The Art of Expedited Entry at U.S. Customs
- Haeri Jung
- Feb 16, 2017
- 2 min read
Image from http://www.flysfo.com/mobilepassport
I hate waiting in line, and I am sure everyone else out there hate it too after a long international flight.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has created these kiosks to expedite the process. However, if you get a big X across your face, you have to wait in the long line again. Surprisingly, majority of the people I observed get an X across their face. I asked one of the officers, "Why do I get an X every time I use these kiosks? I've never committed a crime or done anything bad". She said it has to do with the spelling of the name and how we look. They are looking for criminals. She looks at my passport and says, "Yep. Jung is a common criminal last name". UGHHHHH.
Since then, I've done some research and here is the art of expedited entry at U.S. customs:
1. Mobile Passport (U.S. Citizens and Canadian visitors only)
The U.S. Customs is finally catching up. They created this app called Mobile Passport for people to breeze through. Best of all, it's FREE. It's available on iphone and android. Currently available in 20 airports. Setting up the account is easy. You just scan your passport and BOOM! All your information is entered in. How it works: once you land from your international flight, press new trip. Follow the prompt of entering in the airline, port of entry, and CBP inspection questions. After, it will give you a receipt. Stand at the mobile passport line, which has literally less than 10 people, and ta-da you are free to go after scanning your receipt with the officer.
Download it through playstore/appstore.
More information at
http://www.mobilepassport.us/
2. Global Entry (U.S. Citizens, permanent residents and other approved country residents)
Global Entry is $100. It's an investment, but it's worth it if you travel internationally frequently. A lot of flight attendants and pilots have global entry because the crew line can be long sometimes. Yes, we are that impatient. Global entry has a separate kiosk. You get a global entry card when approved. Simply walk up to the kiosk, get a receipt, show the officer the receipt, and off you go. However, to get global entry you have to enter in a lot of personal information. First, create a GOES user ID, enter all the information necessary, and interview in person.
More information on their website at
https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/goes/jsp/login.jsp;jsessionid=UVJJSQ0wR71MCO4asaMS2GezoClwJwn6w8ERR5af0Fo9F7qZFpoe!-1298971978
Now y'all can be reunited with your loved ones faster! You're welcome.
Comments