The United State Border Control has implemented new technology aimed at reducing lines and increasing the efficiency of the United States border crossing process.
Launching first in the Vancouver International Airport, and then followed closely by Chicago's O'Hare, the technology will allow for passengers to skip the traditional filled out documents in favor of the now-ubiquitous e-kiosks.
"This technology will help expedite customs processing for passengers arriving to O'Hare, further strengthening Chicago as a global destination," said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a press release. "Being the first airport in the U.S. to implement these advances demonstrates how serious we are about making Chicago the first, best and most welcoming city in the country."
In their related release, Vancouver's travel brass are pointing to their work with Canada's Border Services Agency as a precursor to the US System.
Larry Berg, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority:
"Vancouver Airport Authority is proud to have pioneered the technology and hardware and partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the implementation of Automated Passport Control at YVR.
The Airport Authority set the benchmark for this type of program when we worked with Canada Border Services Agency to create Automated Border Clearance for travelers returning to Canada. Automated Passport Control has the ability to set the global standard for improving passenger efficiency when travelling to the United States - and is an example of yet another YVR first."
Automated Passport Control will eliminate the declaration card by placing all of the necessary questions on the kiosk. Travelers will then receive a printed receipt and show the receipt rather than the hand-written card. Travelers will then show their passport, kiosk receipt and any other travel information to the customs agent for processing.
This is quite a technological investment: the number of kiosks to service incoming travelers is considerable, especially with the ballooning traveler numbers coming in on larger aircraft.
Even though individual handwriting may be difficult to read, the primary advantage of the handwritten cards is that they can be completed during the flight prior to arrival. By creating another line, a mass of incoming travelers waiting to use the kiosks may actually be more frustrating. First, a traveler must stand in line to use a kiosk, and then they must stand in line to wait for the customs agent. Unless there is some sort of mobile deployment, this technology might create a new problem.
On the other hand, the ability of the kiosks to be deployed in all the world's languages - including prompts to ensure accuracy of responses that reduce explanation times in front of agents - could theoretically make a much more friendly, and less overwhelming, user experience that streamlines the entry process.
Customs and Border Control did not return a request for comment.
NB: Passport image courtesy of Shutterstock.