After Successful Event, Global Entry Returns To St. Thomas In December

ST. THOMAS — After what it described as a successful first enrollment event at the Cyril E. King Airport last month, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s Global Entry — a Trusted Traveler program that makes international travel easier for its low-risk, pre-approved members by allowing them to use kiosks for CBP processing instead of having to stand and wait in the regular lines —  will be returning to this island in December, according to a release CBP Puerto Rico issued on Thursday.

The enrollment event will take place on December 9 and 10, at CBP’s Cyril E. King Airport Security Office, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., according to the release.

USVI residents and visitors are invited to take advantage of opportunity to join Global Entry without having to travel for the enrollment interview. A Global Entry membership allows international travelers to get on their way quickly and easily by using automated kiosks when entering the United States instead of having to wait in line for a traditional inspection. Global Entry members also enjoy TSA Pre-Check benefits. This means they can also speed through TSA security on all participating airports, using a designated fast lane without having to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.

Application fee is $100. Once approved the membership lasts five years at which time participants must renew it. Applications should be submitted online at www.globalentry.gov

The vetting process takes 2-3 weeks so those who wish to participate on the special event in St. Thomas are encourage to apply online as soon as possible but no later than November 30, 2016.

Enrollment at the Cyril E. King Airport will be offered only to participants that have met the following requirements:

• Applied for Global Entry online and paid the application fee.
• Received a conditional approval prior to the start of the event.
• Have registered for the event by calling CBP at 787-457-5323/787-729-6982
  X-4268 and provided their name, date of birth, PASS ID and phone number.

Once registered, participants will be contacted by CBP to schedule the interview time at the mobile enrollment event, according to CBP.