NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced Monday, Jan. 24, the implementation of a new, streamlined customs process for international flights at six airports in the south, including Memphis International Airport.
Simplified Arrival is an enhanced international arrival process that uses facial biometrics to automate the manual document checks that are already required for admission into the United States.
In a statement, CBP said that facial biometrics provide travelers with a touchless process that further secures and streamlines international arrivals while fulfilling a longstanding congressional mandate to biometrically record the entry and exit of non-U.S. citizens.
"CBP is excited to partner with these airports to expand the use of facial biometrics for international arrivals," said Steven Stavinoha, Director, Field Operations – New Orleans Field Office. "This enhanced process is secure, touchless and supports the travel recovery efforts, while protecting the privacy of travelers."
Travelers who wish to opt out of the new biometric process may notify a customs officer as they approach the inspection checkpoint. These travelers will be required to present a valid travel document, such as a passport, for inspection by a CBP officer and they will be processed consistent with existing requirements for admission into the United States.
To date, more than 130 million travelers have participated in the facial biometric process at air, land and seaports of entry. Since September 2018, CBP has used facial biometrics to prevent nearly 2,000 imposters from illegally entering the United States by using genuine travel documents that were issued to other people.
More information about CBP’s efforts to secure and streamline travel through facial biometrics is available here.
