'Global Entry' tests planned at JFK, IAH, IAD

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said it will begin testing this summer of a new expedited re-entry procedure for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are frequent international travelers. Called Global Entry, the system will be similar to the TSA-approved Registered Traveler plan for domestic flyers in that it will cost $100 to join, participants will go through a government background check, and they’ll be required to keep electronic fingerprint data on file for identity verification.

CBP said pilot testing will begin June 10 at New York JFK, Houston Bush Intercontinental and Washington Dulles; potential participants will be able to apply online starting May 12 at www.CBP.gov. Besides applying online and paying $100, participants will have to be interviewed by CBP staff at enrollment centers at one of the three airports. Once accepted, you’ll be able to bypass the passport control line when you return to one of those three airports from an international trip. Instead, you’ll go to a Global Entry kiosk, insert your passport into the document reader, provide fingerprint verification, have a digital photo taken, and answer CBP declaration questions on the kiosk’s touch-screen. Then the kiosk will print out a receipt you can give to the CBP officer as you leave the area.

The testing is expected to last at least six months before the program is expanded. Once that’s done, the Department of Homeland Security “plans to foster closer ties among Global Entry and other vetted populations, such as TSA’s Registered Traveler program,” the agency said. “DHS also envisions the development of reciprocal Global Entry programs with other countries… Conversations with foreign partners are currently underway,” CBP added.