U.S. and Germany partner for secure traveling program
16 April, 2010
category: Biometrics, Contactless, Government
Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute and German Interior Ministry State Secretary Klaus-Dieter Fritsche announced the signing of a document that states each country’s intent to integrate biometric trusted traveler programs from each country to ease travel between the two countries.
The eventual integration is expected to utilize both the United States’ Global Entry program and Germany’s Automated and Biometrics-Supported Border Controls program.
Both programs are designed to allow approved travelers access to special security lines that authenticate the user to their passport biometrically leading to a large reduction in wait time in line.
By combining the two programs, German citizens traveling in the U.S. and U.S. citizens traveling in Germany will be allowed to use the others biometric trusted traveler program. Both countries are expecting the new partnership to help improve efficiency as well as security in their respective airports.