Brand USA announces the launch of Global Entry in Japan, marking a key milestone in U.S.-Japan Tourism Year
TOKYO, JAPAN (December 9, 2024) — Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, is excited to announce that Japan has officially joined the Global Entry program of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as its 18th partner country, effective November 26, 2024. This significant milestone highlights the importance of the Japanese travel market to the United States and reinforces the shared commitment of both nations to ensure secure, efficient travel while deepening economic, cultural, and tourism ties.
“We are thrilled to welcome Japan as an official Global Entry partner,” said Fred Dixon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Brand USA. “This milestone reflects the deep bond between our two countries and ensures a more seamless travel experience for Japanese visitors. As we continue to welcome more Japanese travelers to explore the U.S., we are excited to further strengthen our cultural and economic connections while enhancing the overall visitor experience.”
The Global Entry program offers pre-vetted, low-risk Japanese citizens expedited processing through U.S. customs and immigration, enhancing their travel experience by reducing wait times. This initiative supports bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges while maintaining robust security measures.
“CBP is excited to add Japan as a full partner country to Global Entry, our Premier Trusted Travel Program, for secure, seamless entry to the United States,“ said Diane J. Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “As part of our airport modernization efforts, Global Entry members will experience the latest security and technology enhancements for identity verification in air travel while this strong partnership serves to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and Japan.”
As part of U.S.-Japan Tourism Year (January 2024–March 2025), Brand USA partnered with CBP this past summer to promote Global Entry as a key initiative to revitalize post-pandemic travel and strengthen ties between the two nations. During Brand USA’s Sales Missions to Japan and South Korea in July this year, Brand USA and CBP facilitated nearly 800 Global Entry mobile enrollment interviews, offering in-person interviews conducted by CBP officers. Conventionally, the Global Entry program mandates interviews at CBP Enrollment Centers or U.S. airports offering Enrollment on Arrival (EoA). However, mobile enrollment interviews were introduced to enable applicants to complete the process in Japan and Republic of Korea.
The Global Entry Program for Japan was first launched as a pilot program in 2015. Initially, it was available to Japanese citizens under limited conditions, requiring a promotion code and imposing a cap on the number of participants. Now that Japan has become an official Global Entry partner, these restrictions have been removed — promotion codes are no longer required, and the cap on applicants has been lifted. Japanese travelers can now apply for Global Entry via the Trusted Traveler Program website, where Japanese can create an account, pay a $120 non-refundable fee, and launch a screening process. Once the online application is completed, applicants can schedule an interview with CBP at select airports or complete the process using the Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) program. Membership is valid for five years.
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About Brand USA
Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, was established by the Travel Promotion Act as the nation’s first public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and to communicate U.S. travel policies and procedures to worldwide travelers. The organization’s mission is to increase international visitation to the United States in order to fuel the U.S. economy and enhance the image of the United States worldwide. Formed as the Corporation for Travel Promotion in 2010, the public-private entity began operations in May 2011 and does business as Brand USA. According to studies by Oxford Economics, over the past 11 years, Brand USA's marketing efforts have generated 8.7 million incremental visitors, nearly $28.8 billion in incremental spend, more than 36,800 incremental jobs supported each year, $8.3 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, and early $63 billion in total economic impact.
For industry or partner information about Brand USA, visit TheBrandUSA.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter. To discover more about the USA and the boundless diversity of American travel experiences and authentic, rich culture, please visit Brand USA's consumer website VisitTheUSA.com; follow Visit The USA on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram; and watch travel shows on GoUSATV.
