Global Entry Opens to All Eligible Citizens of Switzerland
February 2, 2017
Country / Territory
Effective February 1, 2017, the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program has been extended to qualifying citizens of Switzerland, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced. Switzerland becomes the ninth country overall whose citizens are eligible to enroll in Global Entry.
Successful applicants will benefit from expedited immigration and customs clearance when they enter the United States through a participating airport.
How to Apply for Global Entry Membership
Swiss citizens interested in Global Entry membership must first submit a clearance application to the Swiss Federal Police. Following approval, Swiss citizens can 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 and an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Once the background check is complete, CBP will notify applicants whether or not they have been accepted into the program.
Global Entry membership is valid for five years, though a violation of program rules could result in revocation of membership privileges.
Using Global Entry
Upon arrival to the United States, Global Entry members use an automated airport kiosk 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. Those who do not clear automated inspection are referred to a CBP officer.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
The expansion of Global Entry will allow eligible Swiss citizens to avoid long inspection lines and benefit from faster customs and immigration processing upon entry to the United States. They may also be eligible for expedited security screening at U.S. airports through the TSA Pre-Check program.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
