German citizens are now eligible to apply for membership in the Global Entry trusted traveler program, 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. U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for membership in EasyPASS, Germany’s automated border control system.
Global Entry membership was previously open to a limited number of German citizens through a pilot program conducted in 2013.
The Global Entry Application Process
To apply for Global Entry membership, German citizens must preregister with the German Federal Police at an EasyPASS enrollment center. The German Federal Police will review the preregistration and notify CBP if the applicant is eligible to apply for Global Entry. Applicants 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 and an in-person interview, both conducted by CBP. Once the background check is complete, CPB will notify applicants regarding their acceptance into the program. After their second year of membership, German Global Entry members must reregister with the German Federal Police.
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.
Global Entry membership does not guarantee expedited screening. Any violation of the program could result in revocation of membership privileges.
Reciprocal Benefits for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens with electronic passports are now eligible to apply for membership in the German EasyPASS program for expedited entry at Frankfurt / Main, Munich, Dusseldorf and Hamburg Airports. U.S. applicants do not have to preregister. They can apply directly at an enrollment center in Germany.
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