Government

Global Entry introduces kiosk-free processing at 6 US airports

Image: Adobe stock

September 21, 2026

Summarize withChatGPTGrokPerplexityClaude

Global Entry members can now bypass traditional kiosks at six major U.S. airports through a walk-through facial-recognition system, according to a report in TheTravel. The technology is available at San Francisco International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Cameras photograph travelers as they move through designated arrival areas and compare the images with government records. Once a traveler's identity is confirmed, the result is sent to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, eliminating the need to scan a passport, provide fingerprints or obtain a paper receipt at a kiosk. Travelers remain subject to inspection and must still receive clearance from an officer.

The deployment is part of CBP's broader effort to introduce touchless processing and reduce congestion for international arrivals. The system can shorten lines, improve passenger flow and free floor space previously occupied by kiosks. The six-airport program also offers a preview of CBP's plans to expand biometric and passport-free processing to additional ports of entry.