The U.S. Travel Association commended the implementation of a final rule to make the Global Entry Program permanent. A program within the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Global Entry allows for expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

"Expanding and making the Global Entry Program permanent is a huge victory for 1.3 million travelers who, thanks to the program, experience less hassle when traveling to the United States," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "We commend the Administration for this action, and we will work with CBP to urge more travelers to enroll in the program to enjoy its benefits."

Global Entry has been a priority for U.S. Travel since 2007, when it championed legislation that created the pilot program. Since then, U.S. Travel has advocated successfully for the program to be integrated with PreCheck, the Transportation Security Administration's trusted traveler program.

Today's final rule expands the program to airports in Minneapolis, Charlotte, Denver and Phoenix, making the Global Entry program permanent and expedited clearance available to 97 percent of international travelers to the U.S.

"The impact of a program like Global Entry on U.S. destinations, and particularly in the meetings industry, is significant," said Dow. "Those who regularly travel enjoy fewer burdens thanks to Global Entry, making it more likely they will attend meetings and conventions in the U.S. Adding to current program participants Canada, Mexico, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, U.S. Travel urges CBP to quickly expedite bilateral agreements with South Korea, Singapore and Germany."

Global Entry Program Facts:
- More than 327,000 members
- More than one million trusted travelers have Global Entry benefits
- 131 Global Entry kiosks at 20 airports
- Since the program's launch, members have used Global Entry kiosks more than 1.8 million times, saving CBP officers more than 36,450 inspection hours.