Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the expansion of the Global Entry initiative — US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pilot program — that streamlines the screening process at airports for trusted travelers through biometric identification to 13 additional airports across the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the expansion of the Global Entry initiative — US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pilot program — that streamlines the screening process at airports for trusted travelers through biometric identification to 13 additional airports across the U.S.
"Global Entry expedites the customs and security process for trusted air travelers while helping the DHS ensure the safety of all airline passengers," said Napolitano. "Expanding this vital program allows us to improve customer service at airports and concentrate our resources on higher-risk travelers." Starting Aug. 24, new Global Entry enrollment centers and kiosks will open at 13 additional international airports in the U.S.
Global Entry allows preapproved members for an alternative to regular passport processing lines. At the kiosk, Global Entry members insert their passports or lawful permanent resident cards into a document reader, provide digital fingerprints for comparison with fingerprints on file, answer customs declaration questions on the kiosk's touchscreen, and then present a transaction receipt to CBP officers before leaving the inspection area. To date, approximately 16,000 members have enrolled in Global Entry, which began on June 6, 2008. Global Entry kiosks have been used more than 51,000 times.