CBP accepting applications for Global Entry Pilot Program

U.S. Customs and Border
Protection began processing applications this week for the Global Entry pilot
program designed to expedite the screening and processing of low-risk, frequent
international travelers entering the United States. The program will kick off 10 June at the three initial
airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New
York, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, and Washington Dulles International Airport. Global Entry will be available for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are frequent
international travelers, provided they have not been found guilty of a criminal
offense, charged with a customs or immigration offense, or declared
inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration regulations. Biometric fingerprint
technology will be used to verify the passenger’s identity and confirm his or
her status as a Global Entry participant. Applications for enrollment in the
Global Entry program are available through the Global
On-Line Enrollment System (GOES). The Global Entry application process
consists of three steps:

• An applicant must complete and submit an on-line
  application through GOES and pay
  a $100 fee
• CBP officers will review the applicant’s information
  and conduct a background investigation
• The applicant will undergo an interview with CBP
  officers at an Enrollment Center at JFK, Houston or Dulles Airports

Upon returning from
international travel, Global Entry-enrolled travelers may bypass the regular
passport control line and proceed directly to the Global Entry kiosk. At the
kiosk, the Global Entry traveler will activate the system by inserting his or
her passport or U.S. permanent resident card into the document reader. The
kiosk will direct the traveler to electronically provide his or her
fingerprints and will compare that biometric data with the fingerprint
biometrics on file. A digital photograph will also be taken of the traveler as
part of the transaction record. Finally, the traveler will be prompted to answer
several CBP declaration questions posted on the kiosk’s touch-screen. Once the
process is successfully completed, the traveler will be issued a transaction
receipt which must be presented to the CBP officer as the participant leaves
the CBP inspection area.

CBP announced the Global Entry pilot program on 11 April to
build on other CBP trusted traveler programs, such as NEXUS and SENTRI,
designed to facilitate and expedite the entry process from low-risk
international travelers into the United States.