CBP Final Rule Makes Global Entry a Permanent Air Traveler Program
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a final rule, effective March 7, 2012, which adopts with some changes, its November 2009 proposed rule on the establishment of an international trusted air traveler program called Global Entry. According to a DHS press release, the final rule sets forth the regulations that replace the current Global Entry pilot with a permanent Global Entry program, provides CBP with the ability to more readily expand the program to additional U.S. international airports, and changes the age eligibility criteria to allow more families to participate in the program. Current participants in the Global Entry pilot will be automatically enrolled in the Global Entry program for five years from the date of their initial enrollment in the pilot.
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(The Global Entry program is a voluntary international trusted air traveler program consisting of an integrated passenger processing system that expedites the movement of low-risk air travelers into the U.S. by providing an alternate inspection process for preapproved, pre-screened travelers. In order to participate, a person must meet the eligibility requirements, apply in advance, undergo pre-screening by CBP, and be accepted into the program. The Global Entry program allows participants expedited entry into the U.S. at selected airports. Participants are processed through the use of CBP-approved technology that will include the use of biometrics to validate identity and to perform enforcement queries. CBP has been operating the Global Entry pilot since June 2008.)
Only Significant Change from Proposed Rule Allows Minors Under 14 to Apply
CBP notes that there were several minor changes made to the proposed rule. The only significant change is that minors under the age limit of 14 are now permitted to apply to the Global Entry program.
Pilot Participants Will Automatically be Enrolled in Global Entry Program
Current participants in the Global Entry pilot, including those citizens of the Netherlands and Mexican nationals who participate through joint arrangements with those countries, will be automatically enrolled in the Global Entry program for five years from the date of their initial enrollment in the pilot.
Participation in Global Entry will remain voluntary and subject to the enrollee continuing to satisfy the program’s entry requirements. The existing Global Entry pilot will continue to operate until March 7, 2012, the final rule’s effective date.
Currently 20 Airports Participating, Expansion to Most Int’l Airports Expected
CBP anticipates that the Global Entry program eventually will be expanded to operate at most major international airport locations within the U.S. The program, however, initially will be limited to the following twenty airports that have participated in the Global Entry pilot:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, New York (JFK);
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, Texas (IAH);
- Washington Dulles International Airport, Sterling, Virginia (IAD);
- Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California (LAX);
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia (ATL);
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois (ORD);
- Miami International Airport, Miami, Florida (MIA);
- Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey (EWR);
- San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, California (SFO);
- Orlando International Airport, Orlando, Florida (MCO);
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Romulus, Michigan (DTW);
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas, Texas (DFW);
- Honolulu International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii (HNL);
- Boston—Logan International Airport, Boston, Massachusetts (BOS);
- Las Vegas—McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS);
- Sanford—Orlando International Airport, Sanford, Florida (SFB);
- Seattle—Tacoma International Airport-SEATAC, Seattle, Washington (SEA);
- Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL);
- San Juan—Luis Munos Marin International Airport, San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU);
- Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL).
(A Global Entry kiosk is also available at the private aircraft terminal, General Aviation Facility (GAF), at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.)
CBP will announce expansions to new airports in a Federal Register notice and on the Web site www.globalentry.gov.
NEXUS and SENTRI Members Can Use Global Entry Kiosks
According to CBP, members in good standing of NEXUS and SENTRI are permitted to use Global Entry kiosks as part of their NEXUS or SENTRI membership.
(See ITT’s Online Archives 09112530 for summary of CBP’s proposed rule on Global Entry.
See ITT’s Online Archives 12012642 for summary announcing that OMB had approved CBP’s final rule on Global Entry.
See ITT’s Online Archives 11080823 for summary of CBP’s offer of WHTI-compliant “Global Entry” version of SENTRI cards.
See ITT’s Online Archives 11072709 for summary announcing the availability of Global Entry at two Canadian pre-clearance airports.)
DHS press release available here