Global Entry Opens to All Eligible Taiwan Passport Holders

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Executive Summary

• Qualifying Taiwan passport holders are now eligible to apply for Global Entry membership. Applicants who meet program requirements and pass a background check can benefit from expedited entry to the United States at designated airports.
• Qualified U.S. citizens enrolled in a CBP Trusted Traveler Program are now eligible to apply for membership in Taiwan’s e-Gate program.

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The situation

The Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program has been extended to qualifying Taiwan passport holders, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced. Successful applicants benefit from expedited immigration and customs clearance when they enter the United States through a participating airport.

Reciprocally, qualified U.S. citizens who are members of a CBP Trusted Traveler Program (Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI) are eligible to apply for membership in the e-Gate program, Taiwan’s expedited entry program for pre-approved travelers. 

How to apply for Global Entry membership

Taiwan passport holders interested in Global Entry membership must set up an account in the Trusted Traveler Programs website (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 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. 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 Taiwan passport holders to avoid long inspection lines and benefit from faster customs and immigration processing upon entry to the United States. They may also be eligible to be selected for expedited security screening at U.S. airports through the TSA Pre-Check program. Reciprocally, qualified U.S. citizens can benefit from expedited customs and immigration processing upon entry to Taiwan.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.