Pre-approved Global Entry applicants can now complete their enrollment interview upon entering the U.S. via the Cross Border Express from the Tijuana International Airport, officials said.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection program, known as Enrollment on Arrival, allows those who have applied online and received conditional approval to bypass the interview scheduling process at an enrollment center.
“It’s a great benefit,” said CBX CEO Jorge Goytortúa. “It opens up another option for people who can’t always find appointments, which sometimes take months. Now, when they travel in Mexico and return through CBX, they can complete the process.”
Global Entry is one of CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs. It allows enrolled members to expedite the entry process to the U.S. through airports and land borders. Registration costs $120 for five years and must be done online.
The Enrollment on Arrival process began at the CBX binational terminal this week. CBP San Diego Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki announced it on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting hosted by the nonprofit Smart Border Coalition.
Those interested may let the CBP officer know about their conditionally-approved status at the primary inspection booth. Once admitted, they will be directed to their Global Entry interview.
The documents required are a valid passport or passports, if traveling with more than one; proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, mortgage statement, rental payment stub or utility bill; or a permanent resident card, if applicable, according to the CBP website.
The San Diego International Airport is one of many airports in California and across the country that offer Enrollment on Arrival for travelers returning from international flights.
The CBX terminal opened 10 years ago, providing a pedestrian skybridge connection between the Tijuana International Airport and San Diego. Last year, the binational terminal processed about 4 million passengers.