Global Entry program offers pre-authorized entry to the United States.
The Global Entry program allows previously-selected travellers to have a pre-approved authorization when travelling out and into member countries, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
As member of the program, travellers are permitted to have an accelerated entry to the United States. When entering through a selected U.S. airport, member travelers can use an automated kiosk, which employs finger print technology to verify and confirm the person’s immigration status, according to the Global Entry program Web site.
Members are required to show their U.S. passport, or permanent resident card and make a customs declaration when returning to the United States. Members might also be questioned to ensure that they will and have maintained lawful activities when travelling.
In order to be a member of the program, applicants need to be U.S. Citizens, Lawful Permanent Resident, or citizens of certain countries. The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany and Canada are part of the confirmed group of countries that participate in the program, according to a Global Entry publication. The United Kingdom is expected to join the the list of countries, as reported by the Business Travel News magazine.
On July 22, 2010, United States Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that the program is seeking to include nonimmigrants aliens from countries that have a partnership between CBP and similar travellers programs abroad.
Prospective members can submit their application online –along with a non-refundable $100 fee–through the Global Enrollment System (GES) Web site. All applicants need to undergo a meticulous background check, in order to demonstrate that they have no criminal, immigration, or civil offense in their records.