Frequent international travelers now have the option of bypassing customs and passport control lines at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, provided they pay $100 and pass a background check to join the federal government’s Global Entry program.
Charlotte is now among 24 airports across the country participating the program from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Two kiosks were recently installed in the airport that can be used by eligible international travelers making their final stop in Charlotte or, in my cases, connecting to another flight.
Some Charlotte travelers have already started using the kiosks this week, said Patricia Fitzpatrick Area Port Director for Charlotte Customs and Border Protection office
Here’s how it works: Travelers will pay a nonrefundable $100 application fee and apply online at http://www.globalentry.gov, submitting to a background check. Those who have never been convicted of a criminal offense in any country, haven’t violated customs, immigration or agricultural laws and aren’t the subject of any current investigations are eligible.
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