Going Global? DHS Program Expands for Speedy Screening for You or Your VIPs

November 23, 2009

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has expanded speedy screening of pre-approved, low-risk air travelers arriving in the United States to most international airports in the country.

For more than a year, the department has been testing this program at seven airports across the country and found that participating travelers cut their average waiting time to be screened from 10 minutes to three. The voluntary program, called Global Entry, would be open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents at least 14 years old. They would have to pay a $100 fee and undergo a background check. If accepted into the program, they can go through expedited screening when they fly into the United States.

Global Entry is a pilot program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. Although this program is intended for “frequent travelers” who make several international trips per year, there is no minimum number of trips an applicant must make in order to qualify. Participants may enter the United States by utilizing automated kiosks located at the following airports:

Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston (IAH)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas (LAS)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Juan-Luis Múñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport-SeaTac (SEA)
Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)

The process requires participants to present their machine-readable U.S. passport or permanent resident card, submit their fingerprints for biometric verification, and make a customs declaration at the kiosk’s touch-screen. Upon successful completion of the Global Entry process at the kiosk, the traveler is issued a transaction receipt and directed to baggage claim and the exit, unless chosen for a selective or random secondary referral.

Travelers must be pre-approved before they can participate in the pilot program. All applicants will undergo a rigorous background check and be interviewed by a CBP officer before they are enrolled. Automated enforcement checks will occur each time the member uses the kiosk to enter the United States. Although pre-approved for the program and determined to be low risk, members of Global Entry may be examined at any time when entering the United States.

Members entering the United States must complete the declaration questions prompted by the kiosk. If bringing items that must be declared, after completion of the kiosk transaction, the member will be directed to see a CBP officer.

Global Entry has a zero tolerance policy for violations. If a Global Entry member violates any of the terms and conditions, CBP officers will take appropriate enforcement action and will cancel the person's membership privileges. The application fee is non-refundable.

The benefits are:

Bypass the traditional passport control line.
No more filling out a paper customs declaration form.
Expedited exit process.
Mutual benefits with other countries.
Conveniently located at airports throughout the country.
Cross the border with a minimum of customs and immigration questioning.

Although this program is intended for frequent travelers, there is no minimum number of trips that must be completed.

Global Entry allows applicants to complete a single application and pay one fee. This form can be submitted online via the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES. Qualified applicants are required to come to a Global Entry Enrollment Center, for an interview). Global Entry allows United States border agencies to concentrate their efforts on potentially higher-risk travelers and goods, which helps to ensure the security and integrity of our borders.

Who May Apply for Global Entry?

Individuals who are 14 years of age and older who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S.
Lawful Permanent Residents, or citizens of certain other countries.

*Note: If enrolled parents are traveling with children under 14 and clearing as a family, they may not use the kiosk and must clear using the regular passport control process.

However, individuals may not qualify if they:
Are inadmissible to the United States under applicable immigration laws;
Provide false or incomplete information on their application;
Have been convicted of a criminal offense in any country;
Have been found in violation of customs or immigration laws; or
Fail to meet other Global Entry requirements.

Security Bloggers can download the application at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/global_entr

Locations that were once considered safe havens such as schools, places of worship and healthcare institutions are no longer immune to acts of violence, and that includes healthcare, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, and facilities that provide healthcare outside of a hospital environment.