Interior Alaska residents have easier access to a federal program that expedites international travel. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has opened a Global Entry Enrollment Office at Fairbanks International Airport. CBP Assistant area port director Jerry McGee said the program smooths and speeds entry into the US.
“We can drive across, you’ll have an expedited lane to utilize for enrollees,” McGee said. “If you travel internationally via airplane, you will have a specific kiosk for expedited processing as well, so this helps expedite legitimate trawlers to and from the United States.”
The new Fairbanks application office is the second in the state. Anchorage also has a Global Entry program facility. McGee said the office provides a place to interview and submit enrollment applications.
“It’s a process where they file some basic information,” McGee said. “They will set up an interview. They will go and meet with a Customs and Border Protection officer to finalize the enrollment and then they will be ultimately mailed a card that will fit in their wallets.”]
McGee said enrollment in the Global Entry program, which costs $100Â and lasts for 5 years, also includes TSA Precheck privileges for expedited movement through security at domestic airports.
Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.
