PortMiami has made history by becoming the first seaport to host a Global Entry Enrollment Center, providing a convenient way for travelers to complete their Trusted Traveler program applications while embarking on cruises. The recently opened PortMiami Global Entry Enrollment Center, situated in Cruise Terminal D, allows conditionally approved cruisers to finalize the interview segment of their application process. This proactive initiative aims to streamline the Global Entry application process for international cruise travelers departing from Miami.
Carlos Martel, the Director of Field Operations at the Miami-Tampa Field Office for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), highlighted the significance of this endeavor. He noted that the Miami Seaport is offering this benefit to expedite Global Entry applications, showcasing the commitment to enhancing the travel experience for international cruise passengers.
Global Entry, a trusted traveler program, enables faster customs clearance for travelers returning from international trips. Utilizing automated kiosks, approved Global Entry members can expedite the customs process. Additionally, participants in the program gain access to TSA PreCheck benefits, facilitating quicker security screening. The application fee for Global Entry is $100, valid for five years, and offers a nonrefundable subscription. Some credit cards provide reimbursement for the application fee.
To apply for Global Entry, travelers begin the process online and subsequently schedule an in-person interview. In select locations, CBP provides an enrollment on arrival option, allowing applicants to conduct their interviews upon landing in an international terminal without requiring an appointment.
The opening of the PortMiami Global Entry Enrollment Center aligns with the port’s record-breaking year, welcoming 7.299 million passengers. The cruise terminal caters to several renowned cruise lines, including Oceania Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Notably, next year, PortMiami will host the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
In addition to this milestone, CBP introduced a mobile app earlier this year, allowing Global Entry members to verify their identity via a smartphone selfie while in the security line. This innovative service, available at select airports nationwide, streamlines the verification process for travelers, enhancing the overall efficiency of the Global Entry program.
The PortMiami Global Entry Enrollment Center’s strategic location within a cruise terminal marks a noteworthy advancement in facilitating hassle-free travel for cruise passengers. As the travel industry continues to evolve, such initiatives contribute to creating seamless and convenient experiences for international travelers.