Aruba Airport leads Caribbean with automated passport control kiosks
By Anika in Free Zone Aruba News, Members on 09. Dec, 2014No Comments
On December 8, 2014 the Aruba Airport Authority N.V. introduced a new automated passport system at Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix. With the new passport control kiosk Aruba leads the Caribbean into automated passenger processing.
The Automated Passport Control Kiosks (APC kiosks) are installed and passengers traveling to the United States are able to use it. Aruba is the only airport in the Caribbean with the APC system.
The kiosks were acquired from the Vancouver Airport Authority and these BorderXpress kiosks are expected to improve the customs process. The system is available for passengers traveling to the United States for US and Canadian passport holders. Passengers residing in countries that do not require a US entry visa and applied for a Visa Waiver with ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) can also use the kiosks.
“As an airport, we understand the importance of implementing innovative solutions to help passengers get to their destinations quickly, efficiently and safely. Working with Aruba Airport is a unique and exciting opportunity for us to bring our BorderXpress Automated Passport Control solution and pre-clearance expertise to locations outside of the U.S. or Canada and improve the border clearance process for international travelers,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO of Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
“This is the first step in a much larger project that will conclude in the coming years to streamline the passenger flow at the airport. This strategic purchase will benefit the nearly 60% of total departing passenger bound for US destinations from Aruba by reducing wait times at US CBP pre-clearance and ultimately facilitate a more positive outbound passenger experience” said James Fazio CEO of the Aruba Airport Authority.
The Aruba Airport Authority just announced that they received the millionth stay-over tourist for 2014. With different additional and new flights such as the extra flight to Miami and the new destination Manaus the airport will experience another record season.
Adding additional services is beneficial for Aruba as an international tourism and business destination. The United States is Aruba’s main tourism market. US pre-clearance and Automated Passport Control Kiosks make traveling to the United States via Aruba more attractive.