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U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced that they have added capabilities for Global Entry enrollment upon arrival to 5 airports. The addition means that travelers will be able to complete the last step of enrollment in Global Entry, an in-person interview while being processed on their entry back into the US — no appointment necessary. The airports with these capabilities are:
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
How Enrollment on Arrival Works
The system will allow travelers who have been conditionally approved for Global Entry to complete the final step, which involves an in-person interview, and the recording of the Passengers’ biometrics. CBP officials will be able to conduct both the Global Entry interview and the primary processing of a passenger transiting the airport. Once completed, the passenger will be cleared for both entry in the US and will be a Global Entry member.
The new system will make it easier to complete enrollment to Global Entry, which is not just open to US Citizens but also to citizens of several other countries, who would normally have to attend an interview at the US embassy in their home country, or at one of the few Global Entry processing locations around the world.
According to Kevin McAleenan, the Acting Commissioner, “With Enrollment on Arrival, we are adapting and innovating our process to meet the program’s demands by providing flexibility and additional options for travelers who need to complete their Global Entry interview.”
Benefits of Global Entry
While Global Entry speeds up the immigration section of transiting through a US airport, it has another benefit. Passengers enrolled in the Global Entry program automatically receive TSA Pre✓®. TSA Pre✓® speeds up the process of clearing the security section of a US airport. With Global Entry, you should be able to breeze through Immigration and then use Pre✓® to breeze through security. TSA Pre✓® has significantly expanded in 2017 with the first round adding 11 new airlines to the program, and the second round of expansion adding a further 7 airlines. As of August 2018, the total stands at 54 airlines.
Cost for Global Entry
Applying for Global Entry incurs a fee of $100 that is not refundable; luckily, holders of various premium credit cards that can receive a statement credit to offset the Global Entry enrollment fee.
Our Take
This is a great move by CBP, and should ease the pressure on travelers wishing to enroll in the Global Entry Program, as they'll be able to integrate the enrollment process into a regularly scheduled trip with minimal disruption. Hopefully, the CBP will expand this program further to airport locations with congested enrollment centers.
Source: CBP
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Getting my card best move I ever made, easy to do and a real time saver. I would highly recommend it!
Global entry is worth the price, and now they have made it more convenient to get!
I like the interview upon arrival. I went through the old process and it took many months. Good for them for doing this.
Don’t give up if you are experiencing a delay in approval. My wife had to call after 4 weeks and it was approved within an hour.
So they have the same service at JFK & LGA? If so why not?
Michael, what is your question? I don’t understand what you’re asking.
Finally something that makes sense vs making an appointment 5 months out that you may not be able to keep. I’ve been waiting 7 months already and next trip back to US i can finally get this done.
I have been thinking about this but don’t travel enough to be able to really justify the cost right now. The app where you can enter in your info before for customs…what is that…hmm…oh! mobile passport, I’ve heard that can help speed up the process a little bit. I just discovered it after my last international trip, of course, so I haven’t tried it out yet. I cannot wait to try it out! But then one of my kids is still too short for the darn cameras. lol! I still have to pick up 60lbs just for the photo.
I wish they would do this with the Mexican version.
That would require a much better relationship between the Mexico and USA governments though:-(
I have yet to jump on the Global Entry bandwagon. But the free Mobil Passport app can speed things up with US Customs. No use of any kiosk. Just click on your phone and go straignt to the line for Mobil Passport, and they scan the screen on your phone app. The problem is you don’t have TSA Pre-check to get back into the terminal to get to your connecting flight after US entry. You wait in the regular security check line.
I’m definitely doing this – next available appts are like months away
This is good general news to see continued expansion. Last few trips I’ve passed through customs with GE so quickly. Got stuck in cabo with no GE and almost lost my mind waiting an hour to pass through.
Expansion as much as possible is a good thing.
This is a great option for those that are traveling soon. Hope it expands to more airports soon.