Global Entry Program Expands

Global Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency’s biometric screening initiative, expands to 13 new airports. Through Global Entry, travelers that are pre-approved and considered low-risk are able to expedite their customs process when arriving in the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano explains, “Global Entry expedites the customs and security process for trusted air travelers while helping DHS ensure the safety of all airline passengers. Expanding this vital program allows us to improve customer service at airports and concentrate our resources on higher-risk travelers.”

New Locations
New centers will be open starting August 24, 2009 in Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Newark, Orlando, Sanford (FL), Philadelphia, San Juan (Puerto Rico), San Francisco and Seattle. There are already 7 existing airport kiosks in the U.S. in Atlanta, Chicago (O’Hare), Houston (Intercontinental), Los Angeles, New York (JFK), Miami and Washington (Dulles).

Eligibility
In order to apply for Global Entry membership, the following criteria must be met:

• U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents over the age of 14.
• Netherlands citizens, if also enrolled in the Netherlands Privium Trusted Traveler Program

Enrollment
To become a member, you must first file an application with CBP. Next, you will go through an interview and then submit to a background check. In addition to the application, your fingerprints are captured and a digital photo is taken (creating a biometric fingerprint). Once your application is approved, you will be given instructions on how to use the Global Entry kiosks and may due so at any of the 20 participating airports.

How It Works
At the Global Entry kiosk, members insert either their passport or permanent resident ID card into a machine that is similar to an ATM. Then they place their finger in the appropriate place in order for their fingerprint to be compared with the one that is on file. After answering the customs declaration questions, a transaction receipt is printed out and the member gives it to the CBP officers when leaving the customs area.

The Global Entry system was created in June of 2008 and has expanded to include 16,000 members. On average, the process takes less than five minutes reducing the customs wait time by 70%.

(source: DHS.gov)