CBP Enhances Border Entry Process for Summer 2025 Travelers

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented upgrades to the border entry process ahead of peak summer travel in 2025. Enhanced Passenger Processing and a new app for Global Entry are designed to streamline the process and manage increased traveler volumes. With the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and 2026 tournaments expected to attract 10 million international travelers, modernizing the border entry process is essential for a smooth experience. The new upgrades aim to reduce stress and make entry or reentry into the US more efficient.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is preparing for a smoother border entry experience ahead of the peak summer travel season in 2025, particularly with the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and 2026 tournaments expected to attract 10 million international travelers [3]. To manage increased traveler volumes and enhance the overall experience, CBP has implemented several upgrades to the border entry process.

One of the key initiatives is the rollout of Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), which aims to streamline the process for U.S. citizens returning from international trips. EPP uses high-tech software and biometric scans to quickly clear travelers without requiring them to pull out their passports. This technology has been successfully tested and expanded to several major airports, including Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Denver International Airport (DEN), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), and Dublin Airport (DUB) in Ireland [2]. The program has shown significant improvements in reducing wait times, with maximum wait times for non-U.S. citizens dropping from over 50 minutes to less than 35 minutes at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) during its trial phase [2].

Additionally, CBP is introducing a new app for Global Entry, which is expected to further streamline the border entry process for frequent travelers. The new app aims to make the Global Entry experience even faster by allowing travelers to skip the signature blue kiosks and exit passport control without stopping. This technology, known as Seamless Border Entry (SBE), has been successfully tested at several major international airports, including Miami International Airport (MIA), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) [1].

These upgrades are part of CBP's broader strategy to modernize the border entry process and ensure a smooth experience for all travelers. By offering multiple options for streamlined entry, CBP aims to reduce stress and make the process more efficient. With the expected surge in international travel during the summer and the upcoming FIFA tournaments, these upgrades are essential for managing increased traveler volumes and maintaining high standards of security and efficiency.

References:
[1] https://thepointsguy.com/news/global-entry-seamless-border-entry/
[2] https://thepointsguy.com/news/cbp-enhanced-passenger-processing/
[3] https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-prepares-summer-travel-improved-time-saving-tools