United States Customs and Border Protection reopened their Trusted Traveler Programs enrolment centers to the public on September 8. This means low risk travelers can once again register for status to bypass traditional CBP inspection lines and receive expedited processing when entering the United States. The reopening plans were developed in consultation with CBP health and safety experts and include measures to minimize the risk of exposing travelers and CBP personnel to COVID-19.
As of Tuesday, conditionally approved Global Entry applicants will be able to complete in-person interviews at most Trusted Traveler Programs enrolment centers in the United States. These applicants must schedule enrolment center interviews in advance by logging into their account on the Trusted Traveler Programs website. Interview availability will vary by location.
However due to the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel at U.S. land borders, NEXUS and U.S.-Canada FAST interviews at U.S. and Canadian enrolment centers will remain suspended until further notice. SENTRI and FAST-South enrolments on the southern border may also be limited. In another sign that the US is getting on withIn
CBP has introduced new measures at enrollment centers to promote social distancing and protect the health and safety of travelers. 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 masks consistent with CDC recommendations and state and local mandates.
In addition to the new face mask requirements, applicants who visit enrollment centers may observe:
- Staggered or reduced appointment availability;
- The elimination of sign-in sheets and certain other touch points;
- Limited seating in waiting areas;
- More frequent disinfection of the service counters;
- Plexiglass barriers and/or facial shields at service counters; and
- Other measures to promote social distancing.
Specific health and safety measures may vary among enrollment centers based upon the physical layout of the facility and other considerations. CBP will continue to require that all Trusted Traveler Programs applicants submit fingerprints during their interview to complete the enrollment process.
CBP temporarily suspended operations at Trusted Traveler Programs enrolment centers on March 19 to minimize the risk of exposing travelers and CBP personnel to the novel coronavirus. Enrolment on Arrival has remained operational and that program remains the best option for conditionally approved Global Entry applicants to complete the enrolment process without pre-scheduling an interview.
