Newly-permanent Global Entry program can cut wait times by 70 percent, says CBP

Pleased with the results of its pilot program, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has decided to establish its Global Entry trusted traveler program as a permanent program. Global Entry allows U.S. citizens – as well as citizens of The Netherlands and Mexico – to undergo background checks in advance, and then receive expedited treatment when the arrive at selected ports of entry into the United States.

“The Global Entry program will provide an expedited inspection and examination process for pre-approved, low-risk air travelers by allowing them to proceed directly to automated Global Entry kiosks upon their arrival in the United States at Global Entry-equipped Ports of Entry,” explains a Federal Register “final rule” published by CBP on Feb. 6.

Since the pilot program was launched in June 2008, CBP has made numerous revisions to the temporary test program.

After reviewing the pilot’s results, and weighing the 15 comments that have been made along the way by members of the public -- 10 favorable and three unfavorable, says CBP -- the agency has made Global Entry permanent, with only one significant new change.

 Minors under the age of 14 will now be allowed to apply to the Global Entry program. “This change will allow more families to enjoy the benefits of the program and is in direct response to feedback from the public,” says CBP.

The program is operating successfully, says the agency. As of June 6, 2011, more than 198,000 applications were filed by individuals to join Global Entry, of which more than 148,000 -- about three-quarters of all applicants -- have been enrolled successfully.

“The automated kiosks are working smoothly with no current major technical issues or problems,” says CBP. “The kiosks have been used over 1,014,000 times.”

Based on its analysis of more than 1,500 separate flights, “participation in Global Entry may reduce a passenger’s wait time by up to seventy percent -- or an estimated seven minutes on average, concluded the agency.

Additional information about Global Entry is available from Larry Panetta, of CBP, at 202-344-1253.