In a move that a move that Gov. Josh Green is calling “a revolutionary step for Hawaii and our local travel industry,” Japan has joined the Global Entry, a U.S. Trusted Traveler Program.

What You Need To Know

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the expansion of the program on Tuesday
  • Under the program, Japanese travelers can take advantage of reduced screening and expedited processing at select major airports in the U.S., including at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
  • Japanese Global Entry applicants will undergo the same rigorous and recurring background checks as U.S. applicants, including an in-person interview before initial enrollment, and require vetting by Japanese authorities
  • Green’s office called the program a “key pillar” of the state’s strategy to encourage travel and promote business activity between Japan and the U.S.


“The state of Hawaii has worked for over a year to advocate for this expansion with both Japan and our federal government, and this is a change that will make traveling to and from Japan easier and safer for visitors, business travelers and residents alike,” Green said. “I encourage all our frequent Japanese visitors to apply for Global Entry status before their next trip to Hawaii.”

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the expansion of the program on Tuesday.

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to facilitating secure and efficient travel while enhancing border security and supporting airport modernization efforts for both nations,” said CBP senior official Troy Miller. “By offering Global Entry access to Japanese citizens, we are making safe, secure travel more accessible while fostering stronger diplomatic and economic relations.”  

Under the program, Japanese travelers can take advantage of reduced screening and expedited processing at select major airports in the U.S., including at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

 This Global Entry partnership enhances security and promotes bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchange by allowing pre-vetted, low-risk Japanese citizens to expedite customs and immigration processing upon arrival in the United States.

As CBP notes, Japanese Global Entry applicants will undergo the same rigorous and recurring background checks as U.S. applicants, including an in-person interview before initial enrollment, and require vetting by Japanese authorities. To maintain low-risk traveler status, Global Entry members may violate none of the program’s terms and conditions; doing so will result in appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.  

“Expedited and easy entry into the United States for Japanese visitors means improved travel experiences and better business for both our nations,” said Rahm Emanuel, U.S. ambassador to Japan. “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.”  

Green’s office called the program a “key pillar” of the state’s strategy to encourage travel and promote business activity between Japan and the U.S.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.