(Newswire.net — April 4, 2017) — There are plenty of guidelines you must follow in order to be approved for the U.S. Global Entry Fast Pass, but once you are, you can move through airports in the U.S. faster without delay.
The program is one of five such programs that have been implemented around the world so frequent travelers can get in and out of airports in less time. Here’s a quick guide to the Global Entry Program and how you may be able to be a part of it so your travels are a little easier.
What is the Global Entry Program?
The program was established in the mid-2000’s after previous programs that were run by the Immigration and Naturalization Services since the early 1990s were discontinued in 2002.
The program is simple: once you pass a series of background checks and pay a non-refundable fee, you can pass almost unhindered through many airports in the United States. There are over 50 airports from around the world that you can travel from and be cleared under the Global Entry Program. Your information is stored in a database that checks your passport as you enter the United States, granting you expedited services.
The Global Entry Program has become very popular with people who travel around the world. It now has over two million participants and receives nearly 50,000 applications each month. It’s a great way to save time and make your travels a little easier. For more information, you can visit upgradedpoints.com to learn more.
Who Is Eligible?
While anyone can try to get approved for the Global Entry Program, there are some things that will keep you off of the list, so it’s best to know what they are before you waste your time trying to get approved.
First, you must never have been convicted of a criminal offense or have criminal charges pending. Warrants are also grounds for automatic disqualification as well as DUI charges. This is because the Global Entry Program is based on trustworthy individuals, and if you’ve been convicted or are have pending charges, the government will not deem you trustworthy enough to pass through airports without added checks.
You must also have never been violated any agricultural or immigration laws. This is to prevent smuggling.
If you are the subject of an ongoing investigation, you will be disqualified as well.
Finally, Never, ever lie on any application, especially one for the federal government, This will automatically disqualify you for approval and may result in criminal charges.
You will be asked a lot of questions, both on the application and in person, so make sure you can answer them accurately before submitting your application.
How Does it Work?
Once you are approved to be part of the Global Entry Program, you will need to renew your passport so that it has embedded technology. This will allow your information to be retrieved quickly upon entering the United States. Just swipe your passport and await further instructions.
Once the kiosk has retrieved your personal information, you will need to fill out an electronic declaration card (yes, all of the laws still apply!) and then you will be directed to move along to the baggage area or to await a customs agent, depending on what you are claiming upon your return. While the program will help you move through the airport faster, you may still be subject to searches by customs agents if they feel that you are hiding something.
What are the Benefits?
There are many benefits to joining the Global Entry Program, but the main thing is that you will save time.
You won’t have to fill out any paperwork once you arrive in customs: everything is electronic and quickly read. You will also be able approved for TSA Precheck, which means that you can skip regular security lines and get into your boarding area faster. Also, having the ability to re-enter the United States from many different airports allow you the flexibility to choose your flights accordingly, saving you even more time.
One of the best benefits is that you are also enrolled in many other countries’ programs as well, so if you frequently travel to a country that participates in such a program can save you time on both ends of your trip.
Samuel Lewis writes about travel, but you’ll rarely find him offering up destination guides, he gets down to the details that travelers need to know to make life easier.