As the summer travel season approaches, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is encouraging travelers to use its mobile tools to facilitate their arrival in the United States. This initiative comes as the country prepares to host global visitors for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association Club World Cup 2025.
"CBP is committed to enhancing national security while streamlining lawful travel," stated Diane J. Sabatino, CBP’s Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner. She highlighted that by utilizing advanced technologies and mobile applications, inspections at airports are being transformed into a seamless, touchless process, which aids in faster risk identification and efficient processing of legitimate visitors.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 marks a new global club tournament debuting in the United States, which will also host the FIFA World Cup 2026 next summer. These events are anticipated to attract around 10 million international visitors.
In fiscal year 2024, CBP processed over 420 million travelers at ports of entry, marking a 6.6% increase from the previous year. To accommodate this expected rise in international travel, CBP continues to implement airport modernization enhancements. The improved technology aims to better allocate resources and allow officers to concentrate on higher-risk travelers.
The Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) technology involves photographing travelers using auto capture technology for a comprehensive customs assessment before they reach a CBP officer. EPP is available at several major airports including Orlando International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport among others.
Travelers can also utilize Seamless Border Entry (SBE), which integrates Trusted Traveler Programs with "On the Move" technology for Global Entry members. SBE allows these members to pass through inspections with minimal interaction with a CBP officer at select airports like Miami International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
CBP offers various mobile applications designed to streamline entry into the U.S., available for free on Google Play Store and Apple App Store or through the CBP Mobile Apps Directory.
Regardless of how they enter the United States, visitors must meet legal requirements, possess proper documents, undergo background checks and inspection, and adhere to visa terms. Violations could lead to detention and removal since holding a visa is considered a privilege rather than a right.
For further details on visas and passports, individuals can visit travel.state.gov or check out additional resources such as the Know Before You Go page on CBP.gov. Additionally, there will be a CBP Travel Chat on May 28 via Facebook Live and Instagram Live.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves as America's frontline law enforcement organization tasked with protecting America across land, air, and sea while facilitating safe travel and trade essential for economic prosperity.
