Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia International Airport Is First in the US to Roll Out Global Entry Face Cameras

International travelers who belong to Global Entry no longer stop at a kiosk when they land in Philadelphia. Since October 13, cameras at Philadelphia International Airport have checked their faces as they walk into the Global Entry area, and the airport is the first in the United States to use the new process, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

Cameras replace the kiosk stop

The system is the updated Global Entry arrival processing experience. Cameras use biometric facial comparison to verify a member's identity and membership status as the member enters the processing area, CBP said. The process replaces the user operated kiosks where members used to answer customs declaration questions on arrival. CBP announced the deployment on Thursday and published the full release on Friday.

At the Global Entry Portal, two cameras take the traveler's photo, PhillyVoice reported. If the software matches the face to the information in the member's Global Entry application, the traveler walks on toward the exit. If it does not, the traveler may need to show travel documents or get help from a customs officer.

"This improved process for Global Entry members reflects Customs and Border Protection's continued efforts to process travelers more efficiently, enhance the international arrivals experience, and strengthen our nation's security," said Elliot N. Ortiz, CBP's area port director in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia first, 30 airports next

CBP expects to expand the process to as many as 38 airport terminals at 30 high volume airports, including some preclearance locations abroad, where travelers are inspected before they board a flight to the United States. Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program that gives pre approved, low risk travelers faster clearance on arrival. Every applicant passes a background check and an in person interview before enrollment. As of October 1, 2026, the program had 15.6 million active members, CBP said.

Travelers who do not want to provide biometric information can use a regular customs line instead, PhillyVoice reported. According to United Airlines, CBP deletes photos of U.S. citizens after 12 hours, and photos of permanent residents and non citizens within 14 days. Members can also report their arrival and file a customs declaration through the Trusted Traveler mobile application at participating locations, including Philadelphia.

Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, Mexican nationals and qualifying citizens of partner countries. Applicants must be over 18 or have the consent of a parent or legal guardian, pay a one time fee of $120, and have no criminal convictions or pending charges, PhillyVoice reported.