Smart Phone Technology To Speed Up Wait Times At Airports
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (CPB) is embracing technology – and smart phone apps in particular – to speed travelers’ entrry into the USA.
The goal is to reduce the wait times so you can get to enjoy the many great things in Ameirca, one of which is not waiting in lines at customs.
“This summer, travelers will notice more technology and more options to streamline their arrival or return to the United States,” said CPB Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske.
“CBP is transforming the international arrivals experience for travelers creating a faster and more friendly process. Programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, Automated Passport Control and Mobile Passport Control are speeding up travelers’ entry into the United States, while maintaining the highest standards of security.”
Travelers arriving at airports this summer will notice two different sets of kiosks to speed up their entry into the United States: Global Entry and Automated Passport Control (APC).
Global Entry, a CBP Trusted Traveler Program, allows for expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Global Entry members are able to bypass the traditional CBP inspection lines at the 54 airports the kiosks are located. U.S. and Canadian citizens, and returning Visa Waiver Program international travelers can self-service kiosks at 34 airports.
People arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Miami International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International also have a mobile option to submit their customs declaration form. The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an app that replaces the card you fill out on the plane; do it in advance after downloading it for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
APC and MPC do not require pre-approval, are free to use, and do not collect any new information.
With the expansion of Trusted Traveler Programs, APC and MPC, average wait times were down 13% at the top 10 airports last year, according to the Customos Border Patrol.
For those entering the USA by land rather than air, there is the Border Wait Time app. The app provides estimated wait times and open lane status at land ports of entry allowing travelers to make an informed decision of where and when to cross the border. Wait times for pedestrian and passenger and commercial vehicle crossings are broken down by lane type (standard, SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, Ready Lane, etc.). Travelers can download the app for free from Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
CBP also urges all foreign travelers requiring an I-94 (those planning to travel more than 25 miles from the border or stay in the United States for more than 30 days) or I-94W (visa waiver) entry document to obtain the essential document early instead of waiting until the day of their travel to avoid potential delays at the border. It is advised to obtain this document as much as a week in advance.
All travelers requesting an I-94 or I-94W entry document may be required to establish financial solvency, proof of residency outside the United States and demonstrate that they have sufficiently strong ties to their country of origin including a home abroad they do not intend to abandon.
Travelers with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology-enabled travel document (U.S. passport or enhanced driver’s license) to be able to utilize special so-called “Ready Lanes.”
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