The Port of Oakland, the operator of Oakland International Airport in California, USA, has installed eight new BorderXpress automated passport control (APC) kiosks at the airport to help expedite the customs entry process for international travelers.
The APC kiosks are free to use and require no pre-registration by passengers. Eligible travelers can proceed directly to a self-service kiosk in the border area where they will be asked to complete a two-step process. The first step involves the entry of passport data onto the system, which is then assessed by the Customs and Border Control agency. If cleared, the traveler is given a receipt that they take to a border officer for a final inspection.
By automating the administrative portion of the customs declaration process, BorderXpress APC technology can help speed up the customs process by up to 89%. Oakland’s new kiosks were developed and supplied by Innovative Travel Solutions, an independent business unit within Vancouver International Airport in British Columbia, Canada.
Craig Richmond, president and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority, the operator of Vancouver Airport, said, “We are thrilled to partner with the Port of Oakland to improve the international travel experience for passengers flying through Oakland International. BorderXpress provides a quick, easy and secure alternative to the traditional full clearance with a US Customs and Border Protection officer by partially automating the inspection declaration process, cutting wait times dramatically. As a result, both Oakland Airport and its passengers walk away happier knowing they’re receiving the best and most efficient service available today.”
Kristi McKenney, acting director of aviation, Port of Oakland, said, “Oakland is very much focused on continually improving the travel experience for our customers. We are excited to have expanded our flight service to Stockholm, Sweden, and Oslo, Norway, last year, and will launch new service to London-Gatwick in May. The new BorderXpress APC equipment has a track record of improving efficiency at the airports where it currently exists, and we look forward to bringing this service to our customers.”
