How do biometrics support US exit?

Just before entry or exit, each international traveler's photo is taken, either by CBP-owned cameras or equipment provided by the airlines or airport authority.  CBP's biometric matching service, the Traveler Verification Service (TVS), compares the new photo with DHS holdings, which include images from photographs taken by CBP during the entry inspection, photographs from US passports, US visas and other travel documents, as well as photographs from previous DHS encounters.  See the most recent TVS Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for more information.

Why is CBP introducing US checks?

CBP is responsible for implementing an integrated, automated entry-exit system that matches the biographic data and biometrics of non-citizens entering and departing the United States.  Furthermore, to carry out its mission responsibilities to control the border and regulate the arrival and departure of both US and non-U.S. citizens, CBP has the authority to confirm the identity of all travelers and verify that they are the authorized bearers of their travel documents.

The entry-exit process as it exists today serves this essential border security mission entrusted to CBP while also serving the need to facilitate legitimate cross-border travel.

At CBP, we lead the way in creating a more seamless, secure – and safer – travel experience.  Using biometric technology allows us to make the existing requirements for travel more efficient.  And because it's a hands-free process, it helps to prevent the spread of germs.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been collecting biometric data from certain non-citizens arriving in the United States since 2004.  As recognized by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9/11 Commission), combatting terrorism requires a screening system that examines individuals at multiple points within the travel continuum.  An integrated biometric entry-exit system provides an accurate way to verify an individual's identity and, consequently, can improve security and effectively combat attempts by terrorists who use false travel documents to circumvent border checkpoints.  It can also be used to biometrically verify that a person who presents a travel document is the true bearer of that document, which will help prevent visa fraud and the fraudulent use of legitimate travel documentation.

Why is biometrics the preferred option?

At CBP, we are constantly evolving to meet the security needs of our nation.  Biometric Facial Comparison is just one of the many ways we partner with stakeholders to support CBP's congressional mandate to biometrically verify travelers leaving the US and protect our borders while delivering a safer, more efficient travel experience.  Here are just a few of the advantages biometric technology delivers:

• Simplifies inspections and greatly reduces imposter threats.
• Requires no direct contact and prevents the spread of germs.
• Allows CBP Officers to focus more time on traveler safety.
• Confirms traveler identity with more accuracy, security, and efficiency than ever before.
• Streamlines the existing passport checks.

How can airports support CBP with this ambition?

CBP is congressionally mandated to implement a biometric entry-exit system.  In 2017, CBP developed a public-private partnership approach to a comprehensive biometric entry-exit system that stakeholders, including other US government agencies and travel industry partners such as airlines, airports, and cruise lines, can incorporate into their respective operations.  CBP offered relevant stakeholders, also known as business sponsors, an "identity-as-a-service" solution that uses facial comparison technology to automate manual identity verification and complies with the congressional mandate for biometric exit.  Airlines and airports are required to sign a Business Requirements Document that harmonizes the data collection process and privacy standards each stakeholder must follow.

CBP is leading the transformation of the travel experience through Biometric Facial Comparison Technology, but we could never do this alone.  Our airline industry and technology partners play a critical role.  We already have biometric exit solutions at 36 airports.  But we would like to increase this to 97% of all passengers exiting the US in the next few years.

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