While the goal of Global Entry is to expedite travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further screening upon entry into the United States.
Following the announcement by Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez that the Dominican Republic has become a partner in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry program, questions have arisen as to what this service is all about.
According to CBP, this program “allows expedited clearance for pre-approved low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States”, meaning that Dominicans who wish to go to the U.S. can expedite the travel process.
According to Alvarez, those who have a U.S. visa will be able to apply online for Global Entry, and once accepted, they can easily enter the United States using the control kiosks in the service areas of federal inspections at U.S. airports, without having to wait in line.
The institution’s website specifies that upon entering the United States through automated kiosks at selected airports, they must present their legible passport or U.S. permanent resident card through the reader, place their fingerprints on the scanner for verification, and submit a customs declaration.
After this process, the kiosk issues a transaction receipt for the traveler to claim baggage and check out.
Before traveling, to take advantage of the facilities presented by Global Entry, the person must receive pre-approval for the program, so they must enroll in it to undergo “a rigorous background check” and a personal interview.
“While the goal of Global Entry is to expedite travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further screening upon entry into the United States,” the agency explains.
The program costs US$100 per person for a five-year membership and application processing can take four to six months.
According to what the chancellor revealed, the country’s entry into this program makes the Dominican Republic the sixteenth partner in the world and the sixth in Latin America.
Source: Listindiario.com
