Frankfurt Airport: Global Entry Access Explored

does frankfurt airport have global entry

Global Entry is a program by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that provides expedited US customs clearance to pre-approved travellers for a one-time fee. It is currently only available at US airports. German citizens must be cleared by both USCBP and the German Federal Police to receive Global Entry benefits. Frankfurt Airport has an automated border control system called EasyPASS, which is available to citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and several other countries that have signed agreements with Germany. This system allows travellers to clear border checks faster by scanning their e-passports or personal IDs.

Characteristics Values
Global Entry in Frankfurt Airport Not available
Global Entry Program Available for US citizens only
Global Entry Fee $100
EasyPASS in Frankfurt Airport Available

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Global Entry for German citizens

Global Entry is a program that allows pre-approved participants dedicated CBP processing into the United States using kiosks located at designated airports. German citizens can apply for Global Entry, but they must be cleared by both the USCBP and the German Federal Police to receive Global Entry benefits.

How to Apply for Global Entry as a German Citizen

Firstly, German citizens must initiate the Global Entry application process by submitting an online application through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. A $100 non-refundable application fee must also be paid. Once submitted, a membership ID/PASSID number will be generated for each GE account. Applicants are then required to provide the PASSID number to the German Federal Police as part of the mandatory background check.

Frankfurt Airport has EasyPASS locks in both terminals, which allow travellers to clear border checks faster. This is an automated system that uses a document scanner and facial recognition technology to compare the user's image with their biometric passport photograph. However, it is not clear whether Global Entry is available at Frankfurt Airport. One source states that Global Entry is "only good for entering the US".

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Global Entry pass for US citizens

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports.

Frankfurt Airport does have Global Entry processing. However, the Global Entry pass is only good for entering the US. So, while it may not help with transfer lines at Frankfurt Airport, it can expedite your entry when you arrive back in the US.

To be eligible for the Global Entry program, you must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States or be a citizen of one of the following countries: Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Singapore, or South Korea. Additionally, you must be 18 years of age or older (minors require a parent or legal guardian's consent).

If you meet the eligibility requirements, here is how you can apply for the Global Entry program:

  • Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account.
  • Log in to your TTP account and complete the application.
  • Pay a $120 non-refundable application fee.
  • Schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
  • Complete the application process by bringing your valid passport and one other form of identification to the interview.

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Passport checks at Frankfurt Airport

Whether or not you need to clear a passport check at Frankfurt Airport depends on where you have arrived from and where you are travelling to next.

If you are arriving from and heading to an airport within the Schengen Area, there is usually no ID check.

If you are arriving from a Schengen country and travelling to a non-Schengen country, you will probably need to clear a passport check. Depending on your nationality, you may require a transit visa. If in doubt, contact an embassy or consulate of your country.

If you are arriving from outside the Schengen Area and your destination is in a non-Schengen country, you usually don't need to go through a passport check, provided that you do not leave the transit zone. Depending on your nationality, you may require a transit visa. If in doubt, contact an embassy or consulate of your country.

If you are arriving from a non-Schengen country and travelling to a destination within the Schengen Area, you will probably need to clear a border check. Depending on your nationality, you may require a transit visa. If in doubt, contact an embassy or consulate of your country.

Frankfurt Airport has an automated border control system called EasyPASS/EasyPASS-RTP that allows travellers to pass through passport control within seconds. You place your e-passport or personal ID on the document scanner, which reads and authenticates the digital data stored on it. Then you step into the lock and look at the camera so that the system can compare the image with your biometric photograph on your travel document. If the data matches, the lock opens and you are permitted to proceed.

EasyPASS is available for holders of electronic passports (ePassports) from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, provided that you are at least 12 years old. There are EasyPASS locks in both terminals at Frankfurt Airport, right next to the conventional border checks.

EasyPASS-RTP is available for eligible citizens from Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA. This requires one-time registration at an enrolment centre of the Federal Police at the airport.

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EasyPASS at Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport has introduced the EasyPASS system to reduce passenger congestion. This semi-automatic border control system is available to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, all nationalities with a German residence permit, as well as US, Hong Kong, South Korean, and Taiwanese citizens who have preregistered for the system.

The EasyPASS system is available at both terminals at Frankfurt Airport, right next to the conventional border checks. The use of EasyPASS is free of charge and voluntary. It is available to holders of electronic passports (ePassports) from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, provided that they are at least 12 years old.

To use EasyPASS, travellers place their e-passport or personal ID on the document scanner, which reads and authenticates the digital data stored on it. They then step into the lock and look at the camera so that the system can compare the image with their biometric photograph on their travel document. If the data matches, the traveller has permission to proceed, and the lock opens. The same procedure is repeated when returning home after the trip.

The registration process for EasyPASS is straightforward and quick. At Frankfurt Airport, the registration centre is located in Terminal 1, near the Lufthansa First Class check-in area. The only requirement to register is to have a biometric passport and not have any security issues that prevent participation in the program. Enrollees must also be willing to have their personal data stored in the Federal Police database.

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Global Entry benefits

Global Entry is a membership program offered by the Department of Homeland Security. It includes TSA PreCheck benefits and is thus available at major U.S. airports. It is designed to minimize the time spent waiting in queues, which is a pretty nice travel perk. The program offers expedited entry, which means that members won't have to remove their belt or shoes and can keep their liquids and laptops in their bags.

Global Entry is more expensive than TSA PreCheck, but it is the better choice for international travellers. It includes expedited U.S. customs screening for international travellers arriving at U.S. airports. It also offers faster processing when crossing the Mexican and Canadian borders.

Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents. Additionally, membership is available for citizens of selected other countries: Netherlands citizens who are enrolled in FLUX, South Korea's Smart Entry Service members, and citizens of Argentina, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom may apply. Canada's NEXUS members may not apply but can use Global Entry benefits.

The Global Entry application fee is $120 for a five-year membership. Applicants under the age of 18 are free of charge when a parent or legal guardian is already a member, or concurrently applying, for NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry membership. Some travel credit cards and elite frequent flyer programs reimburse your Global Entry application fee.

Frequently asked questions

Frankfurt Airport does have Global Entry. German citizens can apply for Global Entry, but they must be cleared by both the USCBP and the German Federal Police.

Global Entry is a program created by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that provides expedited US customs and security clearance to pre-approved travelers for a one-time $100 fee.

After applying online and being approved, you will receive a physical card in the mail a few weeks later. However, the card is not needed when flying. Instead, you will need to make a note of your "Known Traveler" number and input it into any traveler profiles you have with airlines. Then, when you book a flight, the number will appear on your boarding pass, and you will be able to speed through the TSA Precheck or Global Entry lanes.

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