The Itamaraty recently announced that the experimental phase for Brazilians to join the United States’ Global Entry program for “trusted travelers” will soon begin. This initiative will allow Brazilians to enter the country without facing the long lines at immigration control.
The CBP (Customs and Border Protection) of the U.S. offers the ‘Global Entry’ program to expedite the processing of pre-approved low-risk international travelers entering the United States.
Passengers enrolled in Global Entry can skip the normal passport control line and go directly to the Global Entry kiosk. At the kiosk, program participants can scan their passport, U.S. permanent resident card, or American visa, complete a fingerprint check, and then make a customs declaration. The kiosk issues a transaction receipt and directs the passenger to the baggage claim and exit.
Applications for the Global Entry program can be made on the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website.
The Global Entry application process consists of three steps:
• Candidates must complete and submit the online application through the TTP website and pay a fee of USD 100, which includes participation in the program for five years.
• The government will review the candidate’s information and conduct a thorough background check.
• Candidates will be interviewed by CBP officials at an enrollment center in the U.S. before final approval is granted. Candidates can also do the interview upon arrival at various U.S. airports with the “Enrollment on Arrival,” which eliminates the need to schedule an appointment.
Global Entry is available at several airports. For more details about the program, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website: www.cbp.gov/travel
It is worth noting that Global Entry does not eliminate the visa requirement but allows pre-registered travelers to have expedited entry at U.S. airports.