The cruise debarkation process at the Port of Boston is being re-envisioned with facial biometrics checkpoints simplifying entry procedures. As well as air travel, the Custom and Border Protection’s biometric mandate – outlined since 2002 – encompasses biometric deployments at seaports, adding an additional layer of security on top of physical passport procedures.
The CBP’s public-private partnerships ave included working closely with major cruise lines to implement facial biometric comparison technology in the sea arrival process and strict checks to permit entry into the U.S. on commercial cruises.
CBP has pursued the partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line, branching out to international cruise partners that offer cruises that end in the U.S.
“With the return of cruise ships to Boston, CBP is working diligently with Norwegian Cruise Lines to make travel safer and more efficient,” said Jennifer B. De La O, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations in Boston. “Facial biometrics adds an extra layer of security and further enhances the travel experience by utilizing safe, touch-free technology that streamlines entry procedures.”
At Identity Week Europe 2022, which returns again 13-14 June, theatres fell silent as Diane Sabatino gave an update during her keynote speech on the ongoing deployment of biometric border control systems at U.S. ports of entry.
Upon debarkation at a U.S. seaport, a live photo of the passengers will be compared to their existing passport or visa photo in secure Department of Homeland Security systems to biometrically verify their identity.
U.S. travellers and foreign citizens can opt out of consenting to their biometric data being collected and stored, instead opting for a manual document check from a CBP Officer. The CBP has implemented biometrics which have a 97% rate of accuracy across 18 seaports, successfully counteracting 1,750 cases of fraudulent documents being used for illegal U.S. entry.
