New automation at Orlando International Airport (MCO) will expedite international arrival processing in 2014. Ten new high-tech digital security kiosks are installed and being tested by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the international arrivals area at MCO. Orlando International is the nation's pilot site for this new generation of kiosks which allows international passengers from visa waiver countries to self-process into the United States.

The new kiosks will partially automate the inspection process for persons entering the United States. The system will collect the passengers' passport and flight information, declaration data, scan fingerprints, take a photo and issue a receipt to the passenger. The passenger then presents their passport and receipt to a CBP officer for verification. The whole process should take under two minutes. The kiosks are complimentary to use and do not require registration in advance; however, passengers must have previously entered the U.S. and have fingerprints on file with CBP.

“Investing in innovation and technology to enhance the international passenger experience sends a clear signal to the world that Orlando International, as a global gateway, wants to provide a welcoming entry to our country, state, and Central Florida,” says Frank Kruppenbacher, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

The new system adopts a “land, touch, go” philosophy. It allows guests to land at Orlando International Airport, touch the kiosks screens when they arrive and go out into the community to begin enjoying the beauty and offerings of what has made Central Florida a top global destination.

MCO is working with SITA, a world specialist in air transport communications and information technology, to develop the new kiosk system. "Orlando International Airport is at the forefront of self-service technology at the U.S. border,” says Dan Ebbinghaus, SITA Vice President, Government and Security.

“This marks the first time in the U.S. Custom and Border Protection Agency's Automated Passport Control program that an airport is using biometrics-enabled kiosks. SITA's automated kiosks in Orlando will streamline the arrival process for passengers. They will also help customs and border protection officials reduce passenger processing times, while maintaining strong security.”

“This project is the result of a collaborative effort. Under the direction of our Board we worked with Florida Senator Bill Nelson and Congresswoman Corrine Brown's offices, the rest of our congressional delegation, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Visit Florida, Visit Orlando and Customs and Border Protection to help bring this new system online,” says Phil Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “By working as a team we have been able to use the latest technology to ensure security and efficiency for our international travelers.”