CBP outlines expansion of Washington Simplified Arrival

Simplified Arrival, an enhanced international arrival process utilizing facial biometrics to automate manual document checks at border crossings, has been expanded in Washington state, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The expansion applies to border crossings at the ports of Laurier, Metaline Falls, Ferry, Boundary, and Frontier to automate manual document checks already required for domestic admission.

Travelers garner a secure, touchless travel experience in accordance with the Congressional mandate to verify the entry and exit of non-U.S. citizens.

“I am pleased to announce the implementation of biometric facial comparison technology at these four additional border crossings,” Seattle Director of Field Operations Brian Humphrey said. “This cutting-edge technology is proving to be effective at intercepting impostors and helps streamline the arrival process for travelers.”

The process involves travelers pausing for a photo at the primary inspection point, with a CBP officer reviewing the travel document amid a query to retrieve the traveler’s passport or visa photo from government holdings while comparing it to the new photo.

If a traveler cannot be matched to a photo on record using Simplified Arrival, the traveler will navigate the traditional inspection process in accordance with existing requirements for admission into the United States.

According to CBP, over 119 million travelers have participated in the biometric facial comparison process at air, land, and seaports of entry.