Aruba Airport Authority introduces automated passport control

Aruba Airport Authority N.V. proudly introduces a new system to check passports at Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix. The computers, known as “Automated Passport Control Kiosks” (APC kiosks) have already been installed and are being put into service this week. Among invitees, the minister of tourism, together with Aruba Airport Authority N.V. presented this new service to passengers and the entire community. As such, of the more than 300 international airports across the U.S.A. Aruba is the 27th that has APC kiosks to process passengers by means of these automated systems. Aruba is the only airport in the Caribbean to have APC Kiosks.

These kiosks were acquired from Vancouver Airport Authority and are BorderXpress kiosks, which will greatly improve the customs process for passengers travelling to the U.S.A. The automated system is available to U.S .passport holders and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) and all Canadian passport holders. The kiosks will also recognize registration of all passengers from the 38 countries that do not require a U.S. Entry Visa that have a “Visa Waiver” completed with ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which include Australia, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands and England.

President & CEO of Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Craig Richmond, expressed that they are very enthusiastic for partnering with Aruba Airport Authority. “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 travellers,” Richmond commented.

James Fazio, C.E.O. of Aruba Airport Authority, strongly believes that adding APC kiosks will benefit all US bound passengers, and allow US CBP in Aruba to streamline their enforcement processes. James Fazio expressed: “This is the first step in a much larger project that will conclude in the coming years to stream line 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”.

The introduction of the kiosks is taking place during a heavy travel period, when Aruba in general and Aruba Airport Authority N.V. experience the high season, with a high concentration of visitors. With different additional flights and a higher flow of even more users, another record season is predicted for Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix and Aruba’s tourism.

Aruba Airport Authority N.V. is determined and makes every effort through million dollar investments in among other infrastructure, equipment and personnel training, to continue offering high quality and superior level of service in the region, where the visitor experience is every day better from arrival through departure.