The U.S. and Republic of Korea entered a trusted traveler agreement for their Global Entry program and Smart Entry Service. The agreement was announced by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner David V. Aguilar and Republic of Korea Minister of Justice Jae-Jin Kwon at the Washington Dulles International Airport on June 12. 

Global Entry is available in 25 U.S. international airports and allows for expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Members in the program use the kiosks and e-gates to be processed in under five minutes.

The program is currently underway in Mexico, the Netherlands and Canada.

According to Napolitano, Global Entry and Korea’s Smart Entry Service is efficient for travelers and it helps U.S. Customs authorities to focus on travelers they know less about to identify potential threats more effectively.

“The trusted traveler program increases security and improves efficiency for travelers,” said President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association Roger Dow. “We applaud Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner David V. Aguilar for securing this agreement, and we look forward to additional countries being added to the program in the future.”