Washington, DC: The U.S. Travel Association has welcomed the U.S. Customs and Border Protection announcement that its international registered traveler program, known as Global Entry, has been expanded from seven to twenty airports. U.S. Travel advocated for creation of the program and funding for its expansion to the top 20 U.S. airports for international arrivals.

«Today’s expansion of Global Entry will enhance our security and further streamline the entry system for frequent travelers to our country,» said Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel. «We encourage the U.S. government to enable more foreign countries to participate in this program.»

Global entry allows for the expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travelers into the United States, including returning U.S. citizens. The program uses fingerprint biometric technology to verify a registered member and confirm their status. Once admitted into the program, participants entering the United States use automated kiosks located in the CBP inspection area to move through the inspection process without undergoing a person-to-person CBP interview. The average time for Global Entry processing is 40 seconds.