US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), along with the ship operator of Ferries del Caribe, announced the implementation of the first Automated Passport Control (APC) System onboard the San Juan-Santo Domingo ferry, aiming to expedite the entry process of the passengers.
With an automated process through CBP’s Primary Inspection area, travelers use self-service kiosks to respond to CBP inspection related questions and submit biographic information.
The formal announcement was made at the Pan American Dock in San Juan, with participation from leadership of America Cruise Ferries, parent company of Ferries del Caribe, and representatives from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s Department of State, Department of Economic Development, Tourism Company and Port Authority.
“APC’s have been adopted at international airports around the Nation providing travelers shorter wait times, less congestion, and faster processing,” indicated Edwin Cruz, Area Port Director. “With this APC on board the ferry, passenger clearance is facilitated in such a complex operation while sustaining our security standards.”
APC kiosks were installed on board the vessel M/V Kydon, which navigates between the ports of San Juan, Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, transporting passengers, vehicles and cargo, three times a week.
