By now, many of our readers have likely seen Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks in the passport control area of certain airports. APC, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program designed to expedite entry into the U.S. for certain eligible travelers. Rather than completing the paper customs declaration form, travelers can provide information at APC kiosks. At the kiosks, each traveler will be prompted to scan his or her passport, take a photograph, and answer various questions to verify flight and biographic information. Travelers residing together are permitted to be processed at the APC kiosk together. A CBP officer will then complete the inspection for entry after the traveler has completed the process at the kiosk.
APC, is currently available in 22 airports across the U.S., including Tampa International Airport, Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Orlando International Airport. Travelers who are eligible to use the kiosks include U.S. and Canadian citizens, as well as visitors from Visa Waiver countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Chile and Japan.
APC, along with the Mobile Passport Control App, recently created as part of a pilot program at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is part of a broader effort of CBP to expedite U.S. entry and to facilitate international travel and tourism.