US announces kiosk pilot for Global Entry Program
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a pilot program that is designed to expedite the screening and processing of low-risk, frequent international “trusted” travelers entering the United States. The Global entry programme is scheduled to launch this summer
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lobal Entry will initially be available for US citizens or lawful permanent residents who are frequent international travellers, provided they have not been found guilty of a criminal offence, charged with a customs or immigration offence, or declared inadmissible to the US under immigration legislation. Fingerprint technology will be used to verify the passenger’s identity and confirm his or her status as a Global Entry participant.
“The Global Entry pilot program is an important next step in building upon the foundation of CBP’s other trusted traveler programs, such as NEXUS and SENTRI, and extending expedited processing to low-risk, international air travelers,” said CBP commissioner W. Ralph Basham.
The pilot will be initially conducted at John F. Kennedy International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. The program will begin processing applications from the public starting May 12 with operations at the three initial airports scheduled to begin June 10.
Upon returning from international travel, Global Entry -enrolled travellers may bypass the regular passport control line and proceed directly to the Global Entry kiosk. At the kiosk, the Global Entry traveller will activate the system by inserting his or her passport or US permanent resident card into the document reader. The kiosk will direct the traveller 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 traveller as part of the transaction record. Finally, the traveller will be prompted to answer several CBP declaration questions posted on the kiosk’s touch-screen. Once the process is successfully completed, the traveller will be issued a transaction receipt which must be presented to the CBP officer as the participant leaves the CBP inspection area.
The Global Entry application process consists of three steps. First, an applicant must complete and submit an on-line application through GOES and pay a US$100 fee. CBP officers will review the applicant’s information and a background investigation will be conducted. Finally, the applicant will undergo an interview with CBP officers at an Enrolment Center at JFK, Houston or Dulles Airport.
CBP is working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop a Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-wide approach to registered traveler programs. NEXUS and SENTRI members are being advised to watch for additional information on how their membership will allow them to use the Global Entry kiosks.
After the Global Entry pilot has been evaluated, DHS plans to foster close ties among Global Entry and other vetted populations, such as TSA’s Registered Traveler Program, where appropriate.
DHS also envisions the development of reciprocal Global Entry programs with other countries. The United States says it will realize two benefits upon entering into bi-lateral agreements:
* expedited entry processing of U.S. citizens travelling to other countries; and
* additional vetting of foreign nationals performed by their governments based on guidelines agreed to with DHS.
Conversations with foreign partners are currently underway.
The notice is currently available and is published in the Federal Register. The program described as International Registered Traveler has officially been renamed Global Entry.
Posted by staff at April 30, 2008 06:57 AM