Information on the Global Entry Program

Global Entry is a special program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers quick clearance when they arrive back into the United States. Participants can enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at specific airports throughout the country. Although the program is intended for "frequent travelers" who make several international trips per year, there is no minimum number of trips an applicant must make in order to qualify. If you are only making one or two trips you can still purchase a membership in this program.

Gobal Entry is available at JFK Airport, Washington Dulles, Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Los Angeles Intl Airport, Atlanta, Chicago O'hare, Miami Airport, Boston Airport, Dallas Ft. Worth Airport, Fort Lauderdale Airport, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Detroit, Newark Airport (NYC), Orlando Airport, Philadelphia Airport, San Francisco Airport, San Juan Puerto Rico Airport, Sanford FL, and Seattle Tacoma Airport. Keep checking the global entry website to see when other airports are added as this list is always being updated.

You must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for this entry program:

• Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States;
• Must be 14 years of age or older. Children under 14 cannot enroll. If an enrolled parent is traveling with children under 14 and wishes to clear as a family, he/she may not use the kiosk and must process through the regular passport control line.
• Custodial parents or guardians of applicants 14-17 years of age must provide legal documentary evidence of custody with no restrictions on removal from the custodial jurisdiction to be enrolled in any trusted traveler program; and,
• Any violation of US or international laws may prevent you from obtaining membership.

Key items to know before entering the Global Entry application process:

• The process will require participants to present a machine-readable passport or legal permanent resident card.
• To complete the application, residency, work history and other personal information dating back 5 years will be required.
• A non-refundable $100 fee will be collected before the submission of the application. If an applicant is denied participation, he/she will not receive a refund of the $100 application fee.
• Applicants must check their Global Online Enrollment System accounts periodically for updates on application status.

For more information on the Global Entry program, please visit http://www.globalentry.gov Be sure to check with your company to see if they would reimburse you for the membership fee. This perk would surely save you time each time you return to the United States to an airport that has Global Entry set up.