After a 17-day suspension, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry program has reopened.
Global Entry, which allows preapproved travelers to expedite customs processing when entering the United States, has grown to nearly 13 million members, according to CBP.
The suspension came after the Department of Homeland Security announced on Feb. 22 that it was implementing emergency measures to preserve limited funds and personnel in order to mitigate national security and public safety risks, according to the agency’s official website.
During the shutdown, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees were required to report to work despite uncertainty over pay, while airport security wait times increased.
The travel industry quickly responded to the reopening, urging Congress to ensure compensation for essential TSA employees.
“Today’s step is an important one, but Congress must also act to support the Transportation Security Officers who keep our aviation system functioning,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association. “These essential employees continue to report to work without pay during the partial government shutdown, and they deserve to be compensated without delay.”
The disruption also caused confusion for clients of travel advisors. Heather Christopher, travel advisor and founder of HC Travel Firm, said that the suspension of Global Entry caused a lot of extra communication between advisors and clients.
Her agency directed clients to use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, which allows travelers to submit passport and customs information through their phone prior to arriving at the airport for faster processing.
“There is a lack of proper education on Global Entry,” Christopher said. “We’ve had to walk clients through using the MPC app, and many expressed frustration over the feeling of ‘I paid for it and can’t use it.’”
