CBP: Global entry enrollment event a success

From Customs and Border Protection

GREAT FALLS - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations Area Port of Great Falls' first Global Entry enrollment event was a great success. During the June 22 special enrollment event held at the Sweetgrass, Montana, Port of Entry, 28 conditionally approved Global Entry applicants took advantage of this opportunity to be interviewed to gain Global Entry status.

"This Global Entry enrollment event helped facilitate the faster processing of conditionally approved applicants. Normally, conditionally approved Global Entry applicants must schedule their interviews on Tuesday or Thursday, and compete for interview time slots with applicants for other trusted traveler programs, such as NEXUS and FAST," said Sweetgrass Port Director Luca Furnare. "As a result of this event's success, we plan to offer additional Global Entry enrollment events throughout the summer."

The next Global Entry enrollment event will take place at the port of Sweetgrass Aug. 17 from noon to 6 p.m. During this enrollment event, CBP will conduct interviews for conditionally approved Global Entry applicants. The enrollment center at the port of Sweetgrass is located on the same level as the visitor parking, and is accessed via the skywalk following the signs to the FAST/NEXUS center. The port of Sweetgrass is located on Interstate 15, at the border with Canada.

Applicants who have received conditional approval will need to telephone the port of Sweetgrass at 406-335-9610, ext. 329, to schedule an appointment for the Aug. 17 Global Entry enrollment event.

To become a conditionally approved Global Entry applicant, individuals must apply online utilizing the Global Online Enrollment System at https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/main/goes. Applicants undergo a background investigation and complete an in-person interview with a CBP officer. If no disqualifying information is found, travelers receive the benefit of expedited processing. The $100 application fee allows for five years of membership and travelers can use the Global Entry kiosks located in 47 U.S. airports and 13 preclearance locations around the world.

Global Entry is a voluntary expedited clearance initiative for pre-vetted, low-risk international travelers, who are processed by biometric identification using a designated kiosk, rather than waiting in line for entry processing by a CBP officer when entering at participating airports. The kiosks facilitate entry by reducing wait and processing times.

Global Entry also provides access to TSA Pre ™ initiative which offers expedited screening through domestic airport security checkpoints. Benefits of TSA Pre ™ currently include being able to leave shoes, light outerwear and belts on, and not having to remove laptops from carrying cases.

More information on CBP's Global Entry Program can be found at Global Entry or visit https://www.cbp.gov.