VWP passport stamps after using APC kiosks?
Dec 16, 2015, 8:30 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Programs: Miles & More
Posts: 102
VWP passport stamps after using APC kiosks?
Hello, I'm curious to know whether VWP (Visa Waiver Program) passports are stamped after you use the automated passport control kiosks (APC).
Some sources say they are , others that the machine-generated receipt is instead.
Does this vary between Airports? Could you VWPs tell me of your experiences in 2015? It'd be good to be Aware in advance how it's handled.
Some sources say they are , others that the machine-generated receipt is instead.
Does this vary between Airports? Could you VWPs tell me of your experiences in 2015? It'd be good to be Aware in advance how it's handled.
Dec 16, 2015, 12:39 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Londinium
Programs: BA Gold. Kangorucci. NZGE.KLM Gold. VS gold
Posts: 1,617
If you are using the VWP and use the ESTA machines then you have your passport stamped by an immigration officer: i.e. you are still interviewed before proceeding to customs. If you are using the GOES kiosks which require a pre-clearance process and is not available to Swiss Citizens but is for German and UK citizens then you get an electronic ticket no interview and no stamp.
Dec 17, 2015, 3:47 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Programs: Miles & More
Posts: 102
If you are using the VWP and use the ESTA machines then you have your passport stamped by an immigration officer: i.e. you are still interviewed before proceeding to customs. If you are using the GOES kiosks which require a pre-clearance process and is not available to Swiss Citizens but is for German and UK citizens then you get an electronic ticket no interview and no stamp.
Last edited by Crazydre; Dec 17, 2015 at 4:06 pm
Jan 5, 2016, 5:24 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: York, UK
Programs: KLM Gold Elite (You can guess how long ago I lost this status!), LH Senator
Posts: 247
Agree with above.
Have used the APC Kiosk machines with ESTA several times now. You do get a printed receipt from the machine this is then given to an officer as you exit the APCK area who does a final check and stamps your passport.
APCKs are a great edition and have really altered the whole immigration experience for me, as I have rarely had to queue for more than a few minutes on each occasion I have been able to use them.
Have used the APC Kiosk machines with ESTA several times now. You do get a printed receipt from the machine this is then given to an officer as you exit the APCK area who does a final check and stamps your passport.
APCKs are a great edition and have really altered the whole immigration experience for me, as I have rarely had to queue for more than a few minutes on each occasion I have been able to use them.