New JWA kiosk to speed up customs process

Frequent international travelers coming through John Wayne Airport may be eligible to use a new Global Entry kiosk, which would speed them through the customs process, an airport news release said.

The airport will partner with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to implement the program for pre-approved travelers.

“We are very excited to offer Global Entry to low-risk international travelers arriving in Orange County,” Todd C. Owen, CBP director of field operations, said in a statement. “This valuable program expedites CBP processing, reduces wait times and benefits the traveling public and local business community.”

Global Entry, which is in use at 34 U.S. airports, was established as a pilot program in 2008 and became permanent in 2012.

At JWA, Global Entry members can also participate in a Travel Security Administration pre-screening program available in Terminal A.

U.S. citizens, nationals or lawful permanent residents can apply for the Global Entry program. Also eligible are citizens of Mexico, the Netherlands and Korea, among other countries with which CBP has reciprocal agreements.

According to the release, passengers enrolled in the program can still be searched, and their enrollment in the program is subject to revocation for any violation of its policies.

Travelers can apply online after paying a $100 application fee, which is good for five years. Those applicants will undergo a background check, and their applications will be reviewed by CBP.

For more information on the program, go to https://www.globalentry.gov.