Global Entry Pilot Program to Start at 3 Airports
On April 12, U.S. Customs and Border Protection began processing applications for the Global Entry pilot program. The program is intended to expedite processing for low-risk, frequent international travelers entering the United States.
The actual start of the program will be June 10 at JFK International in New York, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Washington Dulles International Airport.
The Global Entry program will be available for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who travel internationally on a frequent basis and who have no criminal record or customs or immigration offense.
Applications for enrollment in the Global Entry program are available through the Global On-Line Enrollment System (GOES) here Global Entry Program – Applications Are Available Now!
Basically, the process has three steps:
• An applicant must complete and submit an on-line application through GOES and pay a $100 fee. Pay.gov
• CBP officers will review the applicant’s information and conduct a background investigation.
• Finally, the applicant will undergo an interview with CBP officers at an Enrollment Center at JFK, Houston or Dulles Airports.
When the Global Entry passenger returns to the U.S. after international travel, he or she will be able to bypass the regular passport control line and go directly to the Global Entry kiosk. They will then insert their passport or U.S. permanent resident card into the document reader and be directed to electronically provide their fingerprints which will then be compared with biometric data already on file. Their digital photograph will also be taken.
The traveler will be prompted to answer several CBP declaration questions and then, once the process is successfully completed, he or she will get a transaction receipt which they will present to the CBP officer as they leave.
