News

South Korea to participate in Global Entry Program

April 20, 2011

The Global Entry Program, or GEP, a kiosk system used by the United States that reduces passport screening time for travelers wishing to enter the country, will soon be open to South Korean citizens, according to the Arirang News.

Until now, no Asian countries have participated in the program, but the South Korean Ministry of Justice said today that it has agreed to work on a joint arrangement with the United States to eventually allow travelers from both nations to swiftly enter each others' countries based on trusted membership information. Once enrolled in the program, travelers can simply punch in their information at the automated kiosks, designated at around 20 U.S. airports, and quickly pass through immigration instead of waiting in long lines.

Apart from U.S. citizens, only Dutch and German passengers can currently use the GEP, but South Koreans should have access some time this year. Once the system comes into effect, those wishing to enroll in the automated program can apply for security interviews, where officials will collect their biographic information, including fingerprints, for database checks.