Global Entry Enrollment Centers to Open on July 6
Global Entry Enrollment Centers were shut down back in March as the coronavirus started to spread around the country. Enrollment on Arrival has remained operational and that program is the best option for conditionally approved Global Entry applicants to complete the enrollment process without pre-scheduling an interview.
Now the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced plans to start reopening Global Entry Enrollment Centers in early July. The reopening plans were developed in consultation with CBP health and safety experts to include measures that minimize the risk of exposing travelers and CBP personnel to the novel coronavirus.
Beginning July 6, conditionally approved Global Entry, SENTRI and U.S.-Mexico FAST applicants will be able to complete in-person interviews at most Trusted Traveler Programs enrollment centers in the United States. Applicants must schedule enrollment center interviews in advance by logging into their accounts on the Trusted Traveler Programs website. Interview availability will vary by location, but there’s an easy trick to schedule one quickly.
NEXUSÂ and U.S.-Canada FAST interviews at U.S. and Canadian enrollment centers will remain suspended until at least August 10.
New Safety Measures
CBP is introducing new measures to promote social distancing and protect the health and safety of travelers as enrollment centers reopen. CBP personnel at enrollment centers are now required to wear agency-approved masks when interacting with the public. All applicants and visitors at enrollment centers are required to wear face coverings consistent with CDC recommendations and state and local mandates.
In addition to the new face covering requirements, applicants and visitors at enrollment centers may observe:
- Staggered or reduced appointment availability;
- The elimination of sign-in sheets and certain other touch points;
- Reduced seating in waiting areas;
- Plexiglass barriers at service counters; and
- Other measures to promote social distancing.
New Yorkers Still Not Eligible
Residents of New York state still aren’t eligible to sign up for the program. The Department of Homeland Security announced in February that New Yorkers would be immediately barred from enrolling or re-enrolling in Trusted Traveler Programs, including Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST. Those who are already enrolled will be able to keep using the program’s benefits until it is time to renew.
