CBP Uses Facial Recognition At 15 Overseas Preclearance Hubs; 22M Travelers Processed In 2024

CBP’s Preclearance program stations more than 600 CBP officers and agriculture specialists at 15 foreign airports to inspect U.S.-bound travelers before boarding, allowing direct connections upon arrival. The official page notes use of facial recognition biometrics as part of processing and reports that over 22 million travelers were precleared in 2024 (about 16% of commercial air passengers). Locations span Canada, Ireland, the Caribbean, Aruba, Bermuda, and Abu Dhabi. The program’s integration of biometrics aligns with a broader CBP push to expand traveler photo collection and exit processing nationwide.