Passengers debarking from Princess Cruises' liners at Port San Francisco (California USA) can have their identities verified through facial recognition operated by U.S. CBP-Customs and Border Protection.
CBP has expanded the use of facial biometrics into the debarkation process at the Port, becoming the latest to modernize efforts to revolutionize cruise ship travel.
When debarking the vessel at the Californian seaport, guests will pause for a photo that will be compared to their existing passport/visa photo in secure DHS systems in order to biometrically verify their identity.
Once verified, cruise tourists are allowed to proceed through inspections/exit the terminal.
The entry process aims to secure/enhance the user experience while protecting travelers' privacy. The arrival process using facial biometrics verifies the identity within 2 seconds and is over 98% accurate.
U.S. travelers/foreign nationals who are not required to provide biometrics and want to opt out of the new process can request a manual document check from a CBP officer consistent with existing requirements for admission into the US.
Facial biometric comparison technology has to date been installed at a total of 15 seaports across the United States and used to process arriving passengers on cruise ships in Florida, New Jersey, New York, California, Washington, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Maryland, and Puerto Rico.