Automated Passport Control kiosks available to more travelers at Miami airport

Miami International Airport’s automated passport control kiosks will now be used by travelers from the 38 countries participating in the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Waiver Program.

The kiosks at MIA have successfully reduced wait times by 40 percent for U.S. citizens since they were introduced last November. The airport was one of the first U.S. airports to provide APC kiosks to eligible travelers from VWP countries.

Using APC technology, those travelers arriving at MIA from abroad are able to process their passports in less than two minutes via a self-service APC kiosk instead of the previous system of interacting with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer.

MIA is offering direct service to 10 of the 38 VWP countries, including Belgium, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The Miami-Dade Aviation Department purchased and installed 36 APC kiosks in MIA’s North Terminal last November for $3.5 million. MIA says it will also purchase and install 36 more kiosks by the end of the year.

“We project that 6,000 more passengers per day will receive expedited passport screening at MIA now that travelers from VWP countries are able to use our self-service kiosks,” said MDAD director Emilio T. Gonzalez. “We look forward to soon doubling our number of kiosks, gaining approval from CBP to process legal permanent residents, and further improving the arrival and connection experience at MIA.”

Article Topics

airport biometrics  |  biometrics  |  border control  |  epassport