Portland, Ore. – Arriving at Portland International Airport is now faster and easier for international travelers with today’s unveiling of eight BorderXpress Automated Passport Control kiosks.
The kiosks arrive just in time for the summer travel season, reducing waiting times by 25 to 40 percent. The self-service kiosks are located in the PDX International Arrivals Hall, which is operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and require no pre-registration or cost to the passenger.
On May 20, PDX gradually began testing the new kiosks, which are now fully available for travelers. BorderXpress was developed by Innovative Travel Solutions, an independent business unit within Vancouver International Airport.
“The new Automated Passport Control kiosks will further our goal of providing the best possible customer service at Portland International Airport,” said Vince Granato, Port of Portland Chief Operating Officer. “We appreciate the support of Vancouver Airport Authority’s Innovative Travel Solutions team in helping us continue to heighten the travel experience at PDX.”
“We are proud to be partnering with the Port of Portland to bring APC kiosks to Portland International Airport in time for the busy summer travel season,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority. “Through innovative technologies such as BorderXpress, we’ve been an active participant in improving the travel experience across North America since 2009, and we are excited to help PDX better serve their passengers.”
How It Works
Instead of filling out a declaration card and taking their travel documents to a customs officer, eligible passengers choosing to use Automated Passport Control proceed directly to a kiosk in the PDX International Arrivals Hall. Eligible travelers for BorderXpress include U.S. and Canadian passport holders and U.S. Permanent Residents. The kiosks are also ESTA-enabled, accepting eligible international travelers with Electronic System for Travel Authorization approval from 38 countries not requiring U.S. entry visas, including Australia, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Travelers then follow the on-screen instructions to scan their passport, use the touch screen to answer the customs declaration questions, receive a receipt confirming their information, and proceed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to finalize processing.
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About Portland International Airport
Portland International Airport is home to 17 domestic and international airlines, offering nonstop service to 58 domestic and nine international destinations. In 2014, PDX carried an all-time record 15.9 million passengers. PDX is served by six all-cargo carriers, and carried 229,000 tons of air cargo in 2014. PDX was voted the best U.S. airport in Travel + Leisure magazine’s reader poll in both 2013 and 2014. A recent economic impact study showed that PDX annually generates more than 16,000 jobs, $931 million in income and $3.9 billion in business revenue. PDX is owned and operated by the Port of Portland.
About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served more than 19 million passengers in 2014. Fifty-three airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 110 non-stop destinations worldwide. YVR was voted Best Airport in North America for the sixth consecutive year, and Best Airport in the World for its size category of 10-20 million passengers, in the 2015 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2014 donated more than $900,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca.
