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US entry Automated Passport Control program

This month, US Customs and Border Protection introduced their new Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks at the Edmonton Airport pre clearance US entry facility. The new kiosks are intended to expedite the entry process by eliminating the need to fill out the blue paper customs declaration form.

US and Canadian passport holders and international visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries are eligible to use APC kiosks. The kiosks can even be used by more than one person at a time, if they live at the same address.

There are five steps to the automated process: scan your passport, take your photo using the APC kiosk, answer the customs declaration questions using the touchscreen, collect your receipt and proceed to a USCBP officer to complete the process. APC is a free service and does not require pre-registration or membership.

If you are an I-194 waiver holder and used the kiosk, please leave a comment about your experience.

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Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 22, 2014 at 9:28 AM

    I used the kiosks in Toronto when I went to Vegas last spring. It prints out your receipt with a giant 'X' across it. The CPB officer said I shouldn't use the kiosk in the future and just let the attendants know that and they will send you through.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Billy BobJune 5, 2015 at 4:47 PM

    Just traveled through YVR on May 29, 2015. on my third 5 year waiver. Used the kiosk, asked a few normal questions from CBP officer, he then stamped my passport B1 and told me to have a nice trip. I questioned him about no secondary. to which he replied "no you're good to go". That's a first for me.

    If they keep this up I might just end up spending more money in the US.

    I have avoided travel to the US many times because the way I have been treated with a waiver.

    I hope this is a change for the better. Or maybe the CBP officer made a mistake. I guess I'll find out next time.

    Cheers all!!

    ReplyDelete

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