After a long wait, the United Statesʼ Global Entry programme is finally open again to travellers through the Trusted Traveller Programme (TTP). In this article, you will read what Global Entry entails and how it affects applying for an ESTA USA and travelling to the US.
Postponement
The RTP-NL was originally scheduled for launch in 2017 as a replacement for the FLUX programme that ceased on 1 January 2017. However, the launch was always delayed by a few months. This was initially due to large crowds at Schiphol Airport, but was further delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Travellers who still had Global Entry membership through the FLUX programme could not renew it in the meantime. As a result, they can no longer enjoy the benefits of Global Entry and have to reapply for it through the new system. Currently, the Global Entry programme is open to European travellers with citizenship of the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and The United Kingdom. It is possible that more European countries may be allowed to participate in Global Entry in the future.
Advantages
As of 27 June 2022, Global Entry is finally available again for British nationals travelling to the US, thanks to the long-awaited implementation of the RTP. At a cost of just $100 per 5 years, Global Entry comes with some nice advantages. Simply put, it is early border control by the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and the State Police, eliminating the need for travellers to queue at passport control, in other words, fast border passage. It is ideal for frequent travellers, but less frequent travellers can also use it if there is a need.
Apply for Global Entry
To use Global Entry, one must create a free account on CBPʼs website. On this website, you can choose between various Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP), including Global Entry. Global Entry is the most suitable TTP for British travellers. The application form asks for your personal details, your residence history and your employment history for the past 5 years. After completing this information, you must give permission to the State Police to initiate a background check. The CBP website clearly explains how this works. You must pay the registration fee of $100 after completing the questionnaire, regardless of whether you are approved or not.
In fact, after the background check by both CBP and the State Police, you will either get a confirmation of ‘conditional approvalʼ or that you are not eligible for Global Entry. If you receive this message, it probably means that something was found during the background check, however, this does not necessarily mean that you will not be allowed to enter the US. With a ‘conditional approvalʼ, you will need to have another interview with a US CBP agent before the application is finalised. Since British travellers cannot get an interview with a CBP agent in the US, as the website first makes it appear, British travellers will receive a second mail informing them that they are eligible for an interview upon entry to the US. This means that applicants can go through the final step of the application process at a pre-check facility, such as in Dublin, or at the US arrival airport at the time of entry into the US. The interview is then held with the CBP officer, who also conducts your passport and visa check. This means standing in line once more before joining the Global Entry programme.
Ensure your trip goes faster and smoother with Global Entry membership and an ESTA.
How it impacts the ESTA
Global Entry is thus part of the US TTP and facilitates travel to and from the US for travellers who do not pose a threat to US national security. The ESTA America is also a part of it, but these two programmes are not mutually exclusive and are separate in terms of validity. In fact, the ESTA is valid for 2 years and the Global Entry membership is valid for 5 years. Thus, Global Entry membership continues to be valid regardless of whether you have an ESTA and your ESTA will not expire once the 5 years of Global Entry membership are over.
As such, you do still need an ESTA to travel to the US. Global Entry is just an extension of the TTP and has more benefits, but is not required to travel to the US. Therefore, before your trip to the US, carefully read the ESTA USA requirements so that you are well-prepared to travel with a valid ESTA. And if you want your trip to be even smoother and more enjoyable, the Global Entry programme is an excellent option.
Please note: this news article about the ESTA for the USA is more than one year old. It might contain outdated information and advice, and no rights can therefore be derived from this article. Are you going on a trip soon and do you wish to do know what rules currently apply? Read all about the up-to-date information about the ESTA for the USA.