U.S. CBP Announces Expansion of Global Entry Program to Indian Citizens
July 2017
Crossing the U.S. border often is a time-consuming and sometimes even an unpleasant experience. Sixteen years after September 11, 2001, which marked the beginning of much-heightened security at U.S. border crossings, the government presses ahead with accelerated entry procedures for nationals of certain countries meeting certain requirements.
It does so through at least five programs: Global Entry; NEXUS (U.S., Canadian, and Mexican nationals); SENTRI (all countries); the Visa Waiver Program (38 countries; short-term stays only), also known as ESTA; and FAST (for truck drivers from Canada and Mexico).
In this context, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in July 2017 announced the expansion of Global Entry eligibility to citizens of India.
The Global Entry program allows for expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
It is currently available at 53 U.S. airports and 15 Preclearance locations; it has more than 4 million members who can bypass traditional CBP inspection lines and use an automated kiosk to complete their admission to the United States. As an added benefit, Global Entry members are eligible to participate in the TSA Pre✓ (TSA Precheck) expedited screening program.
U.S. citizens, U.S nationals and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents may apply for Global Entry as well as citizens of the following countries:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Canada
- Colombia
- Germany
- India
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Panama
- Republic of Korea
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Application for Global Entry is through the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) website. The online application fee for a five-year Global Entry membership is $100.
Website: Global Entry.