Introduction:

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently launched a new system called “Enhanced Passenger Processing” (EPP) to improve the entry process for US citizens returning from abroad. This system, part of CBP’s Airport Modernization program, aims to provide faster and touchless processing while maintaining security at ports of entry.

Streamlining the Entry Process:

EPP utilizes auto-capture technology to take photographs of travelers before they reach a CBP officer. This allows the system to verify biometrics, eligibility, and enforcement requirements in advance, enabling officers to focus on individual cases and allocate resources towards higher-risk travelers. The program is currently available at major airports such as Daniel Inouye International (HNL), Orlando, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Charlotte Douglas, Seattle-Tacoma, Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Dublin, Montréal, New York JFK, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Nashville.

Successful Implementation:

On August 14, CBP announced that EPP technology is fully operational at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), covering the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 7. This implementation, in partnership with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), is significant as Tom Bradley processed nearly 10. 4 million arrivals in 2024, making it the busiest terminal for foreign arrivals in the nation. Andrew H. Douglas, acting director of CBP’s Los Angeles Field Office, emphasized the broader modernization effort, stating that “EPP is just a part of CBP’s Airport Modernization efforts at utilizing a next-gen solution which creates efficiencies in processing, allowing the CBP officer to focus on traveler interaction.

Benefits for Filipino Travelers:

For Filipino Americans who frequently travel between the US and the Philippines, the rollout of EPP may bring both convenience and initial hesitation. Industry observers expect shorter wait times at major gateways such as Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO), which serve as primary entry points for flights from Manila. However, awareness of the program remains low among travelers. Michelle Narvaez, director of Sales–National Accounts at GTT Global, a major US-based airline ticket consolidator, noted that clients have not raised any inquiries about EPP. She believes that once travelers get used to the new system, there will be no major problems. Similarly, Meg Ilagan, CEO of Innovative Tours and Travel, acknowledges that most of her clients are already familiar with airport modernization through media reports.

Easy and Efficient Processing:

Both Narvaez and Ilagan agreed that elderly passengers are unlikely to struggle with the new system, as CBP officers are available to assist them. Ilagan emphasized that the process is simple, stating that “all the passenger has to do is stand in front of the camera then look at the camera. ” Narvaez added that the system could actually reduce stress, especially for the elderly, as there will be no queues or waiting time.

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