Philadelphia International Airport First in the Nation to Use Facial Recognition for Global Entry Arrivals
Philadelphia International Airport has become the first airport in the country to use facial recognition technology for Global Entry arrivals, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Nov. 5.
Under the new process, arriving travelers no longer need to stop at a kiosk. Cameras verify their identity and membership as they walk into the Global Entry area. Previously, members answered customs declaration questions at a kiosk.
Customs and Border Protection said the process is designed to strengthen identity verification, streamline traveler flow and improve processing efficiency. Philadelphia became the first airport to deploy it on Oct. 13.
Customs and Border Protection expects to expand the process to as many as 38 terminals at 30 high-volume airports in the United States, including some preclearance locations abroad.
Global Entry is a Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Program that gives pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance when they arrive in the United States. Applicants undergo rigorous background checks and an in-person interview, and the program had 15.6 million active members as of Oct. 1.
“This improved process for Global Entry members reflects Customs and Border Protection’s continued efforts to process travelers more efficiently, enhance the international arrivals experience, and strengthen our nation’s security,” said Elliot N. Ortiz, Customs and Border Protection’s area port director in Philadelphia.
Members can continue to use the Trusted Traveler mobile app to report their arrival and submit a customs declaration. The app also handles applications, renewals, personal information and travel document updates, and enrollment interview scheduling.
Philadelphia is a major transatlantic gateway with heavy international arrivals, so arrival waits look likely to shorten as the process settles in.
Customs and Border Protection said it has verified the identities of more than 1 billion travelers with facial biometrics, at an accuracy rate above 98 percent.
The release did not state how long the photos taken are kept.