Japan Joins Global Entry Program

Japan has joined the U.S. Global Entry program as a partner country, giving Japanese citizens access to expedited customs and immigration processing when arriving to the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced.

Japanese citizens wishing to join Global Entry will undergo the same requirements as U.S. participants, including recurring background checks and an in-person interview, along with vetting by Japanese authorities, according to CBP. They will receive access to the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program as well as Global Entry upon approval.

"Expedited and easy entry into the United States for Japanese visitors means improved travel experiences and better business for both our nations," Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, said in a statement. "Since Japan is our largest foreign direct investor, and Japanese companies employ nearly a million Americans, this agreement to establish Japan as our 18th Global Entry partner country makes good business sense and will enhance our ties and our economies even further."

Other countries participating in Global Entry include Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, the Dominican Republic, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.