US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has this week launched a new app for Global Entry members, intended to allow eligible travelers to completely skip the kiosks when entering the United States.
In this post:
How the new Global Entry app works
Global Entry is a fantastic program that’s intended to save eligible travelers time when entering the United States. Participating in Global Entry requires completing an application (including paying a fee, which is covered by many credit cards) and then going through a background check and interview.
When arriving in the United States, Global Entry members can visit one of the Global Entry kiosks, where their biometric data will be taken (you usually just look at a screen), and then you’re typically just waved through by an immigration officer. It’s such a great program that saves travelers a lot of time, since you’ll almost always be through in a matter of minutes.
Along those lines, CBP has launched Global Entry Mobile, a new application that’s available for download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This is intended to shave even more time off the arrivals experience for the 12 million Global Entry members.
This is initially available for use at the following seven airports, with the plan being to roll this out to more airports in the future:
- Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Global Entry Mobile is a similar concept to Mobile Passport, except for Global Entry members. This allows you to skip the Global Entry kiosks. Here’s how it works for eligible travelers who download the app:
- When you land at your destination, just open the app, and state at which airport and terminal you’ve arrived
- You’ll then be asked to capture a picture of yourself; you need to remove any hat, sunglasses, and/or a mask
- The picture will match you up to your biometric data, and then you’ll receive a receipt that you can show at the exit of the Global Entry portion of the immigration facility
Essentially the app just turns your smartphone into the Global Entry kiosk.
This seems… marginally useful?
I’m impressed that CBP has created this new app, because it seems pretty functional and easy to use. At some airports, a good number of Global Entry kiosks are out of service, so allowing your smartphone to handle the Global Entry process seems logical, especially with the growing number of Global Entry members. I’m amazed by the figure that 12 million people belong to the program — no wonder it’s so hard to get an interview!
Now, a couple of thoughts:
- Honestly, CBP has already made Global Entry so easy nowadays, as you typically don’t even have to click any buttons anymore, but rather just need your picture taken and then you get in the exit line
- Maybe I’m just lucky with the flights I take, but I don’t think I’ve ever waited more than a minute to use a Global Entry kiosk, and typically the entire process takes just a few seconds; so I’m not sure there are necessarily huge time savings here
Bottom line
Global Entry Mobile is a new app for Global Entry members, that allows you to use your cell phone in lieu of a kiosk when entering the United States at select airports. You just need to enter your arrival airport and take a selfie, and then show the receipt to the immigration officer in the Global Entry hall.
What do you make of Global Entry Mobile? Could you see yourself using this?
I wonder if this could be used for my son on the app as well. If so, this would be an awesome alternative option for my family and I.
Just used it yesterday in CLT...awesome, there was a line at the kiosk caused by all the Caribbean and S. American arrivals, walked up to special line designated for mobile GE and officer waves me right on through. All of this and I'm traveling on green card and EU national.
I will definitely use it. Since they switched from scanning the docs to the bio, I was never lucky to get recognized the first or even second time in front of the kiosk. I think all those having similar problem will find it very useful with no additional cost . Thank you CBP
The Global entry sound very good, but in reality it does not work that well! When we come back from Ireland to IAD, in May. There's long lines every where. My went to regular lines by mistake. But I went to the special lines for Global entry, It was terrible! The 12 machines there, only one worked. So we were asked to form another line. By that time, I found my wife and asked to...
The Global entry sound very good, but in reality it does not work that well! When we come back from Ireland to IAD, in May. There's long lines every where. My went to regular lines by mistake. But I went to the special lines for Global entry, It was terrible! The 12 machines there, only one worked. So we were asked to form another line. By that time, I found my wife and asked to join me. That was a big mistake on my part. So we all line up to the regular lines...a long one which my wife would have long done with it, if she just stayed....
Will definitely use when it becomes available at ATL. After a ten hour trans ocean flight and walking the 1+ mile from concourse E to CPB under concourse F only to find the Global Entry (punishment) kiosks moved to far end of the Customs Hall, I'll welcome the convenience.
I haven't seen this issue raised by anyone so far. The Mobile app requires that you take and submit a photo of your face. Does anyone know how the system verifies that it is a photo you just took as opposed to one you have stored on your phone?
Just entered SFO, using my GE for the first time. It was more of a hassle getting an interview, than actually using it. I showed my face, and the officer called me by name as I was next. Less than 10 seconds through to get my luggage.
GE works just fine when coming into Newark. Usually fly United (and La Compagnie). I don’t check a bag so I’m curbside in 7-15 minutes. I travel twice monthly to CDG.
Sometimes the terminals are down, but they send us to the front of the regular immigration line. That’s happened twice and added about 10 min. That’s still much better than the regular line.
I’ve been waiting over one year to hear on my Global entry application. I’m sure there are tens of thousands more still waiting. It would be great if they addressed this backlog.
This is odd? My entire process from start to card in hand was only several weeks
It varies based on location. For NYC the wait is is over 3 months long.
Just used this at IAD, and a very bad experience.
The line was moving quickly until I came through with my mobile receipt. The officer sort of knew what it was, but said the system wasn't setup. Then went to talk to someone else, then called a supervisor, and eventually just waived me through.
GE and TSA pre-check are not fast or convenient anymore and its frustrating. Pre-check lines are slower than the regular lines. GE you gotta make 1 line for the kiosk and another one after to see the immigration officer, eventually it will get even worse as more people get these memberships.
That's an exaggerated claim. You have no evidence
This is not true at all.
Do they actually approve global entry applications? I might to old to fly before mine gets approved.
At Newark I've had trouble getting my face in the kiosk camera because I'm very short and i couldn't find any way to lower the camera angle. With an app I could aim the camera at my face.
Ditto this! I flew into Orlando (MCD) and had the same problem. It was my first time using Global Entry and I was surprised that the four machines were all at the same height—and nine if them could center my face!! So it’d be great via phone. I also suggest different heights so shorties like me (5’3”), those in a wheelchair, and tall folk can ALL use it! Or even an adjustable-height version!
Landed at SJC yesterday from LHR via the despicable BA. Exactly one kiosk working.
They are putting their money in the wrong place. The kiosk is not the bottleneck, it is the staff. Yes, you get inexperienced people wasting time at the kiosk because they don't know what they're doing but there are usually several so you can go around them. The issue is that at most airports, you have to see an agent after the kiosk and the aren't enough of them. Last time returning into SFO, I...
They are putting their money in the wrong place. The kiosk is not the bottleneck, it is the staff. Yes, you get inexperienced people wasting time at the kiosk because they don't know what they're doing but there are usually several so you can go around them. The issue is that at most airports, you have to see an agent after the kiosk and the aren't enough of them. Last time returning into SFO, I waited in a long post kiosk line for OVER 30 min. One guy that has some issue will hold up the entire line.
And as usual, if you checked a bag, you have to wait for that anyways so getting through faster doesn't really make a difference.
The real benefit of GE of similar programs is that you get TSA PRE.
I have waited a lot at BOS, IAD and JFK. It used to be faster when you got the receipt, handed it in and they waved you through. Just ridiculous. I just arrived LHR and it didn't even take a minute.
At IAH you still need to wait in line for an agent and I’ve seen the line get absurdly long.
GE has worked great at JFK T4 - look at the kiosk, officer greets me by name, on my way.
Last week at JFK T8, looked at the kiosk, then there's some CBP person controlling access to the officer, who holds the GE line for 15 minutes while letting others through.
I had that same experience a month ago at T8.
This comes right after I send a complaint to MSP for only having 4 kiosks.. and it’s not available at MSP!!!! It better be soon, considering CDG, AMS, LHR, and HND all arrive around the same time..
I do NOT have ge, clear or any other entry "shortcut" system even though I travel frequently. Why pay outrageous fees for a system that is often out of order or not working correctly. I stand in line with everyone else, meet new people while having some great conversations. I watch the frustration of those who have signed up. After the kiosk, they have to wait in a designated line for their particular agent who...
I do NOT have ge, clear or any other entry "shortcut" system even though I travel frequently. Why pay outrageous fees for a system that is often out of order or not working correctly. I stand in line with everyone else, meet new people while having some great conversations. I watch the frustration of those who have signed up. After the kiosk, they have to wait in a designated line for their particular agent who keeps them waiting for a long time while he waves forward those of us in the regular line which infuriates the ge customers. I end up seeing them all again at the baggage carousel anyway as we all wait for our luggage! Until I witness this system working as it should at Dulles Washington - they won't get my money!
I've never flown internatinal into IAD, but at the airports I have flown into with GE, I've never had any of the issues you mentioned. It takes me a matter of seconds, never any waiting, and I've had no frustration with it. The fact that I do everything I can to not check bags helps. I recently arrived at JFK T1 from the way back of a Turkish Airlines 777 at peak Terminal 1 arrival...
I've never flown internatinal into IAD, but at the airports I have flown into with GE, I've never had any of the issues you mentioned. It takes me a matter of seconds, never any waiting, and I've had no frustration with it. The fact that I do everything I can to not check bags helps. I recently arrived at JFK T1 from the way back of a Turkish Airlines 777 at peak Terminal 1 arrival time. The regular line was about 90 minutes long. I didn;t check a bag, so I was at the curbside approximately 7 minutes after the jetway connected to our plane. It was wonderful.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Ruth is who we all aspire to be. Alas, many of us remain enslaved by our restricted, frivilous, asocial mindset that propels us to join the masses of embecils who has signed up for GE. Take careful note that this is no inexpereinces, albeit terribly informed traveler! Nay! Ruth have traversed the globe like the mother Teresa of national boundaried entry points, spreading her good will, carefull derived wisdom, and charismatic appeal.
Not only has GE been a breeze in LAX twice this year, there are no customs firms needed! Last year you had to fill it in on the Kiosk.
Any security people taken a look at the app to see if it tracks you? Or copies over your contacts etc.?
They should just put automated gates like all civilized countries.
It seems laudable, what about human influence on the control of the app, most especially when acknowledging your identity and issuing the receipt to confirm its true you. That can be a fall for wrong people to enter the United state. More security is needed in that area.
Why do so many Americans use the word "Customs" when they actually mean "Immigration"? Belongings clear customs...people clear immigration. Drives me insane...
I think Americans use it as a reference to the federal agency encountered, Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Back in the day, we were not allowed to even take the phone out from disembark until the customs. Things have changed!
I have never had an issue either with Global Entry waiting for any amount of time. Coming into JFK and IAD multiple times. I'll try it next time I come back into IAD in October. Shoot there's some people out there that sware mobile Passport control lines can be faster or shorter than Global Entry but I've never experienced that myself
I just came though San Francisco. I scanned my passport and I was on my way. It couldn't have been faster.
Took me 30 min at SFO a week ago no consistency
To those with concerns about GE equipment being down and long lines ..... GE is computer based. The hardware, the software, and the maintenance contract all go to the lowest bid.
Government "efficiency" ......... If you ever have trouble sleeping at night. Read a publication about the contract bidding process....... More potent than any pharmaceutical.
I wish GE worked better for me. Since I moved over to a visa from ESTA it asks me to see an agent every time! And every time they say they've fixed it! CBP in Montreal spent 30mins "fixing" it and it's still broken. Then because GE doesn't send cards to international members to prove they're registered, half the time I get the feeling the agents think I'm in the wrong line and that I'm...
I wish GE worked better for me. Since I moved over to a visa from ESTA it asks me to see an agent every time! And every time they say they've fixed it! CBP in Montreal spent 30mins "fixing" it and it's still broken. Then because GE doesn't send cards to international members to prove they're registered, half the time I get the feeling the agents think I'm in the wrong line and that I'm trying to skip the non US citizens line and that I don't have GE at all until they call it up on their system and find I do, then they all seem puzzled why it doesn't work. When I fly to the UK and EU I stick my passport in the egates reader and walk straight out - why can't the US catch up and have something simple and standard. The same is said for leaving Europe, I scan my boarding pass at an automated gate and in I walk to security instead of some massive line to have an agent check ID, which incidentally is also done in about 5 different ways, TSA looking at ID, some scanning it through a card reader, some telling you to look at a camera, some scanning ID in a reader and not needing to see the boarding pass, then there's TSA Pre, then CLEAR & so it goes on. Just have some standardisation that's simple and quick fgs.
This will just save CBP money by reducing the number of kiosks they must buy, install, and maintain. An app is cheaper than a ton of kiosks.
Why don't people just use the free Mobile Passport? Total mystery to many of us and the CBP. GE is backed up a lot lately because of interviews and while not as long as the general line can easily take a half hour or more. MPC is instant access with diplomats and crew. You walk in showing the QR code you're given on plane arrival.
I’m sorry, I love this blog yet I cannot believe what I have read here: “Maybe I’m just lucky with the flights I take, but I don’t think I’ve ever waited more than a minute to use a Global Entry kiosk, and typically the entire process takes just a few seconds”
As an American living in the UK, and flying into both MIA and JFK 4-5 times a year each, the global entry experience is...
I’m sorry, I love this blog yet I cannot believe what I have read here: “Maybe I’m just lucky with the flights I take, but I don’t think I’ve ever waited more than a minute to use a Global Entry kiosk, and typically the entire process takes just a few seconds”
As an American living in the UK, and flying into both MIA and JFK 4-5 times a year each, the global entry experience is appalling. In particular at MIA, every time I get off the evening BA flight, the line for the kiosks isn’t the problem, it’s the horrific line for the one officer checking the “digital” receipts I guess, it’s much, much worse than it’s going through the US Citizen’s line, if you are early off the plane. I would say a 20-30 minute wait each time in global entry, rather than 10 mins in the citizen’s line, if you are near the front. It’s not just Miami but also in JFK T8 I’ve had this experience. I’ve been considering dropping global entry entirely except for the TSA pre check which makes security’s so much better.
This app won’t change anything at all - not the kiosks that is the issue, it’s the wait for immigration officers.
Really cannot believe you find this system quick…. Incredible
Takes me a minute as well. I've flown into Seattle SFO and LAX. Your experience is not typical. Or maybe the West Coast is the best Coast.
Thanks for writing my response. “Maybe I’m just lucky with the flights I take, but I don’t think I’ve ever waited more than a minute to use a Global Entry kiosk, and typically the entire process takes just a few seconds.” I walk past an agent who calls me by name and says “Welcome home.” That’s worth the hundred bucks my credit card paid for me every time.
Agree. The issue is generally less about the kiosks but rather the absurdly long line for the follow-on officer with tablet to manually process people. Have had brutal experiences with this second queue at JFK and MIA.
I’ve used GE dozens of times at MIA, don’t think I ever had to wait for a kiosk more than a minute and for the agent maybe five minutes tops, and that’s already unusually long. It’s been a breeze compared to sometimes horrendous wait times before. Just love GE.
I have LOVED G.E.. I have zipped through within 45 seconds at the max. BEST $100 I ever spent. It has 100% helped me with super tight connections.
I waited about 30 minutes for a kiosk the last time I reentered the country. Every other time, there's been no wait.
Sad part of this whole article is that it is touting a system that it is virtually impossible to schedule an appointment to. And if you are fortunate enought to get an appointment the backlog is over five months. I am envious of those people who were lucky enough to be able to access this governtment program.
Try renewing next time you arrive. I had the same problem. Had to wait about 15 minutes in renewal line when I arrived at IAD but it worked great. Done for another 5 years.
This seems to be location dependent. Spouse and I both just applied for GE. Were accepted in 48 hours. Wait for interviews at JFK was about 50 days. That's not bad. We would have done interview on arrival, but with the availability of interview slots, we just figured we should get it done.
Any love for NEXUS members?
Hopefully I’ll love it when I get it but it’s only been 8 months since they charged my credit card and put me in line for an interview. I’ll get back to you in about a year.
Can Canadian Nexus members use this app? After all, we use the Global Entry kiosks…
We fly into our home airport at PHX several times a year and Global Entry has been fabulous, saving lots of time. Now that you don't even have to scan your passport it's better. There is never a lineup and in fact we returned from London a few days ago and were through in seconds. Kudos for whoever came up with adding an app - great idea.
BenjaminGuttery - The lines to board are much shorter in distance and also amount of time one is standing. I am one of those who can navigate onto a plane IF I don't have to stand in queue for a long time before the entering the jetway.
However, after sitting for a long time, and then have an extremely long walk off the plane to immigration/customs, I cannot do it. My hip condition has...
BenjaminGuttery - The lines to board are much shorter in distance and also amount of time one is standing. I am one of those who can navigate onto a plane IF I don't have to stand in queue for a long time before the entering the jetway.
However, after sitting for a long time, and then have an extremely long walk off the plane to immigration/customs, I cannot do it. My hip condition has no surgical remedy other than a hip replacement but there is no arthritis etc to justify surgery - go talk with the insurance companies about that. I'm sure there are lazy liars BUT there may be many unseen conditions that you are not aware of. Consider that one day, you or your own relative will suffer from something unseen and be judged as you are judging.
I would TOTALLY use this app. I usually take 2 RT TATL trips each year, and sometimes 1 Asian/South American RT. So I'm not the heaviest International Traveler, but this sounds great to me. On another note, I REALLY dislike the "fake disabled" passengers that weren't in a wheelchair during boarding, and we're walking/standing all throughout the flight. Then upon landing the line 20 deep of workers are there to pick up these lazy liars...
I would TOTALLY use this app. I usually take 2 RT TATL trips each year, and sometimes 1 Asian/South American RT. So I'm not the heaviest International Traveler, but this sounds great to me. On another note, I REALLY dislike the "fake disabled" passengers that weren't in a wheelchair during boarding, and we're walking/standing all throughout the flight. Then upon landing the line 20 deep of workers are there to pick up these lazy liars and wheel them up and down steep inclines and then to the FRONT on the customs line. Ridiculous malingerers.
Thanks so much, Ben.
Once again really great news !!
We’re getting to a point where the user/consumer will be completely dependent on their mobile device for most transactions in life.
It’s certainly convenient. Today I can tap or show my phone to get from Grand Central Station to Paddington. Other than passport info being being verified by a robot, there is no need to interact with anyone.
What happens if you get separated from your device? What happens to a person who doesn’t back...
We’re getting to a point where the user/consumer will be completely dependent on their mobile device for most transactions in life.
It’s certainly convenient. Today I can tap or show my phone to get from Grand Central Station to Paddington. Other than passport info being being verified by a robot, there is no need to interact with anyone.
What happens if you get separated from your device? What happens to a person who doesn’t back up their data? Could a company or government lose all your data? Could I essentially be deleted by accident?
It isn't already?
Most people had the same gripe with using your phone for a boarding pass instead of paper pass. I'll tell you the same thing I tell all my non technical friends. Relax. That's why sibe things take a long time to roll out and why it's in phases. Hopefully the ones in charge hired actual project managers and product managers who will work through the use cases and define standard operations....
It isn't already?
Most people had the same gripe with using your phone for a boarding pass instead of paper pass. I'll tell you the same thing I tell all my non technical friends. Relax. That's why sibe things take a long time to roll out and why it's in phases. Hopefully the ones in charge hired actual project managers and product managers who will work through the use cases and define standard operations. It will all be fine in time. Don't be like all those ludite anti alternative light bulb folks screaming and hollering about expense light bulbs and how they want to hang on to traditional incandescents and stop with the tech advancements because what happens if this happened to the bulb or my store don't carry enough bulbs for my lamps... In my experience it's all just excuses to not move forward because adapting to something new is scary.
“Hopefully the ones in charge hired actual project managers and product managers”
They don’t and the consumer and/or frontline employees have to QA the junk that rolls out.
“Most people had the same gripe with using your phone for a boarding pass instead of paper pass.“
You think that was bad. You should have seen the confusion caused when the airlines moved over to e tickets.
People forked out paper ticket fees, because they were afraid the e ticket would disappear.
I’m sure your “utopia” with wall-to-wall LED lighting makes everything look and feel perfect. Think the original Alien movie. The most attractive being in the movie was the alien!
I do think they selected these airports for a reason. Both times I landed internationally into MIA and IAH (my currenthome base) there were lines, the machine recognized my face exactly 0 times and I ended up waiting anyways and one time the line was somehow longer than the regular line). So yes, for that I’m pumped IAH is on the list and I hope this will facilitate the process.
This is likely the beginning of the end for the kiosks. There are always at least a couple kiosks that are out of order. Another thing is that the kiosks aren't baby/child friendly when it comes to picture taking. I think this is just a trial run, and if all goes well, we will start to see the kiosks slowly being phased out.
The camera is on a swivel. It took a couple times of me lifting up our kid before figuring that out
A working kiosk is generally hit or miss. Whether they work or not it's usually pretty quick, but if it can be pretty quicker that would be better.
They'd better make it work at Montreal Pre-clearance, where at times ALL the kiosks are out of order. All Global Entry passengers are then funnelled into ONE line before going through the normal process , while non-Global Entry are handled much MUCH faster through several lines and YOU CAN'T GO BACK.
Recently went through Montreal with MPC which I signed up for very easily after reading a comment like this. Amazing how my wife and I were waved past an enormous very slow line for regular PP control to go through with the crew and other VIPs. Did not even see the GE kiosks despite being a member. Also was very efficiently just renewed for GE when they waived the interview.
Non-functioning kiosks are also a problem in Toronto and Vancouver the last times I flew from there. More than annoying if you are running a bit late:-(
I've had 30+ minute waits every time I've flown into Dulles this year. But all missing the kiosk will accomplish is getting me into the longer line of waiting for the officer sooner. It won't reduce the total wait.
I haven't had waits but can see this being helpful if there is a line or kiosks are down for some reason. At LAX, though at least, you would need to take the selfie on the plane or right when you get off because they ban cameras and cells inside the customs or immigration areas right?
Anyone know how this app works with multiple people? Can I just have the app on my phone and submit my wife and myself or does it only let you submit one photo/pax?
GE has changed - ORD for example - no receipt - you just go to the exit and give them your name. At least if you use the App - you will have a receipt.
12M GE members - not surprising - many Credit Cards pay the fee.
JFK the guy already knew my name.
@Hobbs: Same! Arriving at JFK Terminal 1 a couple of months ago, I walk up to the officer after using the kiosk (only looked at the camera and waited for the screen to turn green) and as I approach him, I hear him say "Hey, [my first name]! Ya got anything to declare, man?"
Same at Newark last week. He greeted me by name as I walked away from the kiosk.
I agree with Lucky. In the past 5 months arriving in Miami and Philly, I've entered the US 5 times internationally and each time has been less that 1 minute, so perhaps it depends on arrival time.
Many users pay for the credit card. The credit card reimburses the fee.
That does not mean the credit card is paying the fee.
The holder of the credit card is getting a promotion, or discount and is incentivized to sign up.
Getting kids to take pictures is the hardest. Imagine hoisting a 10yo up so the fixed immovable camera can take a picture
It's great but then u usually have to wait around for the suitcases and baggage claim.
The lack of consistency at GE is starting to drive me crazy and I don't get why they don't install egates at this point like nearly every other western country. This week it was nearly seamless, took a photo went to a short queue, agent seemingly had a listing of people who just took photos, confirm that it was me and waved me through. Others sometimes randomly want to see the passport, others still print out a receipt. Just make it consistent is all I ask.
I believe U.S. law (that the USG is too paranoid to ever change) requires all inbound passengers to physically see a CBP officer - regardless of their citizenship.
Canada has a similar law - they recently implemented e-gates but still require those using them to physically see an officer.
Options are always welcome!
Recently when I return to the USA I get to wait in 2 lines. First is the wait for the kiosk, and then the usually longer wait to see the uniformed officer. When I'm traveling with my wife who isn't Global Entry but who uses the CPB App she is often out of customs before I am.
Time for automated entry gates like in most developed countries. They know who I am without me telling them, so why do I need to wait on line?
Too many apps, which is a security risk. I try to have only a few apps.
This is great; but, the need to even see a consular officer is a waste of time, and, at SFO, this is the biggest choke point. They need automated entry gates or something similar (like what’s at Changi), so, we don’t need to line up to see a consular officer after breezing through a GE kiosk.
I agree. Just did pre-clearance in Toronto this week and the GE wait line for an officer was just as long as the regular line
This would be helpful in ATL. People are still used to the old kiosks that would scan your passport so they end up standing at the kiosks for way too long trying to figure it out. There are only 5 or 6 kiosks for all GE members.
Now functional at ATL. Just used it for a Concourse E arrival an hour ago. Breezed right through.
Any idea on how/if this would work for infants with Global Entry? Can you produce multiple receipts at once through the app?
Sounds like this wouldn't work for You then. The app appears to be for single heavy travelers. Frankly, I wouldn't want any child/minor (especially an infant) entering our country without the parent/guardian being interviewed/seen in person. Lots of trafficking and nonsense happening with minors these days.
Since I usually try to enter in my home airport of Seattle, I'll give this a try. But I agree, I've never had to wait for a kiosk. I have had to find a kiosk, though, since they move them around.
There can sometimes be a wait to use a kiosk at JFK ... in part because they seem to have re-done the kiosks like 3 times in the past 2 years, and have reduced the number of kiosks available each time? The latest kiosks are faster than ever so it goes fast, but there can still be huge volumes of people trying to use them.
Yes, if it's the same ones, the newest kiosks are great. There's not even any on-screen prompt or receipt printed. Just snap the pic and then go tell the agent at the booth your name and whether you have anything to declare.