MSP Airport Now Offers Automated Passport Control Services for U.S. and Canadian Travelers

U.S. and Canadian travelers entering the United States through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) will now enjoy a faster, more flyer-friendly Customs inspection experience via 10 Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks installed at Terminal 1-Lindbergh.

The new APC kiosks enable travelers to scan their passport and complete their Customs declaration electronically. Kiosk users follow simple on-screen instructions to obtain a receipt confirming their identity and flight information. Passengers then bring the receipt and their passport to a Customs and Border Protection officer for final processing.
The kiosks have the potential of significantly reducing Customs wait times by enabling many people to complete the first phase of the inspection process simultaneously and reducing the number of people who need to undergo more extensive in-person interviews.

"After a long international flight, the last thing travelers want is to face long lines in Customs,” said Jeff Hamiel, executive director/CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). "This technology coupled with other recent improvements to our Terminal 1 International Arrivals facility make for shorter wait times, less congestion and faster flight connections."

“CBP is proud to partner with the Metropolitan Airports Commission on innovations to improve the international arrivals process,” said Area Port Director Chi N. Tsang “Passengers choosing to utilize the APC self-service kiosks will benefit from an efficient new system of expedited processing.”

The APC service is free to all international travelers with a U.S. or Canadian passport and does not require pre-registration.

The airport is considering an additional 14 kiosks for installation in early 2015.

The kiosks are part of a larger initiative to improve the airport’s overall international arrivals processing experience. In 2014, the airport expanded the passenger queuing space, modified the space to allow in more natural light, and added length to the baggage claim carousels to ensure appropriate capacity for simultaneous arrivals. The International Arrivals facility security checkpoint also will be expanded in 2015 to help expedite the screening process for travelers catching a connecting flight at MSP.