Clinton National Airport in Little Rock is stepping up to make international travel easier for Arkansans. For a limited time, the airport will host a special Global Entry Enrollment event, giving travelers a chance to fast-track their travel pre-approval without needing to visit a permanent enrollment center.
The event is scheduled to take place from June 10 to June 14, 2024, and it’s a collaboration between Clinton National Airport and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Global Entry is a trusted traveler program run by CBP that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to enjoy quicker clearance when entering the United States. With Global Entry, passengers returning from abroad can skip the long customs lines and instead use automated kiosks at select airports.
This enrollment event is a rare opportunity for Arkansas residents and nearby travelers who often find it difficult to access a Global Entry interview site. Typically, applicants have to travel to major cities like Dallas, Memphis, or Houston for the in-person interview. Now, with this temporary setup in Little Rock, applicants can save time and effort.
Here’s how the process works. Travelers interested in enrolling must first fill out an online application through the Trusted Traveler Programs website, managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. After submitting the application and paying the $100 fee, applicants will receive a conditional approval if they meet the basic eligibility requirements. Once conditionally approved, they can schedule an in-person interview at Clinton National Airport for any date during the June 10–14 window.
During the interview, a CBP officer will ask questions to verify the applicant’s identity and assess their travel history. The officer will also take fingerprints and a photo, which will be used for biometric identification at future travel checkpoints. If approved, the applicant will be enrolled in Global Entry for five years.
This program doesn’t just help with re-entry into the U.S.—it also includes TSA PreCheck benefits. TSA PreCheck allows travelers to go through airport security without removing their shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids, saving even more time at the airport.
The Clinton National Airport event is part of CBP’s efforts to bring more flexibility and convenience to travelers. It’s especially useful for frequent flyers, business travelers, and international vacationers who want to avoid long customs lines. More than 10 million people are currently enrolled in Global Entry, and this number is growing as travel rebounds post-pandemic.
Airport officials say the demand for Global Entry in Arkansas has been consistently high, and they’re excited to offer this one-week enrollment opportunity. The airport expects interview slots to fill quickly, so travelers are advised to apply online as soon as possible.
Applicants must bring a valid passport and one other form of identification, like a driver’s license, to the interview. Legal permanent residents can use their permanent resident card instead. Children can also enroll, but each minor must have parental consent and attend a separate interview.
This event could be especially helpful for families planning international trips this summer. Getting approved now can mean avoiding long lines and travel delays later. It also adds a layer of predictability and comfort to the travel experience, which many travelers value.
Global Entry doesn’t guarantee entry into the country, but it greatly reduces waiting times and hassle. Participants are still subject to U.S. laws and customs inspection, but the process is smoother and more efficient. Those with criminal records, previous immigration violations, or incomplete applications may not be approved.
The airport has promised smooth operations for the event and will provide signage to help travelers find the enrollment center. The interviews will likely be conducted in a secure section of the terminal, away from general passenger traffic.
To recap, this Global Entry Enrollment Event at Clinton National Airport is a unique chance for Arkansas travelers to complete a process that usually requires long-distance travel. From June 10–14, eligible travelers can complete their interviews in Little Rock and take one big step toward easier, faster international trips.
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