Lois Larson
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the world's busiest airports, serving as a gateway to Denver, Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain West. The airport is equipped with modern facilities, including ATM-style machines for capturing passenger fingerprints and photos, streamlining the immigration process. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are responsible for examining passports and other required documents, ensuring compliance with customs regulations. The CBP has introduced the Simplified Arrival process, utilising facial biometrics for identity verification, enhancing security and expediting international arrivals. Denver International Airport provides essential services, including language assistance, to ensure a smooth experience for travellers from across the globe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Denver International Airport (DIA) |
| Location | Denver, Colorado, USA |
| Busiest airport | One of the busiest airports in the world |
| US Customs | Customs and Border Protection (CBP) |
| CBP contact | (303) 342-7400 |
| CBP website | www.cbp.gov |
| Global Entry application centre | Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal |
| Train travel | A Gates to B Gates in 3 minutes, A Gates to C Gates in under 5 minutes |
| Money exchange | Three World Wide Money Exchange locations |
| Credit cards | Can be used to withdraw US dollars at any airport ATM |
| Customer service | Video chat available |
| Biometric facial comparison | Implemented since September 2018 |
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What You'll Learn
Immigration and Customs Control
Upon arrival, you will be directed to the correct line for your visa. There are separate lines for American citizens and foreigners. You will then proceed through the Simplified Arrival process, which uses facial biometrics to automate the manual document checks required for entry into the US. This touchless identity verification process involves capturing your facial biometrics and comparing them to the photos on your travel documents.
Before meeting with the immigration and customs agent, you will interact with an ATM-style machine. You will scan your passport, provide your fingerprints, and take a photo. The machine will then print a ticket with your information and photo on it. This ticket may or may not have a cross on it, but this should not cause any concern.
Once you meet with the customs officer, you will need to provide the blue customs form, which is given to you on the plane. This form must include your personal information, flight number and company, the purpose of your trip, and any items you need to declare. You will be asked a series of questions, including the length of your stay, the places you plan to visit, who you are travelling with, your occupation, and the amount of money you have for your stay. You may also be asked about any food, alcohol, tobacco, animals, insects, or large amounts of cash you are bringing into the country. After the officer reviews your documentation and decides if you can enter the country, your passport will be stamped with the maximum legal day of your stay.
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Biometric facial comparison
Denver International Airport (DEN) has implemented a biometric facial recognition system at 15 gates across concourses A and C. This technology is designed to enhance the boarding process for international flights by allowing passengers to board without presenting their passports to gate agents.
The system works by taking a photo of the traveller at the primary inspection point and comparing it to a gallery of high-quality images that the traveller has previously provided to the government, such as passport and visa photos. This process is known as Simplified Arrival and is used in conjunction with trained CBP officers to verify the authenticity of travel documents.
Simplified Arrival is a voluntary process, and travellers who prefer not to use the biometric system can opt out by notifying an airline official or a CBP officer. These travellers will then need to present their travel documents for inspection and follow the standard departure procedures.
The use of facial recognition technology has raised some privacy concerns among travellers and privacy advocates. CBP has stated that it is committed to its privacy obligations and has implemented strong technical security safeguards to protect traveller information. Photos of U.S. citizens will be deleted within 12 hours, and photos of foreign nationals will be stored securely.
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Global Entry application
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. The Global Entry application centre at Denver International Airport (DEN) is located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, adjacent to the international arrivals area on the north end of the terminal.
Application Process
To apply for Global Entry, you must first create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. After submitting your application, you will be contacted to schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centres across the country. The interview should take no longer than 15 minutes, but you should allot roughly 30 minutes for the entire process.
Application Fee
There is a $120 Global Entry application fee. However, if you register your vehicle in SENTRI as part of your initial Global Entry application, there is no fee. If you wish to register your vehicle after your initial application, you must pay a $42 registration fee for a CBP vehicle inspection at a SENTRI enrollment centre.
Application Processing Times
Application processing times can vary. CBP has alerted travellers that all of its Trusted Traveler Programs are experiencing “application processing delays,” which can take between 6 to 18 months to complete.
Alternative Programs
If you don't travel multiple times per year internationally, CBP suggests applying for the TSA PreCheck program instead. TSA PreCheck applicants can typically schedule an appointment in less than 2 weeks.
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Customs forms
Before Arrival
It is important to be prepared before your arrival at DIA. Make sure to have your passport and other necessary documents readily available in your carry-on luggage. These documents may include school records, contact information for your designated school official (DSO), acceptance letters, travel permissions, bank statements, and other relevant papers. Additionally, while you are still on the plane, you will be required to fill out one or more customs forms, so it is advisable to have them ready.
Upon Arrival
As you arrive at DIA, you will be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area, located in the Jeppesen Terminal. Here, you will encounter several procedures and checkpoints. Firstly, you will go through an automated process where you will scan your passport, provide fingerprints, and take a photograph. This process will generate a ticket with your photo and information, which may or may not be marked with a cross. This ticket will be required for the next steps.
Immigration and Customs Control
After the initial automated process, you will proceed to the immigration and customs control area. Here, you will encounter two separate lines: one for foreigners and the other for American citizens. You will undergo a thorough inspection, including additional fingerprinting and questioning by a CBP officer. The officer will inquire about the purpose and duration of your stay, your travel companions, your occupation, and your financial resources for the trip. They will also ask about any food, alcohol, tobacco, plants, animals, insects, or large sums of cash you may be carrying. Be aware that there are restrictions on these items, and exceeding them may result in additional taxes. For example, you are allowed to bring up to 1 litre of alcohol, 100 cigars, or 200 cigarettes into the United States without incurring additional charges.
Declaration Forms
At the CBP checkpoint, you will be required to submit your declaration forms. These forms are essential to disclose any prohibited items or large sums of money you may be carrying. Failure to declare these items accurately can result in legal consequences. It is important to be truthful and comprehensive in completing these forms.
Final Steps
After reviewing your declaration forms, the CBP officer may take several actions. They may ask additional questions, perform a physical inspection of your luggage, or direct you to a cashier to pay any applicable taxes or duties. If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with the maximum legal duration of your stay and return your documentation. In some cases, you may be "invited" to a separate room for further verification by an immigration officer.
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Customs waiting times
To expedite the customs process, DEN has implemented the Simplified Arrival process, which uses facial biometrics to automate manual document checks. This touchless identity verification process enhances security and streamlines international arrivals. Travellers who are U.S. citizens or foreign nationals not required to provide biometrics can opt out of the biometric process and proceed with traditional document inspection by notifying a CBP officer upon arrival.
Before approaching the customs agent, travellers can use ATM-style machines to scan their passports, provide fingerprints, and take a photo for registration in the immigration database. This process may help streamline the overall customs clearance time.
To further facilitate the customs process, travellers should be prepared to provide the necessary documentation, such as a completed customs form, and be ready to answer routine questions regarding the purpose and duration of their stay, their travel companions, and the contents of their luggage. Being cooperative and honest during this process helps ensure a smoother and more efficient experience.
It is recommended that travellers arriving at DEN allow for ample time to clear customs and reach their departure gates. With efficient processes in place, such as Simplified Arrival and ATM-style registration machines, DEN strives to provide a secure and positive experience for the millions of travellers who pass through its gates each day.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Denver Airport uses the Simplified Arrival process, which includes a biometric facial comparison process. This process compares a new photo of the traveller to a gallery of images that the traveller has already provided to the government, such as passport and visa photos. Travellers are also required to fill out a blue customs form with their personal information, flight details, purpose of the trip, and any declarations.
US Customs officers at the Denver Airport may ask questions such as:
- How long do you plan to stay?
- What places are you going to visit?
- Who are you travelling with?
- What is your job or where do you work in your country?
- How much money do you have for your stay?
- Do you have any food, alcohol, tobacco, animals, or insects in your bags?
Travellers are required to have their passports and other important documents ready for inspection by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. These documents include school documents, contact information of your DSO, Form I-20, acceptance letter, travel permissions, bank statements, etc.
Yes, the Global Entry program is available at the Denver Airport. It allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. The Global Entry application centre is located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, adjacent to the international arrivals area.
