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Approved travelers can now resume using expedited customs processing at U.S. airports and ports of Entry.

The Department of Homeland Security announced today that the Global Entry program has resumed full operations at 5:00 a.m. ET.

The Trusted Traveler Initiative, which was temporarily suspended last month due to a partial government shutdown, is now back online following direct action by the Trump administration.

This restoration comes after weeks of advocacy from the travel industry, business groups, and frequent international flyers who depend on the program to avoid lengthy customs delays.

Understanding The Global Entry Program

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to use automated kiosks for faster customs and immigration processing when arriving in the United States.

Participants scan their passports, answer a few questions on a touchscreen, and proceed without waiting in standard lines.

The program automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits, providing expedited security screening for domestic flights as well.

Why The Program Was Paused And What Changed

During the funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security, officials temporarily halted new Global Entry applications and interviews to redirect resources.

While this affected thousands of pending members and created longer lines at major airports, the program itself remained self-funded through membership fees.

Travel experts emphasized that Global Entry actually strengthens border security by allowing officers to focus on higher-risk travelers.

The Trump administration’s decision to restore it quickly has been widely praised as a practical step to support efficient international travel.

Key Benefits At A Glance

For clear comparison, here is how Global Entry stacks up against standard entry procedures:

Feature	Global Entry Members	Standard Entry
Customs Processing	Automated kiosks	Manual officer review
Typical Wait Time	5–15 minutes	30–90+ minutes (peak periods)
TSA PreCheck Included	Yes	No
Membership Length	5 years	Not applicable
Locations	75+ U.S. airports & preclearance sites	All ports of entry

These benefits are especially valuable for business professionals, families with children, and anyone who travels abroad several times a year.

How To Apply Or Reactivate Membership

The process remains simple and accessible:

Create an account and submit the online application via the official Trusted Traveler Programs website.
Pay the one-time, non-refundable $120 fee.
Receive conditional approval and schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center.
Complete the interview and receive full membership.

Those with existing conditional approvals or recent applications can expect enrollment centers to resume scheduling promptly. Interviews are now available at airports and dedicated facilities nationwide.

Interesting Fact

Global Entry officially launched in 2008 with just a few pilot airports.

Today, it serves more than 12 million members worldwide and has become one of the most successful trusted traveler programs, proving that streamlined processing can coexist with robust security measures.

The restoration of Global Entry marks a positive development for international travelers as the busy spring season begins.

With faster, more efficient arrivals now available again, millions of approved members can once more enjoy smoother journeys into the United States.

For more updates on travel programs, border policies, and airport efficiency tips, explore our latest articles.