The Ministry of Justice & Security has responded to AmCham's letter with regards to the Global Entry Program and the realization of a pre-clearance facility.
The Global Entry Program is developed for participants to get fast track access to the United States once arrived at U.S. airports instead of using the regular and, very often, time consuming immigration process. Participation in the Global Entry Program is only possible after a one time screening prior to participating. Unfortunately, the Global Entry Program is now just available for registrated participants, new applications and screening is currently on hold and therefore not accessible for the American-Dutch business community.
The Ministry explains that due to a transition in the IT systems new participants indeed can’t apply and says that the facility to proceed new applicants is expected to be ready by the end of this year. The Ministry also says it is working on the realization of a pre-clearance facility in alliance with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and mentions that after the official approval of the Dutch government the parliamentary process can commence. However, no information has been provided yet about the time line. AmCham strongly supports the realization of a pre-clearance facility as it will make Trans-Atlantic traveling more efficient which will benefit to the American-Dutch business community.
