In an earlier post, I told you about the advantages of Global Entry. Now I’d like to acquaint you with Mobile Passport Control and the Automated Passport Control kiosks, two additional services which are available to international arrivals at #RDU Airport. I’m also happy to tell you a few more great stories about my experiences in the Customs Hall.
Mobile Passport Control permits US citizens and Canadian visitors to use the Mobile Passport app to expedite their entry process into the United States. This is really cool because it’s the first app authorized by CBP (Customs & Border Protection). Eligible travelers with a smartphone or tablet submit their passport information and answer CBP-related questions prior to the inspection process. It’s great because the app doesn't require pre-approval and it’s free to use. Using the app streamlines the traveler inspection process. It can easily be downloaded from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Once downloaded, travelers are prompted to create a profile with their passport information and take a selfie.
Complete the “New Trip” section after landing in the US on your next trip. After that you will be asked to select your arrival airport and airline and answer a series of CBP inspection-related questions. Once your transaction is submitted through the app, you will receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response (QR) code. Then just bring your passport and mobile device with your digital bar-coded receipt to a CBP officer to finalize your inspection for entry into the United States. It’s quick, easy and best of all, it’s free. Mobile Passport Control is available at 26 US international airports and 3 sea ports of entry, including the Miami Seaport, the Palm Beach Seaport and Port Everglades.
Automated Passport Control (APC) is another CBP program. It expedites the arrival process for US citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) as well as Canadian citizens and eligible Visa Waiver Program international visitors. Travelers use self-service kiosks to submit biographic information and respond to CBP inspection-related questions. APC is also a free service and does not require pre-registration or membership or any kind. It maintains the highest levels of protection when it comes to the handling of personal data and information. Those taking advantage of the APC program experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing.
Instead of filling out a paper Customs Declaration Form, eligible passengers may proceed directly to APC kiosks in the passport control area. Travelers are prompted to scan their passport, take a photograph using the kiosk, answer a series of CBP inspection-related questions and verify flight information. Passengers are issued a receipt which they bring along with their passport to a CBP Officer to finalize their inspection for entry into the United States. The kiosks permit those residing at the same address to be processed together. APC kiosks are currently operational at 33 US and 5 Canadian airports as well as pre-arrival US inspection facilities in Aruba, Dublin and Nassau.
Now is the time to share some more interesting stories with you as I promised earlier. One Saturday afternoon a couple arrived on the #AmericanAirlines flight from London. There’s nothing unusual about that except that our Customs Officers were waiting for the woman as she had an outstanding felony warrant from Texas. If you’re wondering if CBP is alerted when an inbound passenger has a warrant for their arrest issued, the answer is yes. International air carriers with authority to land in the US, always transmit passenger information to CBP through what is known as the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS).
When our CBP Supervisor informed her of the situation, she looked at him and said, “Can’t I just get back on the plane to London?” His reply? “Not a chance!”
Her husband then asked what would happen to her. Since it was a Saturday, she would be detained at the County Detention Center until Monday when the magistrate would complete the paperwork necessary for her to be escorted back to Texas to face the charges.
On another occasion, I noticed several passengers were waiting in the Secondary Inspection waiting room. If CBP Officers at the port of entry cannot verify your information, or if you do not have all of the required documentation, an Officer may direct you to an interview area known as “secondary Inspection.” This allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information without causing delays for other arrivals.
One gentleman was getting very anxious. He just wasn’t willing to wait his turn. This fellow left the room twice and was politely instructed each time to return and wait to be called. When he left for the third time, the Officer put his hand on his holstered firearm and said, “Sir, do not leave that room again until I call you out by name.” When he was eventually processed and permitted to leave the Customs Hall, he approached the Supervisor on duty and informed him that the Officer had “pointed his weapon” at him. “That is not true,” I interjected, explaining to the Supervisor exactly what I had witnessed. The passenger never said another word but quickly and quietly left the secure area.
Finally, and this is my favorite, a woman was selected for Agricultural Inspection upon her arrival from Israel via London. Again, nothing unusual about that. But, when the Specialist opened one suitcase, she discovered bloody, raw chicken parts in various clear plastic bags. When questioned by the Officer, this passenger pretended not to speak English. “Well, you certainly can read English,” she responded, “since you indicated you had no animal products on your Customs Declaration Form. Of course, the chicken parts were confiscated and destroyed. And this passenger also received a civil penalty of several hundred dollars for her failure to declare them.
Until next time…safe travels.
Your blog is very interesting! I recently used Mobile Passport at IAH upon returning from Costa Rica. You’re right in stating that we were able to breeze through Customs and by most other passengers. However, all we actually accomplished was being first at the baggage carousel where we had to wait while the other passengers caught up with us. Common problem?
What a hoot. All the stories were amusing. It’s funny what people will try to do!!