The U.S. Embassy addressed the steps and benefits of acquiring Global Entry, the program that allows expedited entry into the United States for those selected as trusted travelers and of which the DR became a partner last year.
In a video posted on social networks, the Customs and Border Protection attaché, Jonathan Mardo, indicated that the most important benefits of Global Entry for Dominicans are: reduced waiting time with self-service kiosks, not filling out any paperwork when entering U.S. territory, in addition to obtaining TSA PreCheck, an additional program that speeds up the inspection process.
He explained that, “with TSA PreCheck, travelers will not have to remove items such as shoes, jackets and belts, as well as remove electronic devices from their carry-on baggage, when passing through participating TSA checkpoints.”
Program members can use Global Entry customs kiosks at more than 75 airports when returning to the U.S. from a trip abroad, the Embassy reported on its website.
Mardo reiterated the U.S. Government’s congratulations to the DR for being part of the select group of countries with access to the Trusted Traveler Program “TTP-Global Entry.”
“Once again we congratulate the DR for this achievement, which brings us even closer together,” he said.
On August 14, the country became the 16th to be part of this U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program.
At the time, Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez attributed the entry to the work of the government in collaboration with public servants such as the director of Customs, who he said managed to integrate the State’s databases required to enter the program.
Applying for membership has a non-refundable cost of US$100 per application and, once approved, is valid for five years.
The approximate processing time for an application is 4 to 6 months.
Source: Arecoa.com
