Biometrics

US CBP to Introduce Biometric Facial Comparison to Secure and Streamline Travel at Cross Border Xpress and Tecate

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today the implementation of biometric facial comparison technology at the pedestrian border crossings in Cross Border Xpress (CBX) and Tecate, CA. The technology will enhance the identity verification process for lawful entry into the United States.

The biometric facial comparison process occurs only at a time and place where travelers are already required by law to verify their identity by presenting a travel document. When a traveler arrives at the pedestrian lanes at CBX or Tecate, he or she will pause for a photo at the primary inspection point. A CBP officer will review and query the travel document, which will retrieve the traveler’s passport or visa photo from government holdings. The new photo of the traveler will be compared to the photo previously collected. The facial comparison process only takes a few seconds and is over 97 percent accurate.