Orlando International Airport First In Nation To Offer Self-Processing Kiosks For Non-U.S. Residents

[SMAX]

New automation at Orlando International Airport (MCO) will expedite international arrival processing in 2014. Ten new high-tech digital security kiosks are installed and being tested by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the international arrivals area at MCO. Orlando International is the nation’s pilot site for this new generation of kiosks which allows international passengers from visa waiver countries to self-process into the United States.

The new kiosks will partially automate the inspection process for persons entering the United States. The system will collect the passengers’ passport and flight information, declaration data, scan fingerprints, take a photo and issue a receipt to the passenger. The passenger then presents their passport and receipt to a CBP officer for verification. The whole process should take under two minutes. The kiosks are complimentary to use and do not require registration in advance; however, passengers must have previously entered the U.S. and have fingerprints on file with CBP.

[SMAX]

“Investing in innovation and technology to enhance the international passenger experience sends a clear signal to the world that Orlando International, as a global gateway, wants to provide a welcoming entry to our country, state, and Central Florida,” says Frank Kruppenbacher, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

The new system adopts a land, touch, go philosophy. It allows guests to land at Orlando International Airport, touch the kiosks screens when they arrive and go out into the community to begin enjoying the beauty and offerings of what has made Central Florida a top global destination.

MCO is working with SITA, a world specialist in air transport communications and information technology, to develop the new kiosk system. "Orlando International Airport is at the forefront of self-service technology at the U.S. border,” says Dan Ebbinghaus, SITA Vice President, Government and Security. “This marks the first time in the U.S. Custom and Border Protection Agency’s Automated Passport Control program that an airport is using biometrics-enabled kiosks. SITA’s automated kiosks in Orlando will streamline the arrival process for passengers. They will also help customs and border protection officials reduce passenger processing times, while maintaining strong security.”

“This project is the result of a collaborative effort. Under the direction of our Board we worked with Florida Senator Bill Nelson and Congresswoman Corrine Brown’s offices, the rest of our congressional delegation, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Visit Florida, Visit Orlando and Customs and Border Protection to help bring this new system online,” says Phil Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “By working as a team we have been able to use the latest technology to ensure security and efficiency for our international travelers.”

"Customs and Border Protection is committed to finding new and efficient ways to continually improve our processes," said CBP Area Port Director Eduardo Oliveros. "Automated Passport Control will allow CBP to improve wait times through efficiencies and facilitate travel while maintaining the highest standard of security for those who live here and for those who come to visit us."

The kiosks are being tested with a goal of full implementation in January 2014. Once Orlando comes online, Miami will follow with a similar system.

Of its more than 35.3 million annual passengers, Orlando International had a record 3.7 million international passengers in 2012 and so far this year international traffic is up another 5.5 percent. To further accommodate international arrivals, the Board of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority approved a $1.1 billion capital improvement plan that includes expanding and enhancing international arrival areas.

[dpmcalister]

Excellent! When did they start taking fingerprints? Just wondering as we travelled in 2010 but I can't honestly remember if we were fingerprinted. Thanks.

[mossyflossy]

About time, our experience on 10 August was shocking.

[Guest]

If they are anything like the ones in Manchester on our return leg of our recent trip, we were advised we couldn't use them if we were travelling with children and were sent off rather rudely for the long queue instead. Wasn't impressed after a 9 hour flight to have to come off and stand in a queue with a toddler while all the adult passengers walked practically straight through

[Triciamcl]

Good news, can't wait to see how much difference it'll make !

[Gem67]

Can anyone tell me what age children start being fingerprinted? we think DD did last time.. but we aren't sure ;o)

Hopefully it will all be clear by the time we go next year!

[mossyflossy]

14 afaik

[ChrisS]

Thanks Simon - I believe these machines were, originally, due to be in service by June/July of this year... that was postponed and another date was planned. It was then decided the DHS (or similar) had to sign off before they went 'live' and so it was a waiting game. If they are the same machines it'll be interesting to see when, in 2014, they do eventually bring them on-line.

[andylfc60]

Will you have to have the passports with a chip to use these?