Ruth Haines
Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks are available in over 40 US airports and are designed to speed up the passport check and border control process for eligible travellers to and from the US. APC kiosks are free to use and do not require membership or sign-up. They are available to US and Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as international travellers on the Visa Waiver Program or with a B1/B2 or D visa. The kiosks allow eligible passengers to scan their passports, submit customs declarations, record biometric data, and answer questions relating to their personal information and flight details. While APC kiosks offer an uncomplicated and speedy process for eligible travellers, some airports have phased them out in favour of facial recognition systems to improve efficiency and security.
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What You'll Learn
US and Canadian citizens
US citizens and lawful permanent residents can use Automated Passport Control (APC) self-service kiosks to speed up passport control inspection. APC is available in over 40 US airports and can be used by US citizens, permanent residents, and international passengers on the Visa Waiver Program. APC kiosks are available in English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, Dutch, Chinese, and Japanese.
To use APC, travellers must scan their passports and answer questions relating to their personal information and flight details to verify their identity. The kiosk will then print a receipt, which must be presented to a Customs and Border Protection Officer for inspection. There is no need to fill out a physical Customs declaration form, and no membership or sign-up is required to use APC.
Canadian citizens can also use APC kiosks when entering the US, as long as they have their passport and can answer the necessary questions. Canadian citizens can also use Primary Inspection Kiosks and eGates when arriving at Canadian international airports. Up to five travellers can use a single kiosk to submit their customs and immigration declarations, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and cannot use eGates.
US citizens can also use Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to get through Customs faster. MPC is available at 35 US international airports, 14 pre-clearance locations, and four seaports of entry. Travellers can download the MPC app, scan their passport, take a self-photo, and answer a few questions about their arrival and declarations. The passport information will be saved in the app for future use.
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International travellers on the Visa Waiver Program
The APC program is available in over 40 US airports and is completely free to use. It is a US Customs and Border Protection process that speeds up the passport check and border control process for those travelling to and from the US. International travellers on the Visa Waiver Program can use the APC kiosks to scan their passports, submit customs declarations, and answer a few security questions. After completing this process, the kiosk will print out a receipt, which must be presented to a Customs and Border Protection Officer for inspection and final determination of entry.
The MPC program is similar to the APC program, allowing travellers to handle part of the entry procedure themselves at special self-service terminals. The MPC program can be accessed through a mobile app, which is also free to use and does not require prior authorization. Travellers using the MPC app can skip the paper form or APC kiosk process, resulting in shorter wait times and less congestion.
It is important to note that the APC and MPC programs are not Trusted Traveler programs and do not require pre-approval or service fees. They serve as a pre-inspection opportunity before the CBP inspection. Additionally, the use of these kiosks does not completely eliminate the interview with a US immigration officer at the border, as travellers must still present their passports and printed receipts.
While the APC and MPC programs offer expedited passport control for eligible travellers, including those on the Visa Waiver Program, other options such as Global Entry may be recommended for frequent travellers with regular stays in the United States. Global Entry provides registered users with particularly short waiting times and preferential entry clearance.
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Travellers with a B1/B2 or D visa
Automated Passport Control (APC) is a US Customs and Border Protection process that speeds up the passport check and border control process for eligible travellers entering the US. APC is available in over 40 US airports.
The APC kiosk will prompt users to select a language from a range of options, including English, French, Spanish, Korean, Italian, Dutch, Chinese (Traditional/Simplified), Japanese, and German. Travellers will then be asked to select the type of document they will use for entry to the US, such as a Green Card or B1/B2 visa. Next, users will need to scan their visa in their passport or Green Card. The kiosk will then display the user's details, which they must review and confirm. If the details are incorrect, they can re-scan their documents.
Following this, the kiosk will ask users to select their visa type. Travellers entering the US for business purposes should select B1, while those entering for pleasure should select B2. The kiosk will then scan the user's fingerprints and take a photo. Once all questions have been answered, the kiosk will print a receipt, which travellers must present to a Customs and Border Protection Officer for final inspection.
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Available in over 40 US airports
Self-service kiosks for passport control have been implemented in airports worldwide to streamline the border control process. In the United States, Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks are available in over 40 airports. APC kiosks are designed to expedite the entry process for eligible travellers, including US and Canadian residents and international travellers accepted into the Visa Waiver Program.
APC kiosks perform several functions to facilitate the border control process. They collect essential information, including an individual's passport, flight details, and customs declaration data. Additionally, these kiosks capture photographs and fingerprints for identity verification and security purposes. Once all the required information is gathered, the kiosk issues a receipt that travellers must present to a Customs and Border Protection Officer for final inspection and approval for entry into the country.
The use of APC kiosks offers several advantages. They provide a faster and more efficient alternative to manual document checking and passenger screening, reducing the time spent interacting with CBP officers. The kiosks can also be programmed to offer services in multiple languages, enhancing their accessibility to international travellers. Furthermore, APC kiosks help governments cut costs while still adhering to mandated security standards.
While APC kiosks have been widely adopted, they have faced some challenges. Initially, there were concerns about the lack of facial verification, leading to the development of additional measures such as Mobile Passport Control (MPC) and facial recognition technology. Additionally, the kiosks require regular cleaning, presenting logistical challenges for airport authorities. Despite these considerations, APC kiosks continue to play a significant role in streamlining passport control at select airports across the United States.
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Free to use, no membership required
Self-service kiosks at airports, also known as Automated Passport Control (APC), are available in more than 40 US airports. APC is a US Customs and Border Protection process that speeds up the passport check and border control process for those travelling to and from the US.
The APC kiosks are free to use and do not require any membership or sign-up. They are available to US citizens and permanent residents, Canadian citizens, and international passengers on the Visa Waiver Program. Additionally, passengers with a B1/B2 or D visa are also eligible to use APC. The kiosks are located in specific areas within the airport and are offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, Dutch, Chinese, and Japanese.
To use the APC kiosks, passengers scan their passports and answer questions related to their personal information and flight details for verification. The kiosks also accept customs declarations and record biometric data, including fingerprints and photos. After completing the process, the kiosk prints a receipt that passengers must present to a Customs and Border Protection Officer for final inspection and entry permission.
While APC kiosks offer a faster alternative to manual passport checks, their use has declined in recent years due to the growing preference for facial recognition systems. US Customs and Border Protection has prioritized implementing facial recognition technology at all international airports in the United States to enhance efficiency and security during the verification process.
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Frequently asked questions
US citizens, Canadian citizens, and international passengers on the Visa Waiver Program can use the APC kiosks.
The APC kiosks scan passports, submit customs declarations, and record biometric data. After taking a photo and answering a few security questions, a receipt is printed out, which needs to be presented to a Customs and Border Protection Officer for final inspection.
APC kiosks are free to use and do not require any membership or sign-up. They also save time by eliminating the need to fill out a physical Customs declaration form.
