Photo Credit: James Tourtellotte
What is Automated Passport Control?
Automated Passport Control (APC) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that streamlines the entry process for U.S. citizens, U.S. legal permanent residents, Canadian citizens, eligible Visa Waiver Program participants, and specific U.S. visa holder travelers, by providing an automated process through CBP’s Primary Inspection area. Travelers use self-service kiosks to respond to CBP - inspection related questions and submit biographic information. APC is a free service, does not require pre-registration or membership, and maintains the highest levels of protection when it comes to the handling of personal data or information. Travelers using APC experience shorter wait times, less congestion, and faster processing.
How does APC work?
Instead of filling out a paper Customs declaration form, eligible passengers can proceed directly to the APC kiosks in the passport control area. Travelers are prompted to scan their passport, take a photograph using the kiosk, and answer a series of CBP inspection related questions verifying biographic and flight information. Once passengers have completed the series of questions, a receipt will be issued. Travelers then bring their passport and receipt to a CBP Officer to finalize their inspection for entry into the United States. The kiosks allow people residing at the same address to be processed together.
Where can eligible travelers use APC?
APC kiosks are currently operational at the following airports:
- Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Ontario International Airport (ONT)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
- Stewart International Airport (SWF)
- T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Vancouver Seaport (YHC)
Automated Passport Control Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. citizens, U.S. legal permanent residents, Canadian citizens, eligible Visa Waiver Program participants, and travelers entering with B1/B2, C1/D, or D visa can utilize APC kiosks.
Yes, the traveler’s passport information and answers to CBP inspection-related questions are submitted directly to CBP via secure encryption protocols.
No. Travelers will answer similar CBP inspection-related questions electronically via the APC kiosk. CBP officers will verbally verify this information. If a traveler has already filled out a CBP declaration form, which the CBP Officer has determined will not be needed, it can be given to a CBP officer for shredding.
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