global entry kioskThe Global Entry program was established in December 2010 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  It is offered to low-risk international travelers as a mechanism to streamline the international arrival process for pre-approved travelers.  Application is voluntary and must first be submitted online.  There is a $100 non-refundable fee collected at time of application for a 5 year membership in the program.

Applicants must submit to an in-person interview at any Global Entry enrollment center.  Applicants are fingerprinted. Once accepted, Global Entry travelers may proceed to airport kiosks in the designated inspection area, where they insert their passport or Green Card, provide digital fingerprints for comparison, answer a customs declaration, and then present the transaction receipt to the CBP officer.

The Global Entry program is available to American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals. Citizens of the Netherlands may apply under a special reciprocal arrangement that links Global Entry with the Dutch Privium Program. Canadian citizens and residents can participate through membership in the Canadian NEXUS Trusted Traveler program.

According to the CBP website, applicants may not qualify for participation in the Global Entry program if they:

  • Provide false or incomplete information on the application;
  • Have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants;
  • Have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country;
  • Are subjects of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state or local law enforcement agency;
  • Are inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulation, including applicants with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation;
  • Cannot satisfy CBP of their low-risk status (e.g. CBP has intelligence that indicates that the applicant is not low risk; CBP cannot determine an applicant’s criminal, residence or employment history)

Click here for a list of airports that have Global Entry kiosks.

Click her for information about how to apply for the Global Entry Program.

Be Sociable, Share!