U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to roll out airport modernization enhancements to support the expected increase in international travel, including Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) and Seamless Border Entry (SBE) at certain U.S. airports.

Key Points:

  • CBP processed over 420 million travelers at ports of entry in fiscal year 2024, a 6.6% increase from the previous year.
  • EPP involves photographing travelers using auto-capture technology to provide a complete customs assessment (biometric confirmation, eligibility, enforcement) before they reach a CBP officer.
    • Currently, EPP is available to U.S. citizens at certain U.S. airports, including Orlando International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Cross Border Xpress, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Dublin Airport.
  • SBE combines the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) framework with “On the Move” technology allowing Trusted Traveler Global Entry members to move through the inspection process with minimal interaction with a CBP officer (depending on officer discretion).
    • Currently, SBE is available at certain airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
  • CBP travel programs with mobile applications to help facilitate travel to the U.S. include:
    • The Global Entry program allows travelers to complete their entry processing on their phones before leaving the aircraft.
    • The NEXUS program expedites processing for prescreened travelers from Canada to the U.S.
    • The Mobile Passport Control program is intended for non-TTP members who are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, certain Canadian citizens and Visa Waiver Program travelers to submit their passport and travel information in advance.
    • The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program allows non-U.S. citizens eligible to enter under the Visa Waiver Program the option of using the app to submit ESTA applications from their smart devices.

Additional Information: 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.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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