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Frequent International Travelers Face Significant Delays with Indefinite Global Entry Closure

·7 min read·⚡ Act Now

Executive Summary

Global Entry expedited clearance lanes at Hawaii airports are indefinitely closed, forcing frequent international travelers to rely solely on standard processing or TSA PreCheck. Businesses and individuals who use Global Entry for efficient international arrivals must now adjust their travel strategies to account for potentially much longer wait times. Investors should monitor potential impacts on business travel frequency and tourism.

  • Global Entry members: Expect substantial delays and potential re-application for expedited programs.
  • Tourism Operators: May see reduced immediate repeat business from high-value international travelers.
  • Small Business Operators: Increased travel time for business trips impacts productivity and labor costs.
  • Remote Workers: Longer airport processing times increase the friction of international travel.
  • Action: If you are a frequent international traveler, immediately explore alternative expedited screening options or prepare for longer airport waits.

Action Required

High PriorityImmediate, as Global Entry lanes are closed until further notice

Businesses and individuals who rely on Global Entry for efficient international travel processing will experience significant delays and need to adapt their travel plans or seek alternative expedited screening methods immediately.

If you are a frequent international traveler, immediately apply for TSA PreCheck if you don't already have it, and begin planning all upcoming international travel with significantly increased buffer times for airport arrival and processing. Notify international partners or clients of potential delays. Monitor CBP.gov for updates on Global Entry lane status.

Who's Affected
Small Business OperatorsRemote WorkersInvestorsTourism OperatorsEntrepreneurs & StartupsHealthcare Providers
Ripple Effects
  • →Increased demand on TSA PreCheck potentially leading to backlogs and longer enrollment times.
  • →Perception of Hawaii as a less accessible international hub potentially impacting long-term business and residency decisions.
  • →Strain on airport resources and passenger processing capabilities due to longer customs hold times.
  • →Potential negative impact on international visitor experience and repeat business due to prolonged arrival friction.
A close-up view of a hand holding an open passport with various stamps, highlighting travel experiences.
Photo by Ekaterina Belinskaya

Global Entry Lanes Indefinitely Closed at Hawaii Airports

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has indefinitely closed Global Entry kiosks and lanes at all Hawaii airports, effective immediately. While TSA PreCheck services remain operational, the closure of Global Entry means that trusted travelers who have undergone its rigorous vetting process will no longer benefit from expedited inspection upon arrival. This change impacts individuals and businesses that rely on Global Entry for efficient international travel, potentially adding significant time to customs and immigration procedures. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has been notified but has no timeline for when these lanes will reopen.

Who's Affected

Frequent International Travelers

Individuals who are members of the Global Entry program will experience the most immediate impact. These travelers have been approved for expedited clearance after a background check and in-person interview. The closure means they will be subject to standard processing, which can involve significantly longer wait times, especially during peak arrival periods. Without Global Entry, returning residents and visitors alike must allocate substantially more time for airport procedures.

Tourism Operators

For hotels, tour companies, and other hospitality businesses, the closure of Global Entry could subtly affect the travel experience of high-net-worth international visitors. While not a direct deterrent for initial visits, prolonged airport delays can create a negative first impression and increase travel fatigue, potentially impacting the overall satisfaction of international tourists who might otherwise be repeat customers. The expectation of seamless travel associated with expedited programs is now undermined.

Small Business Operators

Business owners and employees who frequently travel internationally will face increased travel time and potential disruptions. This can translate to lost work hours due to longer airport waits, impacting productivity and the ability to conduct business efficiently. The unpredictability of arrival times can also complicate meeting schedules and business arrangements. For businesses that rely on international client meetings or supplier visits, this adds a layer of logistical complexity and potential cost.

Remote Workers

Hawaii's growing remote worker and digital nomad population, many of whom maintain international ties or travel frequently, will now find international travel more cumbersome. Longer airport processing times contribute to the overall friction of relocation and remote work, potentially making Hawaii a less attractive base for those who need to travel abroad regularly for personal or professional reasons.

Entrepreneurs and Startups

Founders and key personnel in startups, particularly those seeking international talent or exploring global markets, will also be affected. Increased travel friction can hinder international recruitment efforts and make attending global conferences or investor meetings more challenging. This adds an operational hurdle at a time when agility and efficient movement are critical for growth.

Healthcare Providers

While not a direct impact on core services, healthcare professionals and administrators who travel internationally for conferences, professional development, or to consult with international partners will experience delays. For medical device companies or telehealth providers with global operations, this can impede the flow of critical personnel and the timely execution of international business affairs.

Investors

Investors who travel internationally for due diligence, site visits, or to meet with portfolio companies abroad will encounter longer transit times. This can reduce the number of trips possible or increase the logistical burden required for international engagement. For those considering investments in Hawaii-based companies that rely on international market access or talent, this logistical impediment may be a minor consideration in a broader risk assessment.

Second-Order Effects

The closure of Global Entry lanes at Hawaii airports can lead to increased demand for TSA PreCheck enrollment, potentially backlogging that system and its membership processing. This heightened demand on expedited screening services could, in turn, strain airport resources and passenger processing capabilities. Furthermore, the perception of increased travel friction could subtly influence long-term decisions for businesses and individuals considering Hawaii as a base for international operations or residence, potentially impacting the Islands' attractiveness as an accessible global hub. An increase in average processing times at customs may also place additional strain on airport concessions and ground transportation services if passengers are delayed longer within the airport perimeter.

What to Do

Action: If you are a frequent international traveler, immediately explore alternative expedited screening options and prepare for longer airport waits.

For Global Entry Members:

  1. Apply for TSA PreCheck: If you do not already have TSA PreCheck, apply immediately. While PreCheck is primarily for domestic and some international departures, and select international arrivals, its continued operation at Hawaii airports makes it the most viable alternative for expedited departures. Check the TSA website for application details. Be aware that enrollment periods can take several weeks or months.
  2. Monitor CBP Announcements: Keep a close watch on official updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP.gov) for any information regarding the reopening of Global Entry lanes. The duration of the closure is currently unknown.
  3. Adjust Travel Plans: For upcoming international trips, factor in significantly longer arrival times at Hawaii airports. This means allocating at least an additional 30-60 minutes, and potentially more during peak hours, for customs and immigration processing.
  4. Explore Other Expedited Programs: For frequent international travelers outside of Global Entry, research other programs that may offer expedited U.S. entry, though many of these may require different eligibility criteria or exist primarily for U.S. citizens.

For Tourism Operators:

  1. Inform International Partners and Guests: Proactively communicate with international tour operators, travel agents, and directly with guests who may be enrolled in Global Entry about potential delays. Managing expectations can mitigate negative feedback.
  2. Enhance On-Site Welcome: Consider how to provide a smoother transition from the airport to your establishment, perhaps with enhanced welcome amenities or services that can be accessed shortly after arrival to offset initial travel fatigue.

For Small Business Operators:

  1. Re-evaluate Business Travel Schedules: For upcoming international trips, build in additional buffer time for arrival procedures. This may require adjusting meeting schedules or postponing the immediate resumption of business activities upon landing.
  2. Delegate or Authorize Approvals: If travel is essential, ensure that team members have the necessary authorization for urgent decisions or that backup personnel can handle critical tasks in your absence to offset prolonged travel time.

For Remote Workers:

  1. Plan International Travel Further in Advance: When planning international flights, ensure ample time for airport arrival and departure, particularly if connecting through Hawaii airports or arriving internationally into Hawaii.
  2. Consider Alternative Hubs (if applicable): If international travel is extremely frequent and efficiency is paramount, evaluate whether using a different primary hub outside of Hawaii might be more expedient, though this involves significant lifestyle and logistical changes.

For Entrepreneurs and Startups:

  1. Optimize Meeting Logistics: For international talent or partners visiting Hawaii, coordinate closely on arrival to minimize their wait times and guide them efficiently once they clear customs.
  2. Leverage Virtual Tools: Continue to maximize virtual collaboration tools for meetings and discussions that do not require physical presence, reducing the necessity for international travel where possible.

For Investors:

  1. Factor in Travel Time: When planning due diligence or site visits to Hawaii, account for potentially longer processing times. This may impact the number of visits possible within a given timeframe.
  2. Monitor Business Travel Sentiment: Observe if prolonged travel friction affects broader business travel trends to and from Hawaii, which could be a minor indicator of the overall attractiveness of the region for business operations.

For Healthcare Providers:

  1. Adjust International Visit Schedules: If international travel is essential for professional development or business, add significant buffer time to arrival and departure schedules. Document any impacts on critical international business operations.

No action is required for individuals who only use domestic air travel and do not participate in Global Entry. TSA PreCheck remains an option for expedited departures.

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