Trusted Travler Status Speeds Entry Into America’s Airports
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced an expansion of the Global Entry program for citizens of the United Kingdom.
CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske announced it at the World Travel Market in London. Global Entry, a CBP Trusted Traveler Program, allows for expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
Global Entry streamlines the screening process at select U.S. airports for what the organization terms “trusted travelers.”
U.K. citizens can register for Global Entry beginning December 3.
“CBP is excited to expand our partnership with the United Kingdom on this flagship program by offering Global Entry to U.K. citizens,” said Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske. “Through this cooperation, CBP’s Global Entry and the UK Border Force Registered Traveller programs will enhance security and better facilitate travel between our two countries.”
The program has more than 2.5 million members and CBP receives approximately 70,000 new applications for Global Entry each month. As an added benefit, Global Entry members are also eligible to participate in the TSA expedited screening program.
It is currently available at 46 U.S. airports and 13 preclearance locations.
To register, U.K. citizens need to apply through the U.K. Home Office website and pay a £42 processing fee. If the applicant passes the U.K. vetting, they will receive a “UK Access Code,” which applicants will enter when applying for Global Entry through CBP’s Global Online Enrollment System (GOES).
The non-refundable application fee for a five-year Global Entry membership is $100 and applications must be made online. Once the application is approved, a CBP officer will conduct a scheduled interview with the applicant and then make a final eligibility determination.
While the goal of Global Entry is to speed travelers through the process, no traveler is guaranteed expedited screening and members may be selected for further examination when entering the United States.
The initial program has been around since May 2011 that allowed for a limited number of U.K. citizens.
U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for the United Kingdom’s trusted traveler program, Registered Traveller. Members enrolled in Registered Traveller may use E-gates at airports in the United Kingdom.
The service costs £70 to apply and an additional £50 a year thereafter. If the application is unsuccessful, the applicant will receive a £50 refund. To qualify for Registered Traveller, a U.S. citizen must make 4 trips to the U.K. per year.
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