U.S. moves ahead with “Global Entry” at JFK, IAD, IAH

The new “Global Entry” expedited passenger processing system announced by the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs & Border Protection (CBP) service a few months ago is now under way, with the recent opening of special kiosks at three airports: New York JFK’s Terminal 4, Washington Dulles, and Houston Bush Intercontinental. Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, the program is like an international version of Registered Traveler, intended to speed frequent flyers through the government inspection process when they return from abroad. The government charges a processing fee of $100 for a five-year membership. Individuals can begin the enrollment process online (https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov), but they must also be interviewed by a CBP officer and have their fingerprints recorded digitally. The government has enrollment centers at each of the three airports mentioned above. Once a person is enrolled and passes the background check, no biometric ID card is required. Participants access the self-service entry kiosks by using a machine-readable passport and a fingerprint scan. They can make a Customs declaration on the kiosk; then they’ll get a receipt and proceed to baggage claim. CBP said it expects eventually to expand the program to other airports, develop reciprocity with other nations, and integrate the plan with Registered Traveler. The National Business Travel Association, representing corporate travel executives at leading companies, has urged the government to roll out Global Entry to other airports as quickly as possible.