WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Deputy Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan addressed the World Routes Strategy Summit in Chicago regarding Preclearance Expansion.
“CBP’s preclearance operations are an important step in the U.S. government’s effort to prevent terrorism from coming to our borders.” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan. “Where we can identify foreign airports willing to partner with us, additional preclearance agreements will further protect the safety and security of our citizens while also streamlining legitimate travel and commerce.”
CBP will administer a process to evaluate and prioritize an initial set of potential preclearance locations. Foreign airport authorities that are interested in initiating the process to establish preclearance operations at their location are encouraged to submit a letter detailing their interest to CBP. CBP will work with foreign airport authorities, host governments, and domestic and foreign air carriers to consider opportunities for expansion. From initial interest to implementation, the process can take up to three years.
Through preclearance, the same immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections of international air passengers performed on arrival in the United States are instead completed before departure at foreign airports. Currently, preclearance operations exist at 15 foreign airports in six different countries, benefitting air passengers, airports, and air carriers, in the United States and abroad.
The Summit is attended by about 3,000 people from the airline industry including airlines, airports, and tourism authorities from around the world. The event brings together CEO’s and Senior Leaders from across the route development and aviation industries to participate in several discussions focused on the aviation industry.
Additional information about the expansion of CBP Preclearance can be found online: Final Preclearance Guidance.