Since June 2025, Cross Border Xpress (CBX), the pedestrian bridge connecting Tijuana International Airport with San Diego, has implemented Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), a biometric-based system that makes it the first U.S. land port of entry to adopt this technology. It is also one of only 12 crossings in all of North America with this capability.
With EPP, passengers now benefit from a faster, more secure, and fully contactless crossing experience through facial recognition technology.
How it works:
- Passengers scan their passport at the automated gates on the Tijuana access to CBX.
- The information is immediately sent to CBP.
- At the inspection point, a tablet captures a live photo of the traveler.
- The image is compared to the photo stored with their passport or visa.
- The process takes just a few seconds with an accuracy rate above 97%.
- A CBP officer remains present to assist or carry out additional interviews when needed.
This innovation not only strengthens border security but also improves efficiency. Current crossing times at CBX average 18 minutes, and the biometric process is expected to cut wait times by 10% to 20%, further positioning CBX as one of the fastest and most convenient ways to enter the U.S. from Mexico.
What is Biometric Crossing?
A biometric crossing uses personal biometric data (such as facial recognition, fingerprints, or iris scans) to verify the traveler’s identity instead of relying solely on physical documents like passports or visas.
For CBX travelers, this means a more streamlined, modernized process. Unlike traditional crossings at San Ysidro or Otay, CBX serves only airline passengers, avoiding long border lines and reducing travel times.
Travelers flying out of Tijuana International Airport via CBX often save 30% to 50% on airfare compared with departures from other U.S. airports.
