CBP pilot integrates facial recognition into Global Entry kiosks

Jun 24, 2018, 12:42 pm EDT | Stephen Mayhew

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched a pilot program at Orlando International Airport integrating facial biometrics into Global Entry kiosks.

“CBP is moving towards Global Entry 2.0 — making Trusted Travelers entry into the United States even faster and more secure by utilizing facial recognition technology,” explained CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. “On an average day, 10 percent of international air travelers use Global Entry kiosks to streamline their arrivals process, reducing wait times and increasing efficiency.”

The 10-year old Global Entry program offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States. Global Entry membership has grown to more than 5.4 million members directly enrolled in the program and another 2 million trusted travelers, enrolled in NEXUS or SENTRI, eligible to use Global Entry kiosks. The program has expanded eligibility to foreign nationals from more than a dozen participating countries and Global Entry kiosks are available at 74 airports worldwide, including 61 U.S. international airports and 13 Preclearance airports in Aruba, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, and United Arab Emirates.

U.S. citizens, U.S nationals and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents may apply for Global Entry as well as passport holders from Argentina, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Canadian citizens and residents enrolled in NEXUS may also use the Global Entry kiosks.

CBP efforts to develop and implement a biometric exit capability is being investigated by the DHS Office of the Inspector General to “assess whether biometric data collected at pilot locations has improved DHS’s ability to verify departures” in order to secure and manage US borders.