CBP Now Accepting Global Entry Pilot Program Applications
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has begun processing applications for the Global Entry pilot program designed to expedite the screening and processing of low-risk, frequent international travelers entering the United States.
The program will kick off June 10 at the three initial airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, and Washington-Dulles International Airport.
Global Entry will be available for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are frequent international travelers, provided they have not been found guilty of a criminal offense, charged with a customs or immigration offense or declared inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulations. Biometric fingerprint technology will be used to verify the passenger’s identity and confirm his or her status as a Global Entry participant.
Applications for enrollment in the Global Entry program are available through the Global On-Line Enrollment System (GOES).
The Global Entry application process consists of three steps:
• An applicant must complete and submit an online application through GOES and pay a $100 fee.
• CBP officers will review the applicant’s information and conduct a background investigation.
• The applicant will undergo an interview with CBP officers at an Enrollment Center at JFK, Houston or Washington-Dulles Airports.
Upon returning from international travel, Global Entry-enrolled travelers may bypass the regular passport control line and proceed directly to the Global Entry kiosk. At the kiosk, the Global Entry traveler will activate the system by inserting his or her passport or U.S. permanent resident card into the document reader. The kiosk will direct the traveler to electronically provide his or her fingerprints and will compare that biometric data with the fingerprint biometrics on file. A digital photograph will also be taken of the traveler as part of the transaction record.
Finally, the traveler will be prompted to answer several CBP declaration questions posted on the kiosk’s touch-screen. Once the process is successfully completed, the traveler will be issued a transaction receipt that must be presented to the CBP officer as the participant leaves the CBP inspection area.
CBP announced the Global Entry pilot program April 11 to build upon other CBP trusted traveler programs, such as NEXUS and Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI), designed to facilitate and expedite the entry process from low-risk international travelers into the United States.