Global Entry, a program of the US Customs and Border Protection, accelerates the clearance for low-risk travelers, when they arrive at a US port of entry. This program has been designed for frequent global travelers and the participants of this program may enter into the country by making use of automated kiosks at the airports. Moreover, international travelers may qualify for this program irrespective of the number of trips.
Travelers who participate in this program will have to go to Global Entry kiosks and submit their machine-readable passports or their Green Cards. Then they must make a customs declaration after fingerprint verification. Finally, the traveler will be issued a transaction receipt and after that the traveler may collect his baggage and exit.
In order to get access to this expedited service, the traveler must be pre-approved for this program. Applicants who wish to participate in the Global Entry program will be required to undergo background checks and will have to appear for interviews before registration. However, some travelers may be selected for further investigation, though this program intends to speed up clearance. Travelers who are found to violate the terms of this program may not be allowed to obtain the privileges of this program.
If you feel that you are eligible for this program, you need to fill out an online application. You also need to pay $100 application fee. After your petition is reviewed and approved, you will be required to appear for an interview and for biometrics collection, at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
A US Customs and Border Protection officer will ask you a few questions, at the interview. You need to take with you your valid passport and some other government issued identification document such as your driver’s license to the interview.
You will have to submit your Green Card if you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States. To become eligible for the Global Entry program, you need to be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Natives of Mexico and Dutch citizens are also eligible to participate in this program. Permanent residents and citizens of Canada may become eligible for Global Entry if they are participants of the NEXUS program.