Living abroad, frequently traveling from one place to another seems interesting and fun. However, the formalities and arrangements can take a lot of your time and efforts. To avoid such a situation people prefer Global Entry.
Once you get a Global Entry, the traveling plans are free from hassle and relatively painless. By investing into just an interview and some time you can get the Global Entry.
What is Global Entry?
The people who frequently travel overseas realize how hard it can be as an international traveler to get through various customs at the time of arrival. With the increasing number of severe risks and to avoid the pain while traveling, the U.S. government created a program called Global Entry. It gives clearance to low-risk travelers to enter the United States with a pre-approved documentation.
This program is designed for commercial trucking(FAST), and this is one of the five Trusted Traveler Programs (NEXUS, SENTRI, TSA PreCheck, FAST and Global Entry).
How Did It Come Into Action?
The program was first initiated in 1990’s. After the CBP merging with Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the current program was placed.
Initially, the program was just confined to JFK and Newark airports. But, now it has been expanded to more than 40 U.S. airports. More than 2 million people are a part of Global Entry Program and presently enrolled. Approximately 50,000 new entries are joining every month.
How To Apply?
For a Global Entry, all one needs to do is to fill an online form, submit a fee and take an interview! An online form just takes 15 to 20 minutes and then you need to wait for a 10 minutes interview with the Border Protection officer (CBP) and a U.S. Customs at your local airport.
#1. The Online Application Form
The application form is fairly simple. You will be asked to make a user ID and password in order to use the GOES system. You’ll be required to fill the following information:
• Name, contact digits, residential address and email address
• Names you’ve used in the past (married names or maiden)
• Weight, eye color, and Height
• Language preferences
• Place of birth and DOB
• Passport details
• Employement history
• List of countries you’ve visited
You won’t be considered eligible if you’ve record of any pending criminal charge or warrants.
#2. Fee of Application
After filling your application form, you will be asked to pay for the application. The fee is of $100 and this amount is non-refundable. The online authority accepts the payments from money orders, credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express) or cashier’s check. They don’t accept personal cheques and cash.
#3. Interview
The method of communication that GOES follows is the private message that is sent to your GOES account. Once you complete the payment formalities, you will get a confirmation email regarding the same. Further, you will be given a center for you Global Entry Enrollment. The interview will be approximately scheduled in a month or two.
(Image Courtesy: US Customs and Border Protection )
The confirmation letter of the application, valid passport and all the above-mentioned evidence will be taken at the interview center. The interview can take between 15 to 30 minutes. Once the interview is cleared, you’ll be good to fly.
The process of Global Entry is simpler than it seems and does not take too long. To get any of your queries answered, comment down below.
(Featured Image Courtesy: Travel)
