New Technology at MSP Airport Aims to Shorten Customs Wait Times
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has introduced a new technology designed to help international travelers pass through customs screenings more quickly and efficiently. The initiative involves the rollout of Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), a system that uses biometric scans to verify travelers’ identities in seconds, reducing the traditional wait times commonly experienced at customs.
How the Technology Works
Traditionally, international passengers arriving at MSP would wait in line, hand their passports over to a customs officer, and answer travel-related questions before being allowed to proceed. With the new system, travelers can use a screen roughly the size of a tablet to undergo the customs process.
The machine automatically takes a photograph of the traveler and performs a biometric facial scan to compare the image with the photo stored in official documents, such as a passport. This verification is completed within seconds and includes vetting with law enforcement databases. If passengers have no declarations to make and are not carrying restricted agricultural items, they can proceed immediately without further inspection.
Benefits of Enhanced Passenger Processing
Steven Bansbach, the public affairs officer for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), explained that this technology offers a faster alternative to the traditional customs process. MSP became the 12th airport in the United States to implement EPP when it launched on Tuesday.
Bansbach highlighted that at other airports, such as O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, EPP has significantly reduced the inspection time—from approximately 60 seconds per individual to about 10 seconds. This improvement helps passengers, particularly families or those with language barriers, move through customs more efficiently.
Additionally, the faster processing time has contributed to a decline in the number of travelers missing connecting flights, with figures dropping by at least 20%.
Availability and Privacy
U.S. citizens arriving back in the United States at MSP are eligible to use this new technology, and no prior registration is required. For those who prefer not to participate in biometric screening, traditional customs inspections remain available upon request.
Regarding privacy, Bansbach assured travelers that information collected through the EPP system is not stored on servers for extended periods. The goal is to provide a streamlined process while safeguarding personal data.
Growth in International Travel at MSP
The introduction of Enhanced Passenger Processing coincides with a surge in international travel at MSP. The airport set a record last year by welcoming over 3.5 million international passengers. This year, MSP offers more nonstop international flights than ever before, serving 35 global destinations.
Roy Fuhrmann, chief operating officer of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates MSP, expressed pride in partnering with CBP to implement the program. He noted that the dedicated investments in airport infrastructure and connectivity have enabled improved screening capabilities. Fuhrmann emphasized, “Improved screening efficiency means passengers can clear customs more quickly to conclude their journey at MSP and head home or to make connections and get to their final destination.”
With this advancement, MSP aims to enhance the traveler experience by reducing wait times and smoothing the customs process for thousands of international passengers passing through the airport daily.
