U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced the opening of a Global Entry Enrollment Location at Pier 4 in the San Juan Seaport.
This marks a significant milestone as it is the first enrollment center of its kind in Puerto Rico to be situated at a cruise port, providing conditionally approved applicants with the opportunity to complete the interview portion of their Global Entry application.
Roberto Vaquero, Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, emphasized the importance of this development, highlighting that conditionally approved applicants can now walk in for their interview without the need for an appointment.
Border Protection Official (Credits: CNN)
The Global Entry Location at Pier 4 will operate during specific hours coinciding with the arrival of vessels, such as Mardi Grass and Nieuw Amsterdam, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Additionally, it will be open on March 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the cruise Valiant Lady is in port.
For applicants who miss this opportunity, CBP offers the Enrollment on Arrival interview process, allowing them to complete their interviews upon their return from international travel at participating airports.
Global Entry, a Trusted Traveler program under the Department of Homeland Security, streamlines screening for pre-approved members, enhancing security while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.
Global Entry Enrollment (Credits: Forbes)
With over 10 million members, Global Entry is utilized at various ports of entry into the United States, including land, air, and seaports, as well as Preclearance locations worldwide.
Successful Global Entry applicants also gain access to the TSA PreCheck® program. Applicants for Trusted Traveler programs must undergo rigorous background checks and an in-person interview before enrollment.
CBP’s border security mission at Ports of Entry is carried out by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations, ensuring the screening of international travelers and cargo to safeguard against various illicit activities that could threaten the safety and economic vitality of the United States.
