Further Expansion of Global Entry Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released information on the expansion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry Program (GEP). The GEP, which is one of the Trusted Traveler Programs administered by the CBP, allows low-risk individuals to obtain a permit that allows them to receive expedited entry processing at designated ports of entry (POEs). This latest expansion adds eight airports to the designated POE list, effective immediately.

Background: Initiation and Expansion

Eligible, pre-approved travelers can expedite their admission to the United States at designated U.S. airports by using a kiosk system and, thereby, reduce wait time. This program continues to be limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as certain Dutch and South Korean citizens, Mexican nationals, and Canadian citizens and residents. Additional information on the GEP, including the CBP’s previous efforts to expand access to this program, is available in the MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, Global Entry Program Expansion (30.Mar.2012). Application instructions for this program are available on the official GEP WebSite.

Thirty Two Airports Now Have GEP Kiosks

Including these eight additions, GEP kiosks are now located at a total of 32 U.S. airports. The newest additions to this program are: Baltimore / Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Maryland), John Wayne Airport (California), Portland International Airport (Oregon), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (North Carolina), Salt Lake City International Airport (Utah), San Antonio International Airport (Texas), San Diego International Airport (California), and Tampa International Airport (Florida).

Conclusion

This program is designed to allow CBP to better utilize resources, and avoid devoting excessive time to low-risk travelers. Continued expansion of the program throughout the United States is an encouraging sign. MurthyDotCom will update readers regarding any important changes that at the ports of entry.

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