CBP rolls out enhanced facial recognition processing at PHL Airport
Customs and Border Patrol has installed Enhanced Passenger Processing at Philadelphia International Airport, which uses facial recognition to identify U.S. citizens returning from international travel, the federal agency announced on Wednesday.
CBP officials say PHL is now the 15th airport across the country to get the new technology, which they say reduces wait times by 25% for U.S. citizens returning from international travel.
The EPP technology, which began being rolled out in Aug. 2025 across the country, “utilizes advanced facial comparison technology and biometric software to provide U.S. citizens with a touchless, seamless, and secure international arrivals experience,” the agency said in a press release.
“When a U.S. citizen arrives at the inspection area, auto-capture cameras operated by CBP officers capture their photo using biometric facial comparison technology,” the agency said. “Within seconds, the system compares the live image to photos already in CBP’s holdings, such as a passport photo, verifies the traveler’s identity and citizenship status, runs law enforcement vetting, and creates a crossing record.”
The technology also “allows CBP officers to focus on traveler interaction and higher-risk travelers while automating routine processing for eligible U.S. citizens with no enforcement concerns,” the agency said.
Passengers are able to opt out of using EPP by telling a CBP officer, the agency said. The passenger will then go through the standard international arrivals process.
