CBP announces a delay in testing Global Entry 'e-gates' for now

The introduction of the first electronic gates at a U.S. airport customs facility is currently on hold, according to TPG's report.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is temporarily pausing its plans to implement electronic gates as part of the Global Entry pilot program at Dulles International Airport (IAD), a CBP spokesperson confirmed.

CBP is exploring other potential solutions at this time.

What exactly are Global Entry 'e-gates'?

Envisioned as a pilot for a faster, contactless, and kiosk-free experience at passport control, the advanced process was set to offer Global Entry members using the new mobile app an improved way to pass through. After submitting their arrival details and taking a selfie while en route to the gate, members would have headed directly to the automated gates, which would open automatically after a facial recognition scan.

The plan was to launch the trial program at Dulles sometime later this summer.

As observed in April, the agency had already set aside a section of the Dulles customs hall for the pilot program, where they intended to test the new procedure.

However, the plans are now paused — before the pilot program even began. During preliminary tests leading up to the program's rollout, CBP identified other potential Global Entry solutions that might have a greater impact, as shared with TPG this week.

"We believe there's a way to benefit a larger number of Global Entry travelers and make the process smoother for everyone," explained Sean Cowie, CBP branch chief.

Despite this, Global Entry remains an incredibly efficient, time-saving choice for travelers. On almost every recent trip through U.S. passport control, I've breezed through the kiosks in just a few seconds.

Although the application fee for the program will increase to $120 for a five-year membership this fall, it's still a fantastic value — especially since it includes TSA PreCheck (and many travel credit cards will cover the fee, or even reimburse it entirely).

It's clear that more innovations are on the way for the program.

The Global Entry mobile app is now accessible at 53 U.S. airports and select international preclearance locations. CBP anticipates that it will be available at all 77 Global Entry airports by the end of this year.

However, the agency is not completely abandoning the idea of an innovative pilot program for Global Entry. Although it's still early for details, CBP is in "initial discussions" about a revamped process, which they hope to implement at Dulles in the near future.