WASHINGTON—The United States and Singapore announced the official launch of Global Entry eligibility to citizens of Singapore during an event held at Singapore’s Changi International Airport. Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Program, allows for expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Global Entry members use designated kiosks to complete their entry into the United States, reducing their wait and processing time.
“CBP is excited about the formal launch of Global Entry in Singapore,” said Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske. “We’re confident that together, CBP and Singapore can enhance security and facilitate travel between our two countries and together transform the international arrivals process to make it more secure, efficient, and welcoming.”
Attending and speaking at the launch was Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs Amrin Amin; Commissioner for Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority Clarence Yeo; U.S. Ambassador to Singapore Kirk Wagar; and CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske.
As part of a reciprocal program with Singapore, U.S. Citizens will be able to join Singapore’s trusted traveler program, the enhanced-Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS). Singapore becomes the second country in Asia and seventh country overall whose citizens will be eligible to enroll in Global Entry.
Currently available at 47 U.S. airports and 13 preclearance locations, Global Entry streamlines the screening process at airports for trusted travelers. More than 3 million members are enrolled in Global Entry and approximately 100,000 new applications for the program are filed monthly. As an added benefit, Global Entry members are also eligible to participate in the TSA Pre✓™ expedited screening program.
U.S. citizens, U.S nationals and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents may apply for Global Entry as well as citizens of certain countries with which CBP has trusted traveler arrangements, including Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Germany, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Canadian citizens and residents enrolled in NEXUS may also use the Global Entry kiosks.
The non-refundable application fee for a five-year Global Entry membership is $100 and applications must be made online. Once the application is approved, the applicant will schedule an interview with a CBP officer to determine the applicant’s eligibility.
While the goal of Global Entry is to speed travelers through the process, members may be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in appropriate enforcement action and revocation of the traveler’s membership privileges.
CBP continues to maximize resources to support a 16 percent growth in international air arrivals since 2009. CBP is working to bring advances in technology and automation, such as Automated Passport Control kiosks, the Mobile Passport Control app and the I-94 form automation, to the passenger processing environment while exploring public-private partnerships to help support current and future mission requirements.