Official website of the Department of Homeland Security Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Long before the COVID-19 crisis emerged, we have steadfastly worked to implement a biometric entry-exit process to expedite safe, secure travel.

Say hello to the new face of speed, security and safety

Introducing Biometric Facial Comparison

Biometrics create a better, safer world.

Overview

At CBP, we are leading 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. So it’s also a better public health option.

The use of Biometrics stems from the 9/11 Commission Report which instructed CBP to biometrically confirm visitors in and out of the U.S. As technologies have evolved, facial comparison has become the most efficient solution.

It simply works like this:

During boarding or arrival, a traveler's photo is taken where you would normally present your passport for inspection.
The photo is compared against an existing passport or visa photo.
A CBP officer interviews the traveler to validate results, establish the purpose and intent of travel, and determine admissibility.
All traveler photos of U.S. citizens are deleted and no photos are ever shared with industry partners.

Today, millions of travelers have already experienced the benefits of Biometric Facial Comparison technology and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Together, we are transforming travel for the better.

Protecting our nation, one face at a time

Faster Meets More Secure

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 are protecting 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.

"With Biometric Facial Comparison, we’re simply comparing traveler photos against their existing passport or visa photo. It’s our existing process, only now more secure and efficient."

— Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner Wagner

Where is it Deployed?

Facial Comparison Technology for Entry is deployed at 18 airports encompassing a total of 20 terminals, which includes four Preclearance locations. Biometric Exit is deployed at 20 airports encompassing a total of 21 terminals. There are 7 seaports where it is in use by cruise lines. Along our southern land borders, thousands of daily travelers going to and from work encounter the technology as a way to make their commutes faster and more efficient.

3D Tour

Scroll down to explore.

Leaving yesterday behind.

At CBP, we take pride in constantly evolving to meet the security needs of our nation. Today, we are creating a more seamless, secure and safer travel experience using Biometric Facial Comparison technology. We work closely with our partners to configure solutions for their unique environments. (The one shown here is representative only.) We will continue to take a leading role in transforming travel for the better.

The future of travel? Step this way.

The Biometric Facial Comparison process is similar to what we’ve always done, even better. Travelers are already required to present a passport and establish identity by electronically comparing a traveler’s photo against an existing passport or visa photo, identity can be verified in seconds. It’s our existing process, only now more secure and efficient. And safer, since it’s a hands-free process that helps to prevent the spread of germs.

Welcome to a new world of speed and efficiency.

Getting you safely and securely to your destination is our goal. To date, millions of travelers have already experienced the benefits of Biometric Facial Comparison technology and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Now you can be on your way in the blink of an eye.

What travelers say about CBP Biometrics

And that is a fantastic invention to be able to do that, to be able to come into America and to go straight through with the facial to come in through the customs. As far as I’m concerned, the more the better, the better security that we can put universal, the better it can be for all of us.