U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Philadelphia International Airport have launched enhanced passenger processing technology at the airport.
It utilizes advanced facial comparison technology and biometric software to provide U.S. citizens with a touchless, seamless and secure international arrivals experience. U.S. citizens experience the same high level of security assurance with fewer steps and reduced processing times, according to CBP news release.
The news release continues:
When a U.S. citizen arrives at the inspection area, auto-capture cameras operated by CBP officers capture their photo using biometric facial comparison technology.
Within seconds, the system compares the live image to photos already in CBP’s holdings, such as a passport photo, verifies the traveler’s identity and citizenship status, runs law enforcement vetting and creates a crossing record.
While the process is rapid and touchless, CBP officers are still on hand to instruct passengers on the process and assist them during screening.
The technology allows CBP officers to focus on traveler interaction and higher-risk travelers while automating routine processing for eligible U.S. citizens with no enforcement concerns.
EPP is available at 15 U.S. airports; CBP Preclearance airports in Aruba, Canada, and Ireland; five seaport ports of entry; and one land border crossing. Since launching EPP nationally in August, CBP officials have observed a 25% reduction in wait times for U.S. citizens.
Any passenger wishing to not participate in the EPP process will need to notify an officer and they will then go through the standard international arrivals process.
“EPP is an innovative, secure, biometric solution designed to streamline the international arrivals experience for U.S. citizens while enhancing Customs and Border Protection’s national security mission and enforcement capabilities,” said Cleatus P. Hunt Jr., CBP’s area port director for the Port of Philadelphia. “PHL Airport is a major transatlantic hub. Travelers … will feel the benefits of this new technology in shorter wait times, faster processing through CBP arrivals inspection, and the improved ability to make their connecting flights.”
PHL’s IT Department worked with CBP to implement the tech. The airport has a number of Wi-Fi and networking infrastructure upgrades underway to support new technology such as the EPP.
In fiscal year 2024, CBP processed over 420 million travelers at ports of entry, a 6.6% increase from the previous year.
CBP also provides a suite of mobile applications to help travelers streamline their entry into the U.S. All CBP mobile apps are free and available through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, or by visiting the CBP Mobile Apps Directory.
CBP’s Global Entry mobile app, available to use at 78 locations, allows pre-approved members to complete their entry processing on their phones before leaving the aircraft.
CBP’s Mobile Passport Control app is available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, certain Canadian citizens, and Visa Waiver Program travelers.
For more information on visas and passports, visit travel.state.gov. Travelers may also visit the Know Before You Go page on CBP.gov.
