mobile Passport Control app for a fast and secure way to submit their passport and travel information in advance. MPC is available at 53 ports of entry, including 14 Preclearance locations and four seaports. The app is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, certain Canadian citizens, and Visa Waiver Program travelers.
- Non-U.S. citizens eligible to enter under the Visa Waiver Program have the option of using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization mobile app to submit ESTA applications from their smartphones, mobile devices, or tablets. Travelers unable to download the mobile app may also access ESTA online.
