The US Customs and Border Protection have introduced a new programme called ‘Global Entry.’ This facility allows pre-approved passengers to pass though border control more quickly at most US airports. The programme has recently been extended to UK citizens.
How much does it cost?
£42 - UK background check
$100 - Global Entry registration fee (valid for 5 years)
What you need to do.
Before starting the process, you’ll need:
-Passport (photo page must say ‘British citizen’)
-Debit or credit card to pay various fees
UK Background Check
Firstly, you’ll need to register online and complete a UK background check. You can do this on the UK Government website. The £42 fee is non-refundable, so you won’t get any money back if you fail the check. You’ll find out if you have passed within 10 working days.
If you pass, you’ll be directed to the Global Online Enrolment System (GOES) website.
Global Entry registration
If the UK background checks are successful, you’ll be supplied with a ‘UK Access Code’. You can then use this code to register for Global Entry online. You’ll need to pay a fee of $100 which is also non-refundable.
The US Customs and Border Protection Agency will inform you if you’ve been provisionally accepted for Global Entry within two weeks.
Face-to-face interview
Once accepted by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency the final stage is to attend a face-to-face interview. This is conducted at an ‘enrolment centre’. The interview must be scheduled within 30 days, although the actual interview can be for a later date.
You’ll be enrolled in Global Entry upon successful completion of the interview.
For detailed information on Global Entry, see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
