Global Entry Travel Program

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.

Global Entry Program Application Process

Application for the Global Entry program is readily available through the Global Online Enrolment System. These three important steps for application are followed:

1. Complete an online application, submit it through the GOES, and pay a non-refundable application fee of $100. This is non-refundable even if the application is rejected.

2. CBP Officers will assess the information given by the applicant and conduct a background investigation about the applicant.

3. The applicant will go through an interview with the CBP Officers at an Enrollment Center at any of the participating airports defined by the program.

Applicants are then given duration of 30 days after the notice of approval of the application had been sent for them to schedule an appointment. Upon the acceptance and approval of the application, the applicant is ultimately allowed to start using the Global Entry kiosk for a period of 5 years. To renew the affiliation of a member, one has to visit the website of the Global Entry and complete the needed information online.