Hi there!
My name is Dan and I’m a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer.
Soon you’ll be landing so let me be the first to say,
“Welcome to the United States”
and to those who live here, “Welcome home.”
The primary mission of CBP is to keep you safe
and to secure our country’s borders from threats.
One way we do that is by using innovative new technology
to help simplify processing international travelers through CBP.
- How are you today? - Oh, very good.
- Depending on your citizenship,
there are a few types of self-service kiosks you may be able to use
when you arrive at the airport,
and even a mobile app that I’d like to walk you through.
When you reach the international arrivals terminal,
you will see signs for two types of self-service kiosks.
The first is Automated Passport Control, and the other, Global Entry.
At first glance, the kiosks might look similar,
but they have some important differences.
First, let’s talk about Automated Passport Control – or “APC.”
APC kiosks do not require any pre-registration or background screening,
and there is no fee to use the kiosks.
All you have to do is scan your passport
and follow the prompts on the touch screen.
United States citizens, Canadian citizens
and international visitors traveling on a B-1 or B-2 Visa
are eligible to use the APC kiosks.
Foreign visitors can also use APC
if they have previously been admitted to the U.S.
under the Visa Waiver Program with a valid ESTA
and who has visited the U.S. at least once since 2008.
You can also use APC kiosks as an individual traveler
or as a family unit if members of your group all reside at the same address.
And remember,
thanks to APC, you don’t need to fill out a Customs Declaration on the plane.
You’ll do that right there at the kiosk.
Now, all you have to do is hand your printed receipt and passport
to a friendly CBP officer as part of the inspection and interview process.
- Thank you. Have a nice day. - Thank you.
- Next, let’s talk about the Global Entry kiosk
and some of the benefits including TSA PreCheck.
Like APC users, Global Entry members also use self-service kiosks
but they must undergo a background screening and interview,
and pay a one-time $100 fee.
There are two primary benefits of membership.
First, unlike APC kiosk users,
GE members typically do NOT have to present themselves for inspection
to a CBP officer.
And secondly,
Global Entry members enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits.
- That’s right, Dan.
TSA PreCheck includes expedited security at checkpoints nationwide,
including domestic flights.
These are some serious perks that will save you time
whether you’re a frequent, international or domestic traveler.
- To apply for Global Entry, visit GlobalEntry.gov.
You’ll need to set up an online account,
and go through an interview process at an enrollment center.
CBP is also proud to be a part of the first ever
Mobile Passport Control App
allowing eligible U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors
to submit their passport information
and Customs Declaration form prior to inspection.
It can be done via a smartphone or tablet
just after your aircraft lands in the United States.
The app is free to download and use,
and does not require pre-approval or collect any new information from travelers.
Users will experience shorter wait times,
less congestion and faster processing.
You can download the app from the App Store
and learn more about the five simple steps for using it
by visiting cbp.gov/travel.
At CBP and TSA, we’re improving to keep you moving.
On behalf of the dedicated officers nationwide,
we hope you have a pleasant trip and enjoy your time in the United States.