OVERVIEW

Global Entry is a travel facilitation program that provides frequent, low-risk travelers expedited processing through U.S. immigration checkpoints. Global Entry applicants must be screened through a name-based and biometric security review, as well as a personal interview, and approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Admitted applicants are then able to use automated kiosks in the CBP inspection area when entering the U.S., allowing them to move through the inspection process without undergoing a person-to-person CBP interview. The program both enhances security by allowing CBP officers to concentrate on potentially higher-risk travelers and benefits travelers by streamlining the entry system – reducing average wait times by 70 percent.  Global Entry is currently open to citizens and nationals of the United States and lawful permanent residents of the United States. Citizens of the Netherlands may also apply under a special reciprocal arrangement that links Global Entry with the Privium program in Amsterdam.

U.S. TRAVEL POSITION

U.S. Travel believes that, in order for Global Entry to be a success, the program must first build critical mass. The program currently exists in 20 airports across the United States, yet initial applicant and usage numbers for Global Entry are low, due to both a lack of marketing by CBP and the limited resources to conduct off-site and group enrollment. CBP should also work with other foreign governments, as it has with the Netherlands, to further expand the benefits of Global Entry to frequent travelers from ally nations.  Funding appropriated for the program’s expansion should be used to accomplish these goals.