We've long espoused the benefits of Global Entry, which lets travelers breeze past the lines at U.S. customs by checking in at a kiosk. But there are limits to its powers: Global Entry only works upon entry into the U.S., and not to any country around the world. But ahead of your European summer vacation—and before you resign yourself to yet another 30 minutes stuck in a customs line along with a whole planeful of Americans—know that there are other ways to get through quickly.
Germany: EasyPASS
Like Global Entry, Germany's EasyPASS allows travelers to bypass customs interviews and move through automated border control at seven German airports (Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Cologne/Bonn, Dusseldorf, Berlin-Schönefeld, Berlin-Tegel, and Hamburg) with 153 eGates: All you have to do is scan your passport, glance at the camera, and you’re done. Though most often used by European Union citizens, EasyPASS is also available to Americans and citizens of Hong Kong. After signing up (for free!) at one of five German airports with an enrollment center—Hamburg, Berlin-Tegel, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, and Munich—the Federal Police will check whether you meet the participation requirements via a quick interview, forms, and background check. After information has been approved, registered, and stored in the system, U.S. travelers are free to move through the automated border control system; an officer will then check if there are additional entry requirements and stamp the passport. The whole process may only take 30 minutes—we know what we're doing on our next layover.
United Kingdom: Registered Traveller Program
If you're a frequent visitor to the United Kingdom (and with London now touting some of the best restaurants in the world, why wouldn't you be?), you may be eligible for the Registered Traveller Program: All you need is a U.S. passport, to be 18 or older, and have visited the island nation four times in the past 24 months. Apply online for a one-year membership (£70, or $87), and you'll be notified as to whether or not you've been accepted within ten business days. (If your application doesn't pass muster, you'll receive £50, or $62 of the money back.) If your application is accepted, you'll be able to move through U.K. and EU entry lanes at Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, London City, Luton, Manchester, and Stansted airports; as well as Eurostar terminals at Brussels, Lille, and Paris.
The Netherlands: Privium/FLUX
Part of an arrangement with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Privium allows Global Entry members expedited access in and out of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport—for a fee, naturally. To apply, Global Entry members must first sign in to their account, where they can access the application via Manage Membership and then International Programs tabs. Note that Privum ($130 annually) comes with a variety of price points and perks: Privium Basic entitles you to speedy security and border clearance, while Privium Plus ($232 annually) includes all that and more: Privium ClubLounge access, fast check-in, priority parking, and discounts on valet parking. (For both, travelers must also be a minimum height of 4’11, which is the height of the Privium iris scans.)