After weeks of criticism from airlines, lawmakers, and travel industry groups, the U.S. government has reinstated the Global Entry program. The move restores expedited screening for international travelers entering the United States.
The decision follows a temporary suspension that disrupted airport processing and led to longer wait times for arriving passengers.
Program Suspension and Impact on Travelers
The Global Entry program had been paused in late February by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Officials cited a partial government shutdown that forced the agency to redirect personnel and operational resources.
During the suspension, pre-approved travelers were unable to use automated kiosks at airports. Instead, they were required to join regular customs lines, which significantly slowed the arrival process.
The disruption contributed to longer wait times at several major U.S. airports. In some cases, international travelers reportedly waited more than three hours to complete customs and immigration inspection.
How the Global Entry System Works
Global Entry is a trusted traveler program designed to speed up the entry process for low-risk international passengers. Participants must complete an application, pass a background check, and attend an in-person interview before receiving approval.
Once enrolled, travelers can bypass traditional inspection lines and use automated kiosks at participating airports. The system allows eligible passengers to complete identity verification and customs declarations electronically, reducing congestion at border checkpoints.
The program has become widely used among frequent international travelers. Many airports rely on it to manage growing passenger volumes.
Industry Response and Pressure to Restore the Program
Airlines, travel associations, and several lawmakers criticized the suspension soon after it was announced. Industry groups argued that shutting down the program increased congestion inside arrival halls and created unnecessary delays for both travelers and border officers.
Travel sector organizations also noted that Global Entry is largely funded through membership fees paid by applicants. Because the program relies heavily on those fees, critics questioned why the system needed to be paused during the shutdown.
The pressure from the travel industry grew as airport delays continued. Several groups urged federal officials to restore the program quickly in order to reduce bottlenecks at major international gateways.
Program Resumes as Travel Demand Increases
In response to the mounting criticism, the administration reversed the suspension and resumed Global Entry operations. Officials say the program’s restart should help speed up airport processing and reduce long customs lines for arriving travelers.
The return of the system also comes at a time when international travel demand continues to recover and expand. Federal authorities say restoring automated screening options will help customs officers manage higher passenger volumes more efficiently.
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