PHILADELPHIA, PA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection has replaced traditional Global Entry arrival kiosks with automated facial recognition processing at Philadelphia International Airport, making it the first U.S. airport to adopt a system the agency plans to expand to as many as 38 terminals at 30 major airports.
The new process, introduced Oct. 13, uses cameras equipped with biometric facial comparison technology to verify the identities and membership status of Global Entry travelers entering the designated processing area.
The system eliminates the previous requirement for members to operate a kiosk and answer customs declaration questions during arrival processing.
CBP expects the change to accelerate international passenger processing while maintaining identity verification and border security procedures.
The Philadelphia deployment marks the initial implementation of a broader modernization effort that could extend to high-volume airports nationwide, including certain international locations offering CBP Preclearance services.
Global Entry, part of CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs, provides expedited entry into the United States for preapproved travelers who have undergone background screening and an in-person enrollment interview.
The program had 15.6 million active members as of Oct. 1, 2026, according to CBP.
“This improved process for Global Entry members reflects Customs and Border Protection’s continued efforts to process travelers more efficiently, enhance the international arrivals experience, and strengthen our nation’s security,” said Elliot N. Ortiz, CBP’s area port director in Philadelphia.
The updated processing system changes how participating travelers establish their identities upon arrival, shifting from individual kiosk interactions to camera-based verification as they enter the Global Entry area.
Global Entry members may also continue using the Trusted Traveler mobile application at participating locations to report their arrival in the United States and submit customs declarations.
The application additionally allows travelers to apply for Global Entry, renew memberships, update personal information and travel documents, and schedule enrollment interviews.
CBP officers and agriculture specialists remain responsible for screening international travelers and cargo entering the country, including enforcement involving prohibited items, narcotics, weapons and unreported currency.
The agency’s expansion plans would extend the new arrival processing model beyond Philadelphia as part of its efforts to improve passenger flow and maintain security at international ports of entry.
Additional information about Global Entry and CBP’s traveler processing programs is available at www.CBP.gov.
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