Enrollment System for Traveler Programs Upgraded

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced it has upgraded its Web-based scheduling tool for registered frequent travelers and has eliminated a previous backlog for membership into the programs. Turnaround time for new applicants using the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) is now less than six weeks, down from up to a year in some high volume locations before GOES was available, the border agency says.

The online application, launched in November 2006, enables a more efficient method of applying for or renewing membership into SENTRI, the southern border frequent traveler program. This tool also streamlines the application process allowing applicants to schedule their interview from their own online account, which will automatically alert users when they have been conditionally approved and prompt them to schedule a final appointment, CBP says.

"Technology is a critical tool to border management, and we will continue to leverage the right technologies to meet the myriad challenges inherent with our mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the country while facilitating legitimate trade and travel," says CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham.

The SENTRI program, or Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, first launched in Southern California in 1995 to provide approved participants expedited processing at certain high-volume crossings. Nationwide, there are more than 100,000 members, with an expected growth of more than 30,000 anticipated during 2007.

In the future, the Global Online Enrollment System will also beavailable to NEXUS and FAST members. Nexus is a joint frequent traveler program with Canada, and FAST, or Free and Secure Trade, is the trade equivalent, and is available on both the northern and southern borders at designated locations. It is anticipated that these programs also will fulfill the secure travel document requirements for land and sea travel under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

There are over 300,000 members in all three programs, according to CBP. For more information, please visit cbp.gov and click the "Travel" tab.

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