Global Entry Program Temporarily Halted Amidst Government Shutdown
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has temporarily halted the Global Entry trusted traveler program nationwide due to a partial government shutdown. This has led to significant disruptions for international travelers. However, the initially planned suspension of TSA PreCheck was reversed on Sunday, keeping the service operational.
The Global Entry program, which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to use expedited kiosks when entering the United States from abroad, is currently unavailable at major airports. These include Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway, Boston Logan, and Austin-Bergstrom. According to travel industry experts, Global Entry typically reduces customs processing time from 30-90 minutes to a mere 5-10 minutes.
The suspension impacts over 13 million Global Entry members who have undergone rigorous background checks and interviews. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that TSA and CBP are “prioritizing the general traveling population” during the funding lapse. The U.S. Travel Association has urged the government to restore the service, highlighting that these programs are funded by user fees and contribute to strengthening aviation security.
Source: AP News