Global Entry Opens to Citizens of Panama
January 12, 2015
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Citizens of Panama are now eligible to apply for membership in the Global Entry trusted traveler program, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced. Successful applicants benefit from expedited immigration and customs clearance when entering the United States through a participating airport.
To apply for Global Entry membership, individuals must set up an account in GOES, CBP’s online application portal, complete an application and pay a $100 non-refundable fee. Applicants are subject to background checks by CBP and Panama’s Ministry of Public Security, as well as an in-person interview with CBP. Once background checks are completed, applicants are notified by CBP whether or not they have been accepted into the program.
On arrival in the United States, Global Entry members use automated airport kiosks to undergo customs and immigration inspection. Members scan their passports, are fingerprinted and photographed, and complete an onscreen customs declaration. If a traveler clears automated inspection, the kiosk issues a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim. Nonimmigrants receive an I-94 arrival record from the kiosk. Global Entry membership does not guarantee expedited screening and any violation of the program could result in revocation of membership privileges.
U.S. citizens who are members of Global Entry or the NEXUS or SENTRI trusted traveler programs now have the option to apply for membership in the Panama Global Pass program for expedited entry to Panama. Applications are made directly with the Government of Panama.
More U.S. Airports Join Global Entry
CBP is adding the following airports to the Global Entry program:
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (Anchorage, Alaska);
• Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago, Illinois);
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (Hebron, Kentucky);
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (Cleveland, Ohio);
• Pittsburg International Airport (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania);
• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (Austin, Texas); and
• General Mitchell International Airport (Milwaukee, Wisconsin).
The addition of these airports brings the number of Global Entry-designated airports to thirty-nine. Click here for a complete list of participating airports.
About the Global Entry Program
Global Entry allows pre-approved travelers to benefit from expedited entry into the United States using automated kiosks located at designated airports. Currently, eligibility for Global Entry is limited to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents; Mexican nationals; Dutch citizens who are members of Privium, the Netherlands’ trusted traveler program; and citizens of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) who are members of the Smart Entry System, Korea’s trusted traveler program. A 2013 pilot program opened Global Entry membership to a limited number of citizens of Germany, Qatar, and the United Kingdom by invitation. At the time the pilot was announced, CBP indicated that it planned to open Global Entry eligibility to all citizens of Germany, Qatar and the United Kingdom at a later date, but has not yet announced when that will occur.
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