On November 26, 2024, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that Japan is now an official Global Entry partner country, marking a significant step in strengthening travel and security cooperation between the two nations.
Global Entry partnership allows pre-vetted, low-risk Japanese citizens to expedite customs and immigration processing upon arrival to the United States. Japanese Global Entry applicants will undergo the same rigorous and recurring background checks as US applicants, including an in-person interview before initial enrolment, and require vetting by Japanese authorities. To maintain low-risk traveller status, Global Entry members must not violate any of the program’s terms and conditions, doing so will result in appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveller’s membership privileges.
Background
Global Entry is part of CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs, with millions of travellers benefiting from its expedited entry services every year. The program also provides the benefit of access to TSA PreCheck® for eligible members, offering quicker security screening for domestic travellers at participating US airports.
Additional Global Entry partner countries include Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, the Dominican Republic, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Approved members have the option of using the Global Entry Mobile App to digitally confirm their eligibility and arrival to the US, further streamlining and expediting the entry process.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.