Tampa International (TPA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have installed 10 Automated Passport Control kiosks that are aimed at reducing the time it takes to process travelers arriving at the airport from international locations.
The kiosks serve passengers from the U.S., Canada and 38 visa waiver countries. The machines allow travelers to fill out their declaration forms on a touch screen. They then produce a receipt for the traveler to present to a Customs official. Airport officials say 80 percent of 14,000 arriving international passengers coming into Tampa each month are eligible to use the kiosks.
The kiosks were installed in July, and TPA officials say processing times have decreased between 20 percent and 30 percent already. They hope to see a 30 percent to 40 percent reduction over time. TPA has 13 international destinations, eight of which require passengers to clear Customs there.
“Tampa International is proud to be a part of the national effort to ease entry for travelers coming to the United States from other countries,” says Joe Lopano, CEO. “Tourism is an important part of the economy throughout the country and in Florida in particular. Tampa International has long placed an emphasis on exemplary customer service, and the Automated Passport Control program fits right in with that. Making it easier and quicker to get through CBP creates a positive experience for all travelers and gives our international guests a great first impression of this country.”
