As of November 2018, the Global Entry program in the USA is open just to USA citizens, USA permanent residents, and to citizens of 11 other countries:
- Citizens of Argentina
- Citizens of India
- Citizens of Colombia
- Citizens of United Kingdom
- Citizens of Germany
- Citizens of Panama
- Citizens of Singapore
- Citizens of South Korea
- Citizens of Switzerland
- Citizens of Taiwan
- Mexican nationals
What’s so special about these 11? I can understand why Canada is missing (you’re supposed to use NEXUS) but why is South Korea there but not Japan? Why Argentina and not Australia? Why the UK but not New Zealand?
The absence of two of the Five Eyes is particularly interesting given that those countries are supposed to be America’s closest allies (well, up to Feb 2017).
What is the criteria by which the Global Entry eligible foreign nations are chosen?