Aug 26 2009

Global Entry Program Expands to 13 New Airports

In order to streamline international travelers’ process to enter the U.S. at a port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented a kiosk system, in which passengers can verify their identities without having to wait in long lines. The ‘Global Entry’ program uses kiosks that look like ATMS to let international travelers swipe their passports and scan their fingerprints. Such visitors can complete the required identity verification processes to re-enter the U.S. in a fraction of the time they have traditionally spent.

The Global Entry kiosks are being introduced this week in a total of 13 new airports across the U.S. and can be used only by U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents. The kiosk system has been tested for the past year in 7 airports and more than 15,000 travelers have signed up for the program, which costs $100 and involves a detailed background check. After rollout, a total of 20 airports will use the kiosk verification technology.

Learn more or register online at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/global_entry/.