iIn a notice published today (February 16, 2016) in the Federal Register, with an effective date today, US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) announced that it is extending Global Entry eligibility to all citizens of Germany. Applications from German citizens for Global Entry will be accepted beginning today.
Background
In 2013, USCBP launched a pilot program for German citizens to enroll in Global Entry. Eligibility for Global Entry for German citizens was limited to certain citizens who participated in ABG Plus, Germany’s former trusted traveler program. Individuals who qualified and received Global Entry authorization under the pilot program will not have to reapply.
Application Process
In order to apply for Global Entry, newly eligible citizens of Germany will first need to visit an EasyPASS enrollment center in Germany and complete the risk assessment by the German Federal Police. Once approved, the German Federal Police will notify USCBP and the applicant will be able to apply for Global Entry via the GOES website.
Germany Registered Traveler Reciprocity
US Citizens 18 years of age or older may apply for Germany’s trusted traveler program EasyPASS at an EasyPASS enrollment center in Germany. There is currently no fee to apply for this program. Eligible US citizens do not need to be registered in Global Entry in order to qualify for EasyPASS. The limited number of US citizens who had previously enrolled in ABG Plus have been automatically enrolled in EasyPASS.
