Global Entry is a program being piloted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to receive expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States.
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To enroll in Global Entry, applicants must first file an application with Customs and Border Protection, and then submit to an interview and background check. There is a $100 non-refundable fee for the application. During the interview, the applicant's fingerprints are captured and a digital photo is taken. Applicants are also given instruction on how to use the automated kiosk. Once an application is approved, the applicant may use the Global Entry kiosk at any participating airport for a duration of 5 years.[1]
Enrolled users must present their machine-readable Passport or permanent residency card and submit their fingerprints to establish identity. Users then complete a computerized Customs Declaration, and are issued a receipt instructing them to either proceed to baggage claim, or to a normal inspection booth for a normal interview.[2]
According to the Global Entry website, "Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain other countries."
During the 1990s and early 2000s, the U.S.Immigration and Naturalization Service operated INSPASS, a trusted traveler program designed to integrate with Canadian and European programs, at New York-JFK and Newark Airport. INSPASS operated with a similar system, identifying travelers with their handprint. The program was discontinued in 2002 when the INS was merged with U.S. Customs to form U.S. Customs and Border Protection.[3]
The Global Entry program was initially deployed at a small number of airports, including New York-JFK (Terminal 4), Washington-Dulles and Houston-Intercontinental. Following a good reception by travelers, the program was expanded to include Los Angeles International, Atlanta-Hartsfield, Chicago-O'Hare and Miami International Airport.
In May 2009, Global Entry membership was expanded to include Netherlands citizens who are also members of The Netherlands Privium trusted traveler program under the FLUX (Fast Low-risk Universal Crossing) alliance. Present members of Global Entry are now permitted to apply to join the Privium program at Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport allowing entry into the Schengen area.[4]. Members of NEXUS and SENTRI are also entitled to use Global Entry. [5]
Participants may enter the United States by utilizing automated kiosks located, at the following airports: [6]
Automated gate[1], the Japanese equivalent to the US program, has free registration, which means the program is $100 cheaper than the US counterpart. It is similar in that a passport and fingerprint is scanned at a kiosk to pass.
The Australian Smartgate system is available to all Australian and New Zealand citizens with a biometric passport and requires no preregistration. It is similar to its US counterpart however uses facial recognition technology to process passengers.
First of its kind, the e-Channel in Hong Kong is situated at all major border crossing points. A person who holds a Hong Kong identity card (SmartID) inserts the card into a slot and gets fingerprinted to pass through the gate. The process takes less than 10 seconds.