Courtesy of Travel Pulse
PHOTO: The BorderXpress Automated Passport Control kiosks. (courtesy BorderXpress)
The Aruba Tourism Authority has announced the introduction of Automated Passport Control (APC) at Queen Beatrix International Airport in the capital, Oranjestad.
In a press release, the Aruba Airport Authority confirmed that the APC kiosks have already been installed and are set to be put into service this week.
For perspective, just 26 others among the more than 300 international airports across the United States have implemented the APC kiosks. Queen Beatrix is the only airport in the Caribbean to offer the expedited services.
Naturally, the new service is expected to streamline the customs process for U.S.-bound travelers.
Aruba Airport Authority CEO James Fazio said that the introduction of APC kiosks “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 percent 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.”
The kiosks were acquired via the Vancouver Airport Authority and “recognize registration of all passengers from the 38 countries that do not require a U.S. Entry Visa” in addition to “U.S. passport holders and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents and all Canadian passport holders.”
“As an airport, we understand the importance of implementing innovative solutions to help passengers get to their destinations quickly, efficiently and safely, said Vancouver International Airport president and CEO Craig Richmond in a statement.
“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,” Richmond added.
Considering Aruba is in the midst of a heavy travel period and is hosting a high concentration of visitors, the introduction of the APC kiosks likely couldn’t have come at a better time.
