CBP on Global Entry for UK Citizens: Pilot Program Completed

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues its careful expansion of Global Entry, an international trusted traveler program. Effective July 12, 2016, any British citizen, holding a valid U.K. passport, is eligible to apply for a Global Entry permit.

Program Background

Global Entry is a voluntary program run by the CBP. The program aims to allow for expedited international travel by prescreening and preapproving participants. Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents (i.e. “green card” holders), and foreign nationals from designated countries. The addition of the U.K. began with a pilot program in 2013, available only to a limited group of selected travelers.

Global Entry for all U.K. Passport Holders

As of July 12, 2016, all interested British citizens possessing valid U.K. passports may apply for participation in Global Entry. The application process, described on the CBP WebSite, starts with an online application. If approved, it is necessary to finalize the process in person, at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.

U.S. Citizens Enjoy Similar Expedited Travel Benefits to U.K.

The Global Entry expansion announcement in the Federal Register included an advisement of eligibility for U.S. citizens to participate in the U.K.’s Registered Traveler program. Registered Traveler is a U.K. program for expedited admission, similar to the U.S. Global Entry program. The U.K. program also requires a background check and is limited to U.S. citizens 18 years of age or older.

Conclusion

Trusted traveler programs, both in the United States and abroad, allow for the better use of border and security resources. Travelers who pose minimal risk can be prescreened and designated for abbreviated processing, so that attention can be focused on more likely security risks. As detailed in the MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, Global Entry for India: Memorandum of Understanding Signed (23.Jun.2016), it is anticipated that India will be added to the Global Entry program in the near future. As more countries are added, the hope is that international travel will become simpler between the United States and the other countries enrolled in the Global Entry program.

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