Enhancing Passenger Experience with CBP's New Technology

Strategic Insights -

Travelers arriving at Nashville International Airport are now benefitting from a new technology implemented by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), designed to streamline the passenger experience while enhancing national security. The Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) system uses auto capture technology to photograph travelers, providing a complete customs assessment before they reach a CBP officer. This touchless process enables faster risk identification and efficient processing of legitimate visitors.

Key Takeaways:

  • EPP is a pre-primary queue segmentation process that automates the Simplified Arrival process, allowing CBP officers to focus on higher-risk travelers.
  • The technology enhances national security by better allocating resources and allowing officers to focus on higher-risk travelers.
  • CBP officers are still present to assist passengers and instruct them on the process.
  • Passengers who wish to opt-out of EPP will need to notify an officer and undergo the standard entry process.
  • EPP is part of CBP's Airport Modernization efforts, which aim to centralize traveler processing by reducing manual systems and increasing security through technology enhancements.
  • CBP processed over 420 million travelers at ports of entry in fiscal year 2024, a 6.6% increase from the previous year.
  • CBP provides a suite of mobile applications, including the Global Entry mobile app, which allows travelers to complete their entry processing on their phones before leaving the aircraft.
  • The Global Entry mobile app has been downloaded over 2 million times and is available at 78 locations.
  • The Mobile Passport Control app is available at 53 ports of entry, including 14 Preclearance locations and four seaports.
  • CBP also offers the Electronic System for Travel Authorization mobile app for non-U.S. citizens eligible to enter under the Visa Waiver Program.

Statistics:

  • CBP processed over 420 million travelers at ports of entry in fiscal year 2024.
  • CBP has a 6.6% increase in travelers processed compared to the previous year.
  • The Global Entry mobile app has been downloaded over 2 million times.
  • The Mobile Passport Control app is available at 53 ports of entry, including 14 Preclearance locations and four seaports.
  • CBP has nearly 13 million Global Entry members.
  • Over 2.2 million members are currently enrolled in NEXUS.

Sources:

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • Press Release: "CBP Unveils Enhanced Passenger Processing at Nashville International Airport"
  • Global Entry mobile app
  • Mobile Passport Control app
  • Electronic System for Travel Authorization mobile app