Global Entry Program: Program Expansion

Mexican nationals now eligible for U.S. Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network

Effective December 29, 2010, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network began accepting applications from Mexican nationals. As a result of a new United States-Mexico bilateral agreement, Mexican nationals are now eligible to apply for Trusted Traveler of North America biometric border pass cards for rapid entry into the United States through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network. at 20 participating airports, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

This expansion comes after Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Mexican Ministry of the Interior Secretary Jose Francisco Blake Mora signed an agreement expressing their intent to develop a Global Entry International Trusted Traveler pilot program between the United States and Mexico.

Global Entry allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Though intended for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program. Participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks.

Individuals who have been charged of a criminal offense, charged with a customs or immigration offense, declared inadmissible to the United States under immigration legislation, provided false or incomplete information on their application, or who are subject to National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) requirements, among other factors, are not eligible to participate.

Previously, eligibility for Global Entry was limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of the Netherlands via an agreement known as the Fast Low-risk Universal Crossing (FLUX) program that was announced in April 2010.