[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 155 (Monday, August 14, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37892-37893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-17077]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
[CBP Dec. No. 17-09]
Expansion of Global Entry Eligibility to Citizens of the Republic
of Colombia, Citizens of the Republic of Singapore, and Citizens of
Switzerland
AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Department of Homeland
Security.
ACTION: General notice.
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SUMMARY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operates the Global
Entry international trusted traveler program at most major U.S.
airports. Global Entry allows pre-approved participants dedicated CBP
processing into the United States using Global Entry kiosks located at
designated airports. This document announces that CBP is expanding
eligibility for Global Entry to include citizens of the Republic of
Colombia, citizens of the Republic of Singapore, and citizens of
Switzerland. All of these individuals also must satisfy the
requirements to participate in the Global Entry program. Additionally,
this document announces that U.S. citizens who participate in Global
Entry will have the option to apply for membership in Singapore's
enhanced-Immigration Automated Clearance System (e-IACS).
DATES: Applications will be accepted from qualified citizens of the
Republic of Colombia, qualified citizens of the Republic of Singapore,
and qualified citizens of Switzerland beginning on August 14, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Garret Conover, Office of Field
Operations, (202) 325-4062, [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Global Entry Program
Global Entry is a voluntary program that provides pre-approved
travelers arriving in the United States dedicated CBP processing at
Global Entry kiosks located at designated airports. In a final rule
published in the Federal Register (77 FR 5681) on February 6, 2012, CBP
promulgated the regulation (8 CFR 235.12) to establish Global Entry as
an ongoing voluntary regulatory program. Section 235.12 contains a
description of the program, the eligibility criteria, the application
and enrollment process, and the redress procedures. Travelers who wish
to participate in Global Entry must apply via the Global On-Line
Enrollment System (GOES) Web site, https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov, and
pay the applicable fee. Applications for Global Entry must be completed
and submitted electronically. The list of airports with Global Entry
kiosks is available at http://www.globalentry.gov.
Eligibility for participation in Global Entry is limited to U.S.
citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and certain
nonimmigrant aliens from countries that have entered into arrangements
with CBP regarding international trusted traveler programs.
Specifically, certain nonimmigrant aliens from countries that have
entered into arrangements with CBP concerning international trusted
traveler programs may be eligible to apply for participation in Global
Entry. CBP announces the arrangement by publication of a notice in the
Federal Register. The notice includes the country, the scope of
eligibility of nonimmigrant aliens from that country (e.g., whether
only citizens of the foreign country or citizens and noncitizens are
eligible) and other conditions that may apply based on the terms of the
arrangement. See 8 CFR 235.12(b)(1)(ii). Since establishing the Global
Entry program, CBP has announced several expansions of the program.\1\
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\1\ For further information see 75 FR 82202, December 29, 2010
(utilization of Global Entry kiosks by NEXUS and SENTRI
participants); 78 FR 48706, August 9, 2013 (expansion to certain
citizens of the Republic of Korea and expansion through limited
pilots to a number of citizens from the United Kingdom, the State of
Qatar and Germany); 80 FR 1509, January 12, 2015 (expansion to
certain citizens of Panama); 81 FR 7822, February 16, 2016
(expansion to all German citizens); and, 81 FR 45170, July 12, 2016
(expansion to all citizens of the United Kingdom).
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CBP may deny applicants enrollment in the Global Entry program for
various reasons. An individual who is inadmissible to the United States
under U.S. immigration law or has, at any time, been granted a waiver
of inadmissibility or parole is ineligible to participate in Global
Entry. CBP will automatically reject applications from such
individuals. CBP also may reject an application for Global Entry if an
applicant has ever been arrested for, or convicted of, a criminal
offense, or if the individual has ever been found in violation of
customs or immigration laws, or of any criminal law. Additionally, CBP
will not accept an applicant for participation in Global Entry if CBP
determines that the applicant presents a potential risk of terrorism,
or criminality (including smuggling), or if CBP cannot sufficiently
determine that the applicant meets all the program eligibility
criteria. The eligibility criteria are set forth in more detail in the
Global Entry final rule and 8 CFR 235.12. See also http://www.globalentry.gov.
The Republic of Colombia
On April 27, 2015, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CBP
and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia signed
a Joint Statement regarding the development of an initiative involving
their respective international trusted traveler programs. In the Joint
Statement, the parties agreed to cooperate in the expansion of Global
Entry to certain eligible citizens of Colombia and to mutually develop
procedures for the implementation and operation of the expansion. Based
on this Joint Statement, CBP is announcing that citizens of the
Republic of Colombia are eligible to apply for participation in Global
Entry.
In order to apply for Global Entry, citizens of the Republic of
Colombia must first complete the on-line application located on the
GOES Web site, pay the nonrefundable Global Entry fee, and satisfy all
the requirements of Global Entry. These applicants will then undergo a
thorough risk assessment by both CBP and the Republic of Colombia's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an interview with CBP. The vetting
criteria were mutually developed and
[[Page 37893]]
are consistent with each agency's applicable domestic laws and
policies.
Once the risk assessment has been completed, CBP will notify the
applicant of the results and next steps necessary to complete the
enrollment. More information on how to apply is available at
www.globalentry.gov.
U.S. Citizens' Participation in Colombia's Trusted Traveler Program
Consistent with the Joint Statement, U.S. citizens who participate
in Global Entry will have the option to apply for participation in
Colombia's trusted traveler program, once such program is established.
Once the program is established, CBP plans to announce it on CBP's Web
site at http://www.globalentry.gov.
The Republic of Singapore
On December 1, 2014, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CBP
and the Ministry of Home Affairs for the Republic of Singapore,
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority signed a Joint Statement regarding
the development of an initiative involving their respective
international trusted traveler programs. In the Joint Statement, the
parties agreed to cooperate in the expansion of their respective
trusted traveler programs to eligible citizens of Signapore and the
United States and to mutually develop procedures for the implementation
and operation of the expansions. Based on this Joint Statement, CBP is
announcing that citizens of the Republic of Singapore are eligible to
apply for participation in Global Entry.
In order to apply for Global Entry, citizens of the Republic of
Singapore must first complete the on-line application located on the
GOES Web site, pay the nonrefundable Global Entry fee, and satisfy all
the requirements of Global Entry. These applicants will then undergo a
thorough risk assessment by both CBP and the Republic of Singapore's
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority and an interview with CBP. The
vetting criteria were mutually developed and are consistent with each
agency's applicable domestic laws and policies.
Once the risk assessment has been completed, CBP will notify the
applicant of the results and next steps necessary to complete the
enrollment. More information on how to apply is available at
www.globalentry.gov.
U.S. Citizens' Participation in Singapore's Enhanced-Immigration
Automated Clearance System (e-IACS)
Pursuant to the Joint Statement, U.S. citizens who are Global Entry
participants will have the option to apply for Singapore's enhanced-
Immigration Automated Clearance System (e-IACS). e-IACS is a trusted
traveler program in Singapore that uses automated kiosks to offer
expedited processing for travelers through clearance formalities when
entering the Republic of Singapore. All U.S. applicants must apply for
e-IACS directly with the Government of Singapore, be thoroughly vetted
by the Republic of Singapore, meet specific passport and travel
qualifications, and appear in person at an e-IACS enrollment center to
complete the enrollment process. There is no fee for participation in
e-IACS. The Republic of Singapore will notify the U.S. applicant
directly about whether he or she was approved for e-IACS. More
information about how to apply for e-IACS is available at https://ltpass.ica.gov.sg/ttp/ ttp/.
Switzerland
On December 16, 2015, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CBP
and the Federal Department of Justice and Police of the Swiss
Confederation signed a Joint Statement regarding the development of an
initiative involving their respective international trusted traveler
programs. In the Joint Statement, the parties agreed to cooperate in
the expansion of Global Entry to certain eligible citizens of
Switzerland and to mutually develop procedures for the implementation
and operation of the expansion. Based on this Joint Statement, CBP is
announcing that citizens of Switzerland are eligible to apply for
participation in Global Entry.
In order to apply for Global Entry, citizens of Switzerland must
first obtain clearance from the Swiss Federal Office of Police. CBP
will not process applications from citizens of Switzerland unless such
clearance has been obtained. To apply for clearance, an applicant must
submit an application and pay a nonrefundable fee to the Swiss Federal
Office of Police. The Swiss Federal Office of Police will notify the
applicants whether clearance has been granted.
After the applicant has obtained the necessary clearance, the
applicant must complete the Global Entry on-line application located on
the GOES Web site, pay the nonrefundable Global Entry fee, and satisfy
all the requirements of Global Entry. These applicants will then
undergo a thorough risk assessment by both CBP and the Federal
Department of Justice and Police of the Swiss Confederation and an
interview with CBP. The vetting criteria were mutually developed and
are consistent with each agency's applicable domestic laws and
policies.
After the risk assessment has been completed, CBP will notify the
applicant of the results and next steps necessary to complete the
enrollment. More information on how to apply is available at
www.globalentry.gov.
U.S. Citizens' Participation in Switzerland's Trusted Traveler Program
Consistent with the Joint Statement, U.S. citizens who participate
in Global Entry will have the option to apply for participation in
Switzerland's trusted traveler program, once such program is
established. Once the program is established, CBP plans to announce it
on CBP's Web site at http://www.globalentry.gov.
Dated: August 8, 2017.
Todd C. Owen,
Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations.
[FR Doc. 2017-17077 Filed 8-11-17; 8:45 am]
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