I thought I'd share since I don't believe this has been widely reported. There are now self-service immigration processing machines to process repeated ESTA visitors to the United States, much like the one available in Australia. Previously such machines were only available to US citizens/residents registered under the Global Entry programme. While Global Entry is still in place, this new system called Automated Passport Control (APC), is open to all passengers holding passports from visa waiver countries. I've just used it at ORD terminal 5. Took me all 10 mins to be processed and out of the terminal!
From memory you need to have been on ESTA for more than 12m and have entered the US under ESTA at least once previously.
I used the kiosks at LAX in October and its definately quicker though the machines seemed to be kicking out 2 out of every 3 travellers which then puts you back into a queue...
The US system uses both facial and finger print recognition as opposed to just facial recognition in Australia or finger print recognition in places like Singapore. But I think once people get the hang of it, it will be fine. I had to get my finger print scanned in twice - they require all 4 fingers (excluding the thumb); did it incorrectly the first time round.
I don't believe it is available at Honolulu. For the full list of participating airports Google "apc us custom". The first hit should be the link for the list of airports.
I used this facility when I was at JFK back in Aug (off an SQ flight).
I've only had my ESTA for a few months, but I did enter USA with an older ESTA that expired about 2yrs ago. I think I still had to meet the immigration official face to face at a booth, but with fewer questions asked (and also shorter queues).
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United States entry clearance.
TheRealBabushka
TheRealBabushka
Member since 21 Apr 2012
Total posts 2,058
United States entry clearance.
I thought I'd share since I don't believe this has been widely reported. There are now self-service immigration processing machines to process repeated ESTA visitors to the United States, much like the one available in Australia. Previously such machines were only available to US citizens/residents registered under the Global Entry programme. While Global Entry is still in place, this new system called Automated Passport Control (APC), is open to all passengers holding passports from visa waiver countries. I've just used it at ORD terminal 5. Took me all 10 mins to be processed and out of the terminal!
GregXL
GregXL
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 26 May 2014
Total posts 320
Is there a requirement to have entered previously, or within a time limit (and been processed in person after waiting ...) ?
markpk
markpk
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 29 Nov 2013
Total posts 456
Greg,
From memory you need to have been on ESTA for more than 12m and have entered the US under ESTA at least once previously.
I used the kiosks at LAX in October and its definately quicker though the machines seemed to be kicking out 2 out of every 3 travellers which then puts you back into a queue...
TheRealBabushka
TheRealBabushka
Member since 21 Apr 2012
Total posts 2,058
The US system uses both facial and finger print recognition as opposed to just facial recognition in Australia or finger print recognition in places like Singapore. But I think once people get the hang of it, it will be fine. I had to get my finger print scanned in twice - they require all 4 fingers (excluding the thumb); did it incorrectly the first time round.
cssaus
cssaus
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
Member since 29 Jan 2011
Total posts 81
Anyone know if the kiosks are available in Honolulu?
TheRealBabushka
TheRealBabushka
Member since 21 Apr 2012
Total posts 2,058
Hi cssaus,
I don't believe it is available at Honolulu. For the full list of participating airports Google "apc us custom". The first hit should be the link for the list of airports.
jchen
jchen
Member since 11 Jun 2013
Total posts 9
I used this facility when I was at JFK back in Aug (off an SQ flight).
I've only had my ESTA for a few months, but I did enter USA with an older ESTA that expired about 2yrs ago. I think I still had to meet the immigration official face to face at a booth, but with fewer questions asked (and also shorter queues).