September 9, 2025
As air traffic is set to grow 3.8% annually – adding 4B passengers by 2043, infrastructure strain is already evident in many regions. Airports and border officials face mounting pressure to process traveler volumes quickly, securely, and without costly upgrades. Traditional identity checks – often manual, time-consuming, and reliant on physical documents – can’t keep up with today’s operational demands and evolving security threats.
The result? Congested checkpoints, missed connections, and operational strain.
Biometric technologies offer a smarter, more agile way to streamline traveler flow – especially at busy, space-constrained border checkpoints. By replacing legacy systems and manual workflows with high-throughput facial biometrics, border agencies and travel operators can boost efficiency, reduce frontline staff intervention, strengthen security, and deliver a faster, more seamless journey for travelers. Governments worldwide are recognizing this potential and are mandating or incentivizing biometric innovation across air, land, and sea ports of entry.
Why SBE and EPP Matter: Biometric Innovation That Solves Real Problems at Airports
Programs like the airport-led Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) are leading the charge, building on the United States (U.S.) Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Seamless Border Entry (SBE) program. These initiatives are accelerating the deployment of facial biometric screening solutions designed to deliver fast, secure, and privacy-first identity checks while travelers remain on the move, eliminating the need for documents, kiosks, or queues.
With the U.S. hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary this year, and the 2028 Olympics ahead, airports, airlines, and border authorities must be prepared to handle record-breaking crowds. Infrastructure must scale now – and trusted, secure, and high-performing biometric solutions will be a strategic necessity in meeting that challenge.
Quick Snapshot: SBE and EPP Explained
SBE used, and EPP continues to use, iProov’s on-the-move facial biometric screening to enhance the efficiency and security of border crossings at CBP’s high-security, high-traffic checkpoints.
How Does It Work?
Facial biometrics verifies passengers’ identities in real-time by matching their faces to images in passports, held in the CBP Traveler Verification Service (TVS). On-site devices capture passengers’ faces on the move, enabling consistent processing in <3 seconds compared to 30–60 seconds at booths.
Explore details of EPP and iProov’s on-the-move biometric deployments on this page.
Programs like SBE and EPP solve real operational pressures, such as:
- Border delays, which cause stress for travelers and staff, especially for those needing more time or assistance.
- Infrastructure limitations – like constrained terminal space – which create bottlenecks.
- Legacy screening systems, which are vulnerable to user errors, impact airport efficiency and security.
These challenges are intensified by unpredictable demand, the need to coordinate across multiple stakeholders and service providers, and rising passenger expectations.
Passenger & Public Support
It’s not just airports and border agencies driving the adoption of biometric technology; travelers themselves are increasingly supportive. According to the Airport Dimensions: Airport Experience Research 2025, 62% of travelers globally would be willing to pay for premium services that help them avoid airport congestion.
From the International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2024 Global Passenger Survey:
- 75% of global travelers prefer biometrics over passports
- 84% satisfaction rate among biometric users
- 79% of U.S. air travelers support the use of biometrics at TSA security checkpoints to confirm traveler identity
- 9 in 10 Americans would support biometric checks if it reduces security clearance time
The message is clear: travelers value their time and are willing to embrace technology that enhances efficiency and security in their travel experience.
Quantifiable Impact of On-the-Move Biometrics in SBE and EPP
Far from theoretical, the benefits of iProov’s on-the-move biometric solutions in SBE and EPP deployments are quantifiable, as consistent, industry-leading performance has shown:
- Processing Speed: <3 seconds per passenger
- Throughput per Lane: EPP: 14 passengers per lane/minute, ~5 seconds per passenger; SBE: 20+ passengers per lane/minute, <3 seconds per passenger
- Daily Volume: 20,000+ passengers processed daily across SBE and EPP (as of September 2025)
- Image Capture: It achieves a 99%+ first-try success rate
- Drop in Average Wait Times: Deployment of iProov Solution for EPP at Orlando International Airport resulted in a 65% reduction on average, bringing them down to as low as 2 minutes per passenger to fully pass through border control.
For border agencies and airport operators, this performance translates directly to enhanced capacity management, lower congestion, and faster, trusted border crossings at scale. iProov’s hardware-light, high-throughput solution adapts to peak travel volumes without adding staffing or floor space – helping operations scale efficiently and cost-effectively. This is critical for managing record-breaking crowds and inconsistent traveler flow during major events such as the 2028 Olympics.
For frontline staff, fast and reliable authentication frees them to focus on travelers who need additional support – enhancing both security and service. And because the solution integrates with existing IT infrastructure and includes 24/7 U.S.-based support, deployment is quick and low-friction.
Finally, it delivers a seamless, traveler-friendly experience – eliminating bottlenecks, reducing queues, and minimizing document checks to boost satisfaction. The solution is designed for high accessibility for all, including those using mobility aids. It also efficiently captures and processes multiple travelers at once, which is ideal for families and groups traveling together.
From SBE’s reduced wait times at Global Entry lanes to EPP’s fast-track processing for the 230+ million U.S. citizens it serves, these programs demonstrate the power of biometric innovation done right: secure, scalable, and centered on passenger experience.
The Future of Border Processing Is Seamless and Secure
As international travel continues to grow and border agencies face increasing pressure to process higher volumes with limited resources, programs like SBE and EPP represent not just technological advancements but essential evolutions in how we approach secure travel and border management.
By balancing security requirements with operational efficiency and passenger experience, these programs demonstrate how biometric technology can transform what has traditionally been one of the most friction-filled aspects of international travel. Their success suggests a future where border crossing becomes increasingly seamless without compromising security – a vision-come-reality that benefits passengers, airports, and border agencies alike.
- Watch our webinar on-demand: “Elevating the Orlando Passenger Experience with Biometric Security”
- Book a consultative demo with our team today!
