CBP Shuts Down Trusted Traveler Enrollment Centers: Coronavirus

BALTIMORE, MD — As part of its effort to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will temporarily close its Trusted Traveler Program enrollment centers nationwide, including two airports in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., region. The shutdown started March 19 and will run at least through May 1, the agency said in a news release.

The program's closure includes Global Entry Enrollment Centers at Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore Washington International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport.

Global Entry allows expedited processing for international travelers who have been screened in part during in-person interviews. It costs $100 a year and is good for five years. NEXUS and SENTRI offer similar benefits for eligible travelers returning from Canada and Mexico, The Washington Post reports.

This suspension does not affect the Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival program, where passengers may still complete their enrollment process as they return on an international flight or at a customs pre-clearance location at any of the 60 airports in the program.

“We acknowledge this may cause a minor inconvenience to those waiting a while for an interview, but we hope the public understands that Customs and Border Protection’s highest priority is to ensure the health, safety and security of our workforce and of the American people,” said Anne Maricich, acting director of field operations, Baltimore field office, said in a news release. “CBP will continue to support the whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 outbreak, and resume Global Entry interviews as soon as we safely and responsibly can.”

The closure includes all public access Global Entry enrollment centers, NEXUS enrollment centers, SENTRI enrollment centers and FAST enrollment locations. Global Entry mobile enrollment events are also paused until further notice.

Conditionally-approved applicants who seek an enrollment center interview will need to reschedule after May 1. These applicants should monitor their e-mail and Trusted Traveler Program accounts for more information.

Applicants can also follow @DFOBaltimore and @CBPMidAtlantic on Twitter for the latest updates.