New technology to speed up customs clearance at Bush Airport

Dec 9, 2025

IAH now offers every expedited option available for international arrivals, including 2026 World Cup fans.

HOUSTON — International travelers arriving at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will now experience faster, more streamlined processing through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) thanks to Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP). The new technology is now operating inside the Federal Inspection Services area.

With EPP, along with Mobile Passport and Global Entry, IAH now offers every expedited option available in the United States for international arrivals — a major advantage as Houston prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

EPP is a contactless, camera-based process used by CBP to quickly verify the identity of U.S. citizens. The system automates standard identity checks, helping to reduce wait times and maintain steady passenger flow during peak arrival periods. CBP officers continue to conduct all interviews and security decisions.

From Nov. 17 to Dec. 1, the EPP stations at IAH processed more than 49,000 U.S. citizens. CBP reports up to a 25% improvement in processing times at IAH. Early data indicate that identity capture and verification average approximately 2.5 seconds.

How it Works

EPP is designed to be quick and straightforward:

1. Enter the U.S. citizen lane.
2. Look at the camera. It automatically takes your photo.
3. The system verifies your identity using existing passport images.
4. A CBP officer asks brief questions.
5. You exit or proceed to additional screening.

If verification cannot be completed, a CBP officer directs the traveler to standard inspection. While only U.S. citizens use EPP, the reduced congestion shortens wait times for all arriving passengers.

Part of Houston’s Broader Modernization Strategy

EPP adds to a growing list of improvements at IAH designed to strengthen international processing, including the expanded international departures curb, the Terminal D-West Pier and the new Terminal E Ticketing Lobby. Together with Mobile Passport and Global Entry, EPP supports the airport system’s goal of delivering a seamless and predictable experience for passengers arriving from dozens of international destinations.

“I’ve watched this technology in action and seen how it reduces wait times in real time. Our airports are designed for the global traveler, and Enhanced Passenger Processing is another step toward moving passengers through CBP in 30 minutes or less,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “We’ve fixed traffic. We’re modernizing terminals. Now we’re working with our federal partners to make international arrivals as seamless as possible, especially as Houston prepares to host the world in 2026.”

Passenger Impact

IAH is a primary gateway to Latin America. Faster processing means fewer missed connections, less crowding and a more predictable arrival experience for families, business travelers and international visitors.

U.S. citizens should look for the EPP lanes inside the Federal Inspection Services area. Global Entry remains available for Trusted Travelers seeking additional expedited benefits.

About the Partnership EPP is a joint effort between CBP and participating ports of entry. Airports provide cameras, connectivity and support. CBP officers make all security decisions and conduct inspections. The biometric technology does not connect to the CBP network and is used only for identity verification.

“CBP is committed to enhancing national security while streamlining lawful travel,” said CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino. “By leveraging advanced technologies and mobile applications, we are transforming inspections at airports into a seamless, touchless process, enabling faster risk identification and efficient processing of legitimate visitors.”