Global Entry Center In Port Of Long Beach Reopens Following Expansion

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Global Entry Enrollment Center at the Port of Long Beach has reopened after an expansion of the facility, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Thursday.

The facility, which was the nation's first Global Entry center, was expanded due to the program's popularity and will now be able to conduct 200 appointments per day, an increase of up to 250 percent, CBP said.

"This expansion will significantly reduce appointment wait times for conditionally approved applicants in the Los Angeles area including the encompassing five counties of Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties," said Carlos C. Martel, CBP director of field operations in Los Angeles.

Global Entry allows for expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travelers who submit to an interview and background check. Since its opening in March 2014, the Long Beach Global Entry Enrollment Center has conducted nearly 44,600 appointments, CBP said.

"The new center reflects the LA/Long Beach Seaport commitment in improving the customer service experience as Global Entry continues to attract thousands of new applicants," said LaFonda Sutton Burke, CBP port director of the LA/Long Beach Seaport.

— City News Service, photo credit: Nick C Prior/Wiki Commons