Port Metro Vancouver in Canada has installed 10 automated passport control kiosks, pictured above, that clear travelers boarding cruise ships heading for Alaska.
The 10 BorderXpress kiosks were installed at the Canada Place Cruise Terminal. Developed by the Vancouver Airport Authority in May 2013, BorderXpress kiosks are in use at more than 20 airports across North America and the Caribbean.
"With this launch, Port Metro Vancouver's cruise terminal has become the first worldwide to utilize automated passport control technology for U.S.-bound passengers," said Peter Xotta, vice president of planning and operations with the port. "These kiosks will further enhance the cruise passenger experience at Canada Place."
Travelers using BorderXpress can proceed directly to a self-service kiosk in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing area, follow the on-screen instructions to scan their passport and answer customs declaration questions, then receive a receipt confirming their information and continue to a U.S. Customs officer to finalize processing.
The system is not unlike Global Entry in the U.S., but that requires a background check and a $100 fee. Border Xpress requires no pre-registration and is free.
"U.S. Customs and Border Protection continues to assess and adjust its processes where appropriate and collaboratively work with the tourism industry," said Kurry Pastilong, deputy director for the agency. "The recent evolution of automated passport control for cruise ship passengers is just one more way that the agency is striving to ease the flow of passengers without sacrificing core mission requirements."
With the BorderXpress kiosks, U.S. Customs officers can process up to four times more passengers than through traditional clearance, leading to shorter wait times, less congestion and faster customs processing times.
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