Global Entry and More!
Returning from an overseas trip can be quite an ordeal, and cruising is no exception. For most cruises you will have to go through customs and immigration as you leave the ship before heading off for home. In the past, this meant long lines with thousands of passengers waiting to see an agent who would check your passport and your customs form. To make this process faster, many ports now participate in special programs to make this process easier. So, what are these programs, which are most useful for cruisers and how can you participate in them?
Trusted Traveler Programs
Trusted Traveler Programs is the name given to programs where you allow some type of background check to be performed so you are considered a known or trusted traveler. These programs include TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. TSA PreCheck® is only for departure by air, however this can be a big timesaver for your pre-cruise flight and is included with Global Entry. NEXUS is a special program for Canadian border crossings and SENTRI is for land crossings along the U.S. southern border.
Global Entry
Global Entry is sort of the top tier of the Trusted Traveler Programs and the eligibility requirements are not limited to U.S. citizens. With Global Entry, you are also automatically enrolled in TSA PreCheck®.The process to apply for Global Entry involves paying a fee, filling out an application and participating in a live interview with an agent. The interview is in person and most major airports in the U.S. have an Enrolment Center where you can schedule a time for your interview. There are even some outside the U.S. including Canada. Getting an appointment for an interview can be a challenge so plan in advance. Check with your credit card company as many will reimburse you for Global entry or TSA PreCheck®.Global Entry also gives you the option to include NEXUS and SENTRI. In addition, partner programs are available from several countries. For instance, Germany will allow you to apply for their EasyPASS program. A full list is found at International Arrangements | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov).If you are also applying for NEXUS, the interview will need to be at an approved NEXUS location. There are very few of these so look at the options available for NEXUS. More information on Global Entry:
NEXUS
The NEXUS program helps speed the border crossings between the U.S. and Canada. You can use your NEXUS card when entering the United States and Canada at certain air, land and marine ports of entry. It is not clear if any cruise ports are using this system at this time. However, you should be able to use the card at any Global Entry kiosk. Eligibility includes U.S. citizens and Canadian citizens among others. NEXUS members can also participate in TSA PreCheck®.For more information on NEXUS:NEXUS | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)
Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI)
SENTRI is a U.S. program that speeds up entry into the United States. However, it is only available at land border crossing. There are no citizenship or age requirements for adults. Minors must have permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
A program that is now offered at many ports is Mobile Passport Control (MPC). Unlike the Trusted Traveler Program, Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is free. Eligibility includes U.S. citizens and Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors. As of this writing, four ports are participating in this program. In fact, Port Everglades was the first U.S. port to use Mobile Passport. MPC works through a smartphone app and is available for both Apple and Android. You create a profile on the app which includes your passport information. On the day you arrive you will open the app and select your arrival airport or port, take a selfie and answer some CBP questions. To enter this information, you will need to have data connectivity for your phone or smart device. You will then get an electronic receipt with a QR code. Once you get in the port terminal, show your passport and the QR code to a CBP officer to complete your arrival inspection. Data connectivity is not needed during the inspection process. The advantage of this program, besides being free, is that there are dedicated lines for MPC. In fact, in some cases, the line for MPC will be shorter than for Global Entry. Since MPC is free, I have both ready and then take the shorter line once I arrive. For more information on MPC:
Facial Recognition
One thing you may find at the port is Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) or Facial Comparison Technology (FCT) being used. On my last two cruises, coming back to Port Everglades, this program was in effect. It is a free program and can significantly speed up the overall process. With FRT/FCT, an agent is equipped with a camera on a stand. As you approach the agent you are instructed to look into the camera. The system will then make a decision to clear you and you are on your way or asked to see an agent for additional screening. This is a big timesaver overall, however, they have everyone go through the same Facial Recognition lines so, if you have Global Entry or MPC, it makes no difference. But you do not know in advance if they will be using Facial Recognition, so be prepared. CBP reports that as of August 2021, FRT is available at twelve U.S. seaports. You can read the full story here: CBP, cruise lines partner to modernize entry process with facial biometrics | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
You're Clear!
The last day of a cruise is not always fun, but by knowing about these programs and being prepared, you can make your last day a little easier. It should be noted that these programs do not allow "guests" meaning everyone must be a member of the program to use it. That's at least one advantage of cruising solo! To read more about these programs, here are some additional links.