U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Philadelphia International Airport have announced the implementation of Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) technology at the airport. This new system uses facial comparison technology and biometric software to speed up and secure the international arrivals process for U.S. citizens.
The EPP technology is designed to reduce processing times while maintaining security standards. According to CBP, since its national launch in August 2025, wait times for U.S. citizens have decreased by 25%. The system automates routine processing for eligible travelers without enforcement concerns, allowing officers to focus on higher-risk individuals.
When a U.S. citizen arrives at the inspection area, cameras operated by CBP officers capture their photo using biometric facial comparison technology. The system then matches this image with existing photos in CBP’s records, such as passport images, verifies identity and citizenship status, conducts law enforcement checks, and creates a crossing record within seconds.
Travelers who prefer not to use EPP can opt out by notifying an officer and will be processed through the standard international arrivals procedure.
Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr., CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia said: “EPP is an innovative, secure, biometric solution designed to streamline the international arrivals experience for U.S. citizens while enhancing Customs and Border Protection’s national security mission and enforcement capabilities. PHL Airport is a major transatlantic hub. Travelers arriving at PHL Airport will feel the benefits of this new technology in shorter wait times, faster processing through CBP arrivals inspection, and the improved ability to make their connecting flights.”
Philadelphia International Airport’s IT Department collaborated with CBP on implementing EPP as part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades supporting new technologies.
A spokesperson from PHL stated: “PHL is proud to be one of the airports selected to offer EPP for the millions of US citizens that arrive on international flights. As a major transatlantic hub, being able to quickly process through customs and head home or to a connecting flight is one of the best guest experiences we can offer travelers. Thank you to CBP for training our Customer Care Team on the new process so that we can support passengers who have questions and continue to provide exceptional service to our guests.”
In fiscal year 2024, more than 420 million travelers were processed at ports of entry by CBP—a 6.6% increase compared with 2023 figures—demonstrating growing demand for efficient border processing systems.
CBP also offers several mobile applications aimed at helping travelers streamline their entry into the United States; these apps are available free via Google Play Store or Apple App Store or through CBP's Mobile Apps Directory.
Despite these technological advancements, all travelers must still meet legal requirements for entry into the country—including holding proper documentation—and remain subject to inspection procedures.
For additional information about visas or passports visit travel.state.gov or consult resources like Know Before You Go.
CBP describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization responsible for unified border management across land, air, and sea domains.
