CBP, cruise lines partner on facial biometrics effort

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently announced it has been working with the cruise industry to modernize the passenger arrival process via biometric facial comparison.

The technology provides an extra layer of security while streamlining travel into the United States by replacing the manual inspection of travel documents. Biometric facial comparison is presently being utilized at major air and land Ports of Entry (POEs).

“CBP and its cruise partners have revolutionized the cruise debarkation process for all travelers through facial biometrics and enhanced traveler processes,” said Diane J. Sabatino, deputy executive assistant commissioner of Field Operations at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “As part of the travel recovery efforts, travelers have the benefit of secure, touchless and streamlined entry procedures into the United States while CBP protects the privacy of all travelers.”

Kelly Craighead is president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which represents more than 90 percent of global ocean-going cruise capacity.

“The health, safety and security of passengers, crewmembers and the communities we visit is the cruise industry’s top priority and, to that end, the use of biometric technology in cruise terminals is showing impressive results,” she said. “On behalf of the entire cruise community, CLIA looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with the U.S. Government to further advance the responsible return to service from U.S. ports, which is putting Americans back to work and offering travelers one of the best ways to experience the world.”

Officials indicated facial biometric comparison technology is available nationwide at 12 seaports.