Global Entry Opens to Citizens of the United Kingdom

United States

Beginning December 3, 2015, qualified United Kingdom citizens can apply for membership in the Global Entry trusted traveler program, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today. Successful applicants benefit from expedited immigration and customs clearance when they enter the United States through a participating airport. 

Global Entry membership was previously open to a limited number of U.K. citizens by invitation through a pilot program conducted in 2011.

Qualified U.S. citizens are now eligible to apply for membership in the Registered Traveller Service, the U.K.’s expedited entry program for prescreened travelers.

How to Apply for Global Entry Membership

U.K. citizens interested in Global Entry membership must apply through the U.K. Home Office and pay a £42 processing fee. The Home Office will vet each registrant and issue an access code, which will allow the individual to 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 conducted by CBP. 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 violation of program rules could result in revocation of membership privileges. 

Using Global Entry 

Upon arrival to 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. Those who do not clear automated inspection are referred to a CBP officer.

What This Means for Foreign Nationals

The long-awaited expansion of Global Entry will allow eligible U.K. 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 to be selected 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 do not hesitate to contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

 

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