DHS Announces Permanent Global Entry Program (Travel Agent Central)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the publication of a final rule that would establish Global Entry—a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) voluntary initiative, which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
DHS says the move will streamline the international arrivals and admission process at airports for trusted travelers through biometric identification—as a permanent program.
“Global Entry expedites the customs and security process for trusted air travelers through biometric verification, while helping DHS ensure the safety of all airline passengers,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Making Global Entry permanent will improve customer service at airports across the country and enable law enforcement to focus on higher-risk travelers.” [emph. mine]
This little bit also caught my eye:
The program is available to U.S. citizens and U.S lawful permanent residents, as well as Mexican nationals.
Citizens of the Netherlands may also apply under a special reciprocal arrangement that links Global Entry with the Dutch Privium program in Amsterdam. Canadian citizens and residents may participate in Global Entry through membership in the NEXUS program.
That covers NAFTA (Canada-US-Mexico). The Netherlands represents a toehold in the Euro area. Hopefully these few existing relationships combined with the stated commitment to automation and emerging eGate technology sets the stage for a revolution in the international travel bureaucracy.
