USTA Applauds Homeland Security Expanding Registered Traveler Program

'Global Entry' Enhances U.S. Security, Speeds Entry Process

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. November 24, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC, Hovember 21, 2009 - The U.S. Travel Association (USTA) today applauded the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for expanding and making permanent its Global Entry program. Global Entry is an international registered traveler program created to enhance security and expedite the entry process for Americans and foreign visitors. The U.S. Travel Association advocated for creation of the program and funding for its expansion to the top 20 U.S. airports for international arrivals.

"Global Entry is exactly the type of smart security program that America needs," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "A continued commitment to implementing world-class travel technology, efficiency and customer service will help the United States to attract millions of new visitors."

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), entry wait times are reduced by up to 70 percent for Global Entry participants. CBP reports that approximately 26,000 members are enrolled and the system has been used more than 91,000 times.

According to DHS's announcement, CBP will increase enrollment in Global Entry through enhanced public relations and cooperative partnerships with private industry. CBP aims to enroll 50,000 additional participants in 2010. The U.S. Travel Association has encouraged DHS to continue to work with nations such as the United Kingdom, Germany and Mexico to establish bilateral registered traveler program agreements that will allow secure foreign travelers to use Global Entry.

Global Entry allows for the expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travelers into the United States and is currently open to citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States. Citizens of the Netherlands may also apply under a special reciprocal arrangement that links Global Entry with a similar program in Amsterdam. Participation in the Global Entry program is voluntary and requires a $100 application fee which is valid for up to five years. It uses fingerprint biometric technology to verify a registered member and confirm their status. Once admitted into the program, participants entering the United States use automated kiosks located in the CBP inspection area to move through the inspection process without undergoing a person-to-person CBP interview.

Global Entry participating airports in the United States include:
- Boston-Logan International Airport
- Chicago O'Hare Airport
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
- Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport
- Honolulu International Airport
- Houston-George Bush Intercontinental Airport
- JFK International Airport
- Las Vegas-McCarran International Airport
- Los Angeles Airport
- Miami Airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport
- Orlando International Airport
- Philadelphia International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- San Juan-Luis Munos Marin International Airport
- Sanford-Orlando International Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- Washington Dulles International Airport

For more information on, or to apply to, the Global Entry program, visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/global_entry.