DHS launches international trusted-traveler program
Travel Weekly, 6/6/2008
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday [June 6] launched the pilot for Global Entry, a program designed to expedite the airport screening and processing of U.S. citizens returning from other countries.
The pilot has been implemented at Houston Bush Intercontinental, New York Kennedy and Washington Dulles.
Global Entry applicants voluntarily provide biographic and biometric information, undergo a background check and complete an interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. The nonrefundable membership fee for participation in Global Entry is $100.
Once accepted, Global Entry travelers can use an airport kiosk to verify their identity electronically and make any needed customs declarations. They can bypass regular passport-control lanes and enter the U.S. without routine CBP questioning, unless chosen for a selective or random secondary referral.
The National Business Travel Association applauded the launch, and would like to see the program eventually extended to business travelers from other countries.
“NBTA congratulates the leadership of the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection for moving quickly and aggressively to make Global Entry a reality,” said NBTA President Kevin Maguire. “In less than six months since the passage of the law authorizing the program, people have been enrolled and equipment has been deployed. We are encouraged that discussions are underway with countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and the U.K. regarding opening Global Entry enrollment to their citizens.”
CBP is accepting Global Entry applications at www.cbp.gov/travel .
The DHS on Friday also launched the Passenger Service Program, for which dedicated CBP personnel will be available to “identify and resolve issues” faced by international travelers.
“The initiative promotes customer service techniques in officer interactions with the traveling public, and includes joint efforts with the private sector and industry stakeholders to reduce wait times through the use of improved signage and technology,” DHS said.
The Passenger Service Program will be established at 20 airports in the CBP's Model Ports program. Model Ports is a customer-service initiative that helps foreign travelers prepare for the customs and immigration process via an informational brochure and video. The video is available in Spanish, French, German and English.