What do you think is the worst part of international travel? For me, it’s coming back home and going through US customs. Recently, I got approved by Global Entry, which allows expedited entry into the United States. I thought Global Entry was only for US citizens. But permanent residents are eligible, as are the citizens of Argentina, India, Colombia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and Mexican nationals.
Paris
The system is for “low-risk” travelers and any past or pending criminal charges or convictions may make you ineligible. The process is fairly simple. First, create a unique account in the Trusted Traveler Program site. Make sure you have your passport and drivers license (or other state issued ID) handy. There is a $100 non-refundable fee (payable every five years). You will be contacted to complete an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, where you will be fingerprinted and photographed. My Global Entry ID arrived in two weeks, but you don’t have to have it in order to use the system.
I used Global Entry for the first time two days ago, on my way back from Antigua (cue sad trombone). There was no paperwork, no long lines. I scanned my passport into the Global Entry kiosk, placed my hand on the fingerprint scanner, answered a few questions on the screen, handed my passport to the customs agent and exited stage left. It literally took me two minutes from start to finish.
I’m getting the whole family enrolled. That’s how much I love it. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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