Automated passport control kiosks could speed up wait times for people traveling from Vancouver to the U.S. via YVR.
The Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced Tuesday the new program designed to expedite the customs entry process.
Eligible passengers traveling from Vancouver to the U.S. will, according to VAA and CBP, clear customs more efficiently, while still ensuring a high standard of safety and security.
Instead of filling out a declaration card and taking their travel documents to a CBP officer, passengers who are eligible and choose to use Automated Passport Control can proceed directly to a self-service kiosk in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance area.
Travelers will follow the on-screen instructions to scan their U.S. passport, answer the customs declaration questions using the touch screen, receive a receipt confirming their information and proceed to the CBP officer to finalize processing.
The program is the first of its kind in North America and aims to help travelers move more quickly through the CBP pre-clearance inspection process by allowing passport information at a self-service kiosk.
Increasing efficiency and streamlining processes are critical components of CBPs modernization efforts at ports of entry, said Thomas S. Winkowski, acting CBP commissioner.
Travelers will still speak with a CBP officer after using the (kiosks), however this will allow for faster processing and increased focus on the traveler.
CBP and VAA worked together to implement Automated Passport Control, as its called.
The airport developed the concept and built out the technology, while CBP ensured its security and privacy requirements were incorporated.
The Airport Authority set the benchmark for this type of program when we worked with Canada Border Services Agency to create Automated Border Clearance for travelers returning to Canada, said Larry Berg, president and CEO, VAA.
Automated Passport Control has the ability to set the global standard for improving passenger efficiency when travelling to the United States and is an example of yet another YVR first.
