MSP partners with CBP on technology to improve security, wait times

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to deliver a new initiative aimed at improving security, reducing passenger wait times and enhancing the international arrival experience for passengers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

MSP is the 12th U.S. airport or port of entry to deploy Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) technology that uses biometrics to expedite CBP’s screening of arriving U.S. citizens. EPP is a contactless inspection process that leverages auto-capture cameras and biometric facial comparison technology to verify identity, verify U.S. citizenship status, conduct law enforcement vetting, and create a crossing record in CBP systems. It allows CBP officers to focus on the traveler interview rather than on administrative tasks.

“Enhanced Passenger Processing leverages facial biometrics to further secure and enhance the traveler experience for U.S. citizens while staying true to our enforcement mandate,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of field operations, Chicago Field Office. “Travelers arriving at MSP will feel the benefits of this enhanced process — secure identity verification, shorter wait times, more efficient processing through Customs, and the improved ability to make connecting flights.”

The improved screening technology comes as MSP celebrates expanding international service with the additions of Delta Air Lines’ nonstop routes to Copenhagen and Rome in the last month. This has propelled MSP to a record of 35 nonstop international destinations this year.

In 2024, MSP set a record for total international passengers, 3,569,721 — nearly 1.8 million were arriving passengers.

“The MAC is proud to partner with CBP on this program through dedicated investments in infrastructure and connectivity improvements that enable CBP’s improved screening capabilities for arriving U.S. passengers at MSP,” said Roy Fuhrmann, chief operating officer of the MAC, which owns and operates MSP. “Improved screening efficiency means passengers can clear customs more quickly to conclude their journey at MSP and head home or to make connections and get to their final destination.”

While the process is rapid and touchless, CBP officers will be on hand to instruct passengers on the process and assist them at any given point during screening, as well as to interview travelers as appropriate. Additionally, any passenger wishing to not participate in the EPP process should notify an officer and they will then go through the standard manual entry process.

CBP’s border security mission is led at 328 ports of entry. Learn more about CBP at www.CBP.gov.