Lynden Pindling International Airport in Bahamas has launched a new Automated Passport Control system, allowing passengers bound for the United States be processed up to four times faster.

Officials expect the new technology – available in only one other airport in the Caribbean – to go a long way in slashing wait times, improving the airport’s efficiency and ultimately providing a more enjoyable experience for millions of visitors passing through the United States pre-clearance facility at LPIA.

Provided by Vancouver Airport Authority, BorderXpress Automated Passport Control is a self-service kiosk technology, which enables US and Canadian passport holders and other eligible travellers to complete a portion of the US Customs and Border Patrol inspection process electronically, expediting the border clearance process.

“APC will greatly improve our ability to process passengers through the airport.

“The demand for the destination continues to grow and with more than 3.2 million passengers traveling through LPIA on an annual basis, we want to ensure that their experience at our airport is a positive one,” explained Vernice Walkine, president, Nassau Airport Development Company.

“Making the investment in 20 APC kiosks just makes sense from a passenger management perspective as the move will drastically reduce wait times in an area impacting more than 80 per cent of our total airport traffic.

“The technology will benefit the destination for years to come.”

Aside from US and Canadian passport holders, passengers eligible to use the new technology include all US Lawful Permanent Residents and Electronic

System for Travel Authorization approved passport holders – international travellers from 38 countries not requiring US entry visas for stays of 90 days or less.