Global Entry is a program designed by the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection to speed up the screening of travelers who enter the United
States. It is basically open to U.S. lawful permanent residents, Dutch
citizens, Mexican nationals, and those who are frequent travelers to
the United States. An applicant follows several steps before becoming a
participant of this program.
After filing for application, an individual must be interviewed. During the interview, the applicant will be asked by a CBP officer some specific personal questions, have a photo taken and provide other biometric information. This process is strictly followed to make sure that the applicant has not been guilty of any offence, be it criminal or an immigration concern. Additionally, there are also some guidelines regarding an applicant's ineligibility.
Benefits of the Global Entry Program
If you frequently travel outside the United States, you may be interested in the U.S. Global Entry Program. It is one of four Trusted Traveler Programs
offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
With this program, U.S. citizens can bypass the
long lines when returning to the States and take advantage of the
expedited re-entry service. Although it was originally designed for the
frequent international traveler, there is no minimum travel requirement
to participate.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents, Dutch and South Korean
citizens, and Mexican nationals may apply for Global Entry. To be
eligible, applicants must meet six criteria: provide a complete and
truthful application, have no convictions, charges, or warrants, have
no customs or immigration violations, have no involvement in ongoing
law enforcement investigations, be admissible to the U.S. under normal
immigration regulations, and satisfy the requirements of "low-risk"
through an extensive background check.
To apply, fill out the online application
and submit the $100 non-refundable application processing fee. Schedule
an interview with a Customs Border Protection officer; bring your passport
and driver's license or government issued ID, and be prepared to be
photographed and fingerprinted during your interview. Your background
check will include searching law enforcement, immigration, customs,
agriculture, and terrorist databases. If you're denied, you'll receive
the reason in writing.
Once approved, you can start enjoying the benefits of the Global Entry program.
When returning to the U.S. via air travel, you simply go to a Global
Entry kiosk, scan your passport and fingerprints, and make your customs
declaration. From there, you are issued a receipt and can continue on
to baggage claim. You can avoid the processing lines and paperwork that
other passengers must endure, which can greatly reduce wait times. You
can even enjoy expedited entry to other countries with Global Entry. There is an official mobile passport app that can speed up your travel experiences.
Be aware that you could still be selected for additional
examination, and if you're found in violation of any of the program's
no-tolerance policies, your membership will be revoked.
Global Entry Program Prerequisites
An applicant will not be qualified to participate in the Global Entry program if:- The applicant had been convicted or acquitted of a criminal offence;
- The applicant had been found violating any immigration, customs, or agricultural regulations in a certain country;
- The applicant have pending criminal charges or warrants, and is a under an on-going investigation by a state or a local law enforcement agency;
- The applicant had provided false or incomplete information upon his application;
- The applicant is regarded as inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulations;
- The applicant is subject to National Security Entry Exit Registration System (NSEERS) or other special registration programs.
