CBP Rolls Out Enhanced Screening Tools to Speed Up U.S. Re-Entry for Travelers

Ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer travel season, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is highlighting two screening options that it says will save travelers time when returning to the U.S. from abroad.

Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP)

The first is Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), which is available to all passengers, regardless of whether they are enrolled in Global Entry.

EPP allows travelers to be photographed automatically before they arrive at the customs checkpoint. CBP then uses facial recognition technology to quickly and accurately match passengers to their passport or travel documents, and assess the need for enforcement before they reach a customs officer. This allows officers to have the information — including notifications about any issues — ahead of time and screen travelers faster.

Currently, EPP is available at:

• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Cross Border Xpress (CBX)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Dublin Airport (DUB)

Seamless Border Entry (SBE)

The second option is Seamless Border Entry (SBE), which is only available to travelers enrolled in Global Entry. SBE uses “On the Move” technology, which screens passengers as they deplane rather than waiting until they are in the customs hall. The program allows travelers to move through customs with minimal interaction with a CBP officer.

SBE is currently available at:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

According to CBP, the programs are going to be key not just for the summer, but for the next two years when inbound travel to the U.S. is expected increase because of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Between that tournament, and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the U.S. is expected to welcome at least 10 million international visitors and soccer fans over the next two years.