Global Entry for India Moving Forward

According to reports in both the United States and Indian press, progress has been made toward including India in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry program. This program facilitates travel by individuals who have undergone additional security checks. Prescreened, low-risk travelers participating in the Global Entry program utilize fingerprint-scanning kiosks to avoid long airport security lines. It is worthwhile for frequent international eligible travelers to apply for this program, as it tends to make entry into the U.S. much simpler and faster.

Background

The possibility of adding India to the Global Entry program came to light in September 2013 following a meeting between President Obama and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. According to a number of media reports, progress has been made, and there is hope that the program will become available for a very small, select group of Indian nationals within the next year. The program then, potentially, could be expanded to allow more Indians to apply.

Self-Service Kiosk System

Global Entry allows preapproved travelers to move more quickly through the airport security screening process. Each applicant for the program must undergo a background check and a personal interview with a CBP officer.

Those who are approved can use self-service kiosks at designated U.S. airports, as well as at preclearance airports abroad, such as the one located in Abu Dhabi. At the kiosk, the Global Entry participant may present machine-readable travel documents, undergo fingerprint scans, and complete customs declarations. If everything is acceptable, the kiosk will issue a receipt for the individual to present to a CBP officer prior to boarding his/her flight.

Conclusion

Assuming this proposal is implemented, India would be only the eighth country that the United States has designated as part of the Global Entry program. Not only could this program help ease travel for Indian nationals entering the United States, it also could help further strengthen ties between the two nations. MurthyDotCom will provide updates as new information becomes available.

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