U.S. Customs and Border Protection and German authorities have agreed to a reciprocal arrangement linking each country’s trusted traveler programs: the U.S. Global Entry program and Germany’s EasyPASS. Both programs provide expedited processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers, reducing wait times and simplifying cross-border travel.
CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske said the partnership strengthens cooperation between the two countries while enhancing efficiency and security at ports of entry. By directing expedited processing toward trusted travelers, officers can focus more attention on travelers who require additional screening, improving overall border management.
Global Entry is currently available at 42 U.S. airports and 12 international preclearance locations. The program simplifies arrival processing for enrolled travelers through automated kiosks and reduced inspection times. More than 1.8 million people are enrolled in Global Entry, and roughly 50,000 new applications are submitted each month. In addition, Global Entry members are generally eligible to use the TSA PreCheck program, which expedites security screening for domestic departures.
EasyPASS is an automated border control system used in Germany that enables registered third-country nationals to use eGates as an alternative to traditional passport control lanes. The system speeds up processing at border crossings and is designed for ease of use. EasyPASS complements manual border checks rather than replacing them, offering an additional, efficient option for eligible travelers.
U.S. citizens who wish to enroll in EasyPASS must register in person at an enrollment center operated by the German Federal Police in Germany. Enrollment locations include Terminal 1 at Frankfurt Airport and Terminal 2 at Munich Airport. To be eligible, applicants must hold an electronic passport and be at least 18 years old.
This reciprocal arrangement allows eligible travelers from both countries to enjoy streamlined arrival procedures and reinforces collaboration on trusted traveler initiatives. Travelers interested in either program should review enrollment requirements and application procedures for Global Entry and EasyPASS to confirm eligibility and prepare the necessary documents before travel.