Global Entry Program in Thirteen Cities Across US
The ATM-like machines are estimated to cut the average traveler's wait time by 70 percent -- to between three and five minutes -- with more seasoned users passing through in as little as 90 seconds. The Global Entry kiosks do away with the need for filling out customs declaration forms by asking a series of 10 questions.
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It's like having E-ZPass for the airport
by Leslie Kwoh/The Star-Ledger
Monday August 24, 2009, 6:00 AM
MITSU YASUKAWA/THE STAR-LEDGER
Close up of the automated kiosk at Newark Liberty International Airport. The device can process a passenger in three to five minutes, cutting the average processing time by 70 percent.
For $100 and a fingerprinting session, frequent international travelers can now shave a few minutes off their wait time after landing at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Starting today, pre-approved U.S. citizens and permanent residents re-entering the country can skip passport-checking lines and pass through an automated kiosk instead.
"For frequent business travelers, it's a great program," said John Saleh, a spokesman for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in New York. "They come off the plane with their carry-on, they go up to the kiosk, and they're out the door within a couple minutes."
The four Global Entry kiosks, which cost $25,000 each, do away with the need for filling out customs declaration forms by asking a series of 10 questions, he said. The ATM-like machines are estimated to cut the average traveler's wait time by 70 percent -- to between three and five minutes -- with more seasoned users passing through in as little as 90 seconds.
In addition to Newark, the kiosks are also being unveiled today in 12 other international U.S. airports in cities including Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Orlando, San Francisco and Seattle.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched the pilot program in June at seven of the nation's busiest airports, including Los Angeles International and John F. Kennedy International. About 16,000 travelers have since enrolled, together using the kiosks more than 51,000 times, according to CBP.
Travelers who wish to enroll can fill out an application form online, then visit the airport or a local processing center for fingerprinting, an interview and background check. Only "low-risk" travelers will be accepted into the program, and any criminal convictions may be grounds for rejection, Saleh said.
The $100 fee is good for five years and grants access to any of the kiosks at the 20 locations across the country. Travelers can also use kiosks at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands, for an additional annual fee of 109 euros, or about $155.
For more information, or to apply for the program, visit globalentry.gov.
Posted by staff at August 24, 2009 07:54 AM