US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske announced an expansion of the Global Entry program to include UK citizens at the World Travel Market in London.  UK citizens can register beginning December 3.

The opening of Global Entry to all qualified UK citizens follows a pilot program from May 2011 that saw over 1,400 UK citizens enrolled. According to the CBP, almost five million UK citizens visit the US each year and more than 125,000 of these traveled to the US four or more times per year.

Application Process

UK Citizens will first apply through the UK Home Office and pay a £42 processing fee. Once through the UK vetting process, the applicant will receive a special “UK Access Code” to enter when applying for Global Entry through the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) and pay the $100 non-refundable application fee.

UK Registered Traveller Reciprocity

The UK has a similar program for which Americans are eligible, called the Registered Traveller service. To be eligible for expedited entry US citizens must have a UK visa and have visited the UK four or more times in the previous year. The application fee is £70 and if approved is valid for 1 year. Additional years cost £50.

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