--- title: "Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program Hits Major Milestone" id: "20598" type: "post" slug: "global-entry-trusted-traveler-program-hits-major-milestone" published_at: "2013-11-20T21:07:21+00:00" modified_at: "2026-11-09T19:00:47+00:00" url: "https://associationsnow.com/2013/11/20/global-entry-trusted-traveler-program-hits-major-milestone/" markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2013/11/20/global-entry-trusted-traveler-program-hits-major-milestone.md" excerpt: "Months after U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced an expansion of the international “trusted traveler” program, its enrollment has reached 1 million. Travel groups say the program’s benefits—both economic and in convenience—are clear." taxonomy_category: - "Marketing / Communications" taxonomy_post_tag: - "AssociationsNow" - "Border Security" - "Global Entry" - "Meetings" - "travel fees" taxonomy_content_format: - "Article" taxonomy_role: - "Association CEO / Executive Director" - "Executive Team" taxonomy_persona: - "Industry Professionals" --- [Home](https://associationsnow.com/) » [Articles](https://associationsnow.com/format/article/) » Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program Hits Major Milestone If you’re using a kiosk upon re-entry into the U.S., you’re one in a million (literally). A program designed to pre-approve low-risk international passengers who travel heavily (think globe-hopping meetings pros) and want to save a few minutes getting through U.S. Customs just hit the 1 million traveler mark. More details below: **A growth milestone:** Last week, [U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced (opens in a new tab)](http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/national/11132013.xml) that the Global Entry program had signed up its 1 millionth “trusted traveler” since the program’s start in 2008. Participants pay a $100 application fee and go through an online survey, background check, and in-person interview in exchange for an easier customs process. Enrollment is valid for five years and automatically enters travelers into [the TSA Pre-Check program](http://associationsnow.com/2013/09/travel-groups-on-board-with-new-tsa-security-program/) . According to CBP Acting Commissioner Thomas S. Winkowski, the milestone reflects the program’s success: “Global Entry is a vital part of CBP’s efforts to maximize resources to facilitate the thousands of travelers that enter the country every day while enhancing border security at airports,” Winkowski said in a statement. **Travel groups excited:** Two leading travel associations were among the groups cheering Global Entry’s success. The Global Business Travel Association noted that the program is perfectly suited for its target audience. “Low-risk, high-frequency international business travelers are the perfect fit for quick, secure customs clearance on arrival at U.S. airports and at preclearance airports,” [GBTA Executive Director Michael W. McCormick said (opens in a new tab)](http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gbta-congratulates-global-entry-success-one-million-and-going-strong-231899811.html) . “That means one less travel hassle for these busy road warriors and one more win for the nation’s economy. Innovative trusted traveler programs like Global Entry that encourage, rather than discourage, business travel to the United States are essential to our ability to compete in the global marketplace.” The U.S. Travel Association (USTA), meanwhile, said the news suggests a long future for the program. “Global Entry works,” [said USTA President Roger Dow (opens in a new tab)](http://www.ustravel.org/news/press-releases/us-travel-welcomes-global-entry-milestone-1-million-trusted-travelers-and-growin) . “It simultaneously improves security and efficiency and should be expanded by making travelers from more countries eligible for enrollment.” CBP [expanded the Global Entry program](http://associationsnow.com/2013/08/one-less-headache-for-international-travelers/) three months ago to include additional countries, including the United Kingdom, Qatar, Germany, and South Korea. (photo via U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Facebook page) [Ernie Smith](https://associationsnow.com/author/ernie-smith/) Ernie Smith is a former senior editor for Associations Now. [More articles by this author](https://associationsnow.com/author/ernie-smith/) Tags: [#Border Security](https://associationsnow.com/tag/border-security/) [#Global Entry](https://associationsnow.com/tag/global-entry/) [#Meetings](https://associationsnow.com/tag/meetings/) [#travel fees](https://associationsnow.com/tag/travel-fees/) **Stay Informed** [Subscribe to our free newsletter](https://associationsnow.com/newsletter/) , *Associations Now Daily News*, to find out what’s happening in the association world every business day. ## You Might Like - [VideoUrban Land Institute- Project Recovery: Rebuilding Los Angeles After the January 2025 WildfiresSeptember 24, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/09/24/urban-land-institute-project-recovery-rebuilding-los-angeles-after-the-january-2025-wildfires/) - [PodcastAssociations NOW Presents: All for the Love of Chicago: Rethinking the Destination ExperienceSeptember 10, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/09/10/associations-now-presents-all-for-the-love-of-chicago-rethinking-the-destination-experience/) - [VideoExploring New Frontiers: Leadership, Resilience and the Future of SpaceflightAugust 27, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/08/27/exploring-new-frontiers-leadership-resilience-and-the-future-of-spaceflight/) - [VideoCharlene Lopez Shares Her Experience at the 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & ExpositionAugust 18, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/08/18/charlene-lopez-shares-her-experience-at-the-2026-asae-annual-meeting-exposition/) ## Comments **Comments are for ASAE members.** [Learn more about comments on this site.](https://associationsnow.com/comments/) [Log in](https://associationsnow.com/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fassociationsnow.com%2F2013%2F11%2F20%2Fglobal-entry-trusted-traveler-program-hits-major-milestone%2F%23comments) to your member account or [join ASAE](https://my.asaecenter.org/select-a-membership-type/) !