CBP, Republic of Korea Sign Joint Cooperation Statement

Washington — On April 21, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan D. Bersin and Korea Immigration Service Commissioner Dong Hyeon Seok signed a joint statement to integrate CBP’s Global Entry program with Korea Immigration Smart System program. The signing occurred at the CBP Headquarters’ Treaty Room and marked the expansion of the Global Entry program to air passengers from an Asian country for the first time.

The joint statement describes a future international trusted traveler program between the Republic of Korea and the U.S. and establishes a mutual set of standards that a participant must meet in order to be considered a low-risk traveler. This type of travel program will allow expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. and the Republic of Korea by using automated kiosks located at select international airports.

The signing of the joint statement marks another achievement between the two border agencies. The statement represents a positive step forward in the two agencies’ ability to interact and work together to secure our respective borders while facilitating legitimate travel of passengers between the two countries.

Bersin met with Seok earlier this year in Korea where they discussed the potential for increased cooperation between the two organizations. The meeting resulted in an enhanced understanding of each others’ agencies and programs.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.