Global Entry is a program managed by U.S. Customs which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to get expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. When I entered I had to use automated kiosks located at John F. Kennedy International Airport, but also available at Washington-Dulles International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and Miami International Airport. I gave the kiosk my machine-readable U.S. passport, showed my fingerprints for biometric verification, and make a customs declaration at the kiosk’s touch-screen. The kiosk gave me a transaction receipt and sent me to baggage claim and the exit.

I had to be pre-approved before I could use Global Entry. It was a serious background check, that was more in depth than online criminal record background search. Also, I was interviewed by a CBP officer. Although pre-approved for the program are supposed to be low risk people, travelers can be examined at any time when entering the United States. The expedited entry only works if you have nothing to declare for customs.