Immigration Corner| How British citizens can apply for Global Entry to the US

Dear Mr Bassie,

I understand that as a British citizen I might be able to access the USA more quickly if I am enrolled in Global Entry. Please advise if this is so. Any input would be appreciated.

R. R.

Dear R. R,

Persons can apply for Global Entry for faster entry to the United States of America (USA). Those who are enrolled and opt to use Global Entry are able to get through border control faster at some airports in the USA.

Please note that persons will need a United Kingdom (UK) background check to apply for or renew a Global Entry membership. Persons can only get a UK background check if they are British citizens. Those persons who have a Green Card should apply for Global Entry directly with the USA – they do not need a UK background check.

Once persons have got Global Entry membership, they will not need to queue to speak to a Customs and Border Protection Officer. They are able to use the Global Entry lane with electronic check-in. However, those persons will still need an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Applying for Global Entry

When applying for Global Entry, persons will need to make an application, and the cost for this is £42. Payment must be paid with a debit or credit card. They will also need their passport with ‘British citizen’ on the photo page, and the applicant will find out if they have passed in 10 working days.

Those persons who pass the UK background check will be provided with a UK access code. They will need this to complete a US Customs check. The US Customs check costs US$120, and they will find out if they have passed in two weeks.

If they pass the US Customs check, they will need to go to an interview within six months at an enrolment centre. They may be able to have their interview upon arrival in the USA instead, and this is known as ‘enrolment on arrival’.

Please be aware that Global Entry membership lasts for five years, and persons will not get a refund for any of the fees even if they fail the checks.

Just for completeness, please note that persons can register someone else if they have their permission. However, persons applying on behalf of individuals who are under 18 years old must have parental responsibility for them prior to making the application.

I hope this helps.

John S. Bassie

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-Law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court Appointed Mediator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a Chartered Arbitrator, The Past Global President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (U. K.). Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com