Miami Passport Machines

[Dimplenose]

I have read that Miami is speeding up passport control by the introduction of automatic checks for some visa waiver countries including UK.

Does anyone know if these machines will accept older passports, i.e. without a chip? Mine is from 2006 when digital photos & machine readable format is all that is required.

 

[wilma-bride]

They will accept the passports without a chip (mine is 9 years old and we had no problem using the kiosks), however in order to use the machines at MCO and JFK, you have to have visited the US within the last 2 years. Not sure if the same goes for Miami but, if that is the case, then you might need to bear that in mind.

 

[Dimplenose]

Thanks for a quick reply.

It's been 5 years so I'll be prepared to be rejected. However hopefully it might shorten the manual queue a little.

 

[wilma-bride]

Thanks for a quick reply.

It's been 5 years so I'll be prepared to be rejected. However hopefully it might shorten the manual queue a little.

Libby, be prepared that immigration (in fact, the whole set up) at Miami is horrid. Having said that, I haven't flown there in a couple of years now and the last two visits we have had to the US (March and June this year), we have been through immigration in less than 15 minutes so I definitely think the kiosks are speeding up the process. And, yes, the regular lines are shorter as more people will use the kiosks.

ETA: And, if it isn't too much trouble, I would be grateful for your feedback on the immigration process and duration taken in Miami since we will be flying there in April.

 

[igk]

Any idea what the age limit is? It's good news that Visa Waiver countries have been added but I suspect it's going to be for over 18's like the automated machines in the UK.
The Global Entry program (that you pay $100 for) is available to 14-17 year-olds with parents' permission though...

 

[wilma-bride]

Any idea what the age limit is? It's good news that Visa Waiver countries have been added but I suspect it's going to be for over 18's like the automated machines in the UK.
The Global Entry program (that you pay $100 for) is available to 14-17 year-olds with parents' permission though...

We used the kiosks at JFK with our 11 year old DS last month

 

[igk]

We used the kiosks at JFK with our 11 year old DS last month

Excellent - thanks!

 

[wilma-bride]

It is worth noting that children (under 18s) do not need to do the fingerprint scan nor have the photo taken at the kiosk. My son was a little disappointed that his photo didn't get taken and he was keen to press the buttons, which I had to try and discourage him from doing for fear that he would press the wrong thing.

 

[Dimplenose]

Libby, be prepared that immigration (in fact, the whole set up) at Miami is horrid. Having said that, I haven't flown there in a couple of years now and the last two visits we have had to the US (March and June this year), we have been through immigration in less than 15 minutes so I definitely think the kiosks are speeding up the process. And, yes, the regular lines are shorter as more people will use the kiosks.

ETA: And, if it isn't too much trouble, I would be grateful for your feedback on the immigration process and duration taken in Miami since we will be flying there in April.

I have just under 4 hours between flights. From what I've read this has been cutting it fine in the past but more recent reports seem a lot more optimistic.

Don't worry, I'll write a full trip report after my trip in October.

 

[wilma-bride]

I have just under 4 hours between flights. From what I've read this has been cutting it fine in the past but more recent reports seem a lot more optimistic.

Don't worry, I'll write a full trip report after my trip in October.

I'll look forward to it, what dates are you there?

 

[Dimplenose]

We're going October Half term. Ironically for our first child free trip we have to stick to school holidays because I work in a school. Pays for the trip but restricts when we can go.

So we didn't really choose October but it looks like a good time to go for the weather, MNSSHP (we're going on 28th) and Epcot F&W. Only going to do Disney as we are only there for a week, 5 years since our last trip, first time without a car, first time in October, first time indirect and first time without the kids so there should be plenty to write about.

 

[wilma-bride]

We're going October Half term. Ironically for our first child free trip we have to stick to school holidays because I work in a school. Pays for the trip but restricts when we can go.

So we didn't really choose October but it looks like a good time to go for the weather, MNSSHP (we're going on 28th) and Epcot F&W. Only going to do Disney as we are only there for a week, 5 years since our first trip, first time without a car, first time in October, first time indirect and first time without the kids so there should be plenty to write about.

We will be there the same time. We fly out on the 18th, doing MNSSHP on 24th with a group of friends. There is also a large group of us going to Jellyrolls on the 25th - you would be welcome to join us if you fare there then and fancy it?

 

[Dimplenose]

Thanks for the invitation, but that's the day we arrive so we may well still be in transit depending how Miami goes earlier in the afternoon.