TLV Passport Control: New Biometric Screening Kiosks
Sep 12, 2015, 5:10 am
#61
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: TLV
Programs: UA Platinum, Avis Chairman, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, GA Pilot
Posts: 3,225
Upon arrival yesterday, I decided to finally ask if/when they have plans of enabling foreign passport-holders to use the machines on arrival.
The guy seemed pissed at me to have the nerve to ask such a question, and in a very condescending manner, he said emphatically "that will never, ever happen." When I asked why, he said "not all tourists can enter the country and you need to speak to each and every one."
He had no response for the news reports that Israel had signed an agreement of sorts with the USA for Global Entry.
I don't see why they can't just open an ESTA-type of process which would enable them to ensure people can or can't enter, and then use the kiosks for foreigners as well.
The guy seemed pissed at me to have the nerve to ask such a question, and in a very condescending manner, he said emphatically "that will never, ever happen." When I asked why, he said "not all tourists can enter the country and you need to speak to each and every one."
He had no response for the news reports that Israel had signed an agreement of sorts with the USA for Global Entry.
I don't see why they can't just open an ESTA-type of process which would enable them to ensure people can or can't enter, and then use the kiosks for foreigners as well.
Sep 12, 2015, 12:26 pm
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Concurrently, American citizens have expedited entry to Canada if they're members of NEXUS. They can get expedited entry into Germany, at least in FRA and MUC. They can get expedited entry into Australia and New Zealand (not sure if this is for all American citizens or just GE members) as well as expedited entry by applying to LHR.
There are many other reciprocal programs around, and I'm not even referring to EU passport holders getting expedited entry into other EU/Schengen nations.
Furthermore, you can use APCs in the US provided you're a Canadian citizen OR have a visa-waiver passport, valid ESTA, and have visited the US at least once since 2008.
So certainly not without precedent, and Israel could easily set up such a program to allow specific program-eligible passports, certain countries, or have some ESTA-type of authorization.
I don't believe they need to interview everyone that comes in, nor do they as it is. Enough information is shared between countries that they can block certain people, especially if the chip shows travel to certain countries, that would require an interview.
Sep 12, 2015, 9:21 pm
#63
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Israel/United States
Posts: 1,234
ESTA is not a guaranteed entrance to the US. It is a VISA waiver, but an immigration officer could still, theoretically turn someone away. Also, the kiosks are not for first time ESTA users. THOSE have to speak to a person.
Sep 13, 2015, 8:59 am
#64
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Sep 13, 2015, 2:02 pm
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet
Posts: 20,343
Sep 14, 2015, 9:15 am
#67
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: TLV
Programs: UA Platinum, Avis Chairman, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, GA Pilot
Posts: 3,225
I really wish they had this for Americans in the UK. Every time I have to stand in line for 45 minutes at LHR I feel like - "we saved them from Hitler and this is what we get in return?"
Sep 14, 2015, 11:19 am
#68
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet
Posts: 20,343
Sep 14, 2015, 12:39 pm
#69
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: TLV
Programs: UA Platinum, Avis Chairman, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, GA Pilot
Posts: 3,225
It's impossible to tell if you are over 18 or not from your comments, but you might like to use your fave search engine to search for Registered Traveller service. In fact, I had better provide a link just in case there isn't a grown-up around.
Sep 30, 2015, 5:24 am
#71
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: TLV
Programs: UA Platinum, Avis Chairman, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, GA Pilot
Posts: 3,225
I use it all the time on exiting. It saves about 5-10 minutes each trip. That and the HBO security make TLV a real pleasure as compared to a lot of other airports.
Sep 30, 2015, 7:55 am
#72
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Oct 15, 2015, 11:31 pm
#75
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
You will be able to use it upon exit. As of now, you cannot use it for entry. Time will tell if/when that changes