A 25 February column by Prague-based immigration attorney Juan M. Chaves Pernett warns Czech business travellers that the US Department of Homeland Security has suspended new Global Entry applications during the ongoing US government shutdown. Existing members can still use automated kiosks, but first-time applicants—including dual Czech-US citizens—must wait for budget approval before interview slots reopen.
Global Entry, which slashes passport-control times at 77 US airports, is popular with Czech executives who shuttle between Prague and American manufacturing hubs. The temporary freeze does not affect TSA PreCheck or Mobile Passport Control, both viable stop-gap options, but those programmes do not grant the same expedited customs clearance.
Corporate travel managers should audit traveller profiles to identify whose Global Entry membership is expiring in 2026; renewals submitted before expiry are still being processed, albeit slowly. The attorney advises documenting urgent business needs—such as machinery-repair call-outs—so travellers can request an interview waiver once the system restarts.
![US Global Entry pause prompts advice for Czech frequent flyers]()
Travellers looking to stay ahead of such disruptions can streamline their paperwork through VisaHQ, which helps Czech residents secure U.S. ESTAs, business visas and other travel authorisations online. The Prague-focused portal (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/) tracks government policy shifts in real time and offers concierge support, so companies can keep project teams mobile even when programmes like Global Entry stall.
For Czech nationals without US permanent residence, Global Entry remains off-limits; however, the article argues that monitoring the programme’s partner-country expansion is worthwhile, as Washington has previously opened enrolment to Poland and other allies. In the meantime, the lawyer recommends enrolling employees in airline fast-track schemes and ensuring they carry printed ESTA approvals to avoid secondary screening during the busy spring convention season.
The episode is a reminder that even trusted-traveller schemes are hostage to political events. Companies with tight project timelines in the United States should build contingencies for slower border processing and advise staff to allow at least a three-hour connection window when transiting through major US hubs.
Global Entry, which slashes passport-control times at 77 US airports, is popular with Czech executives who shuttle between Prague and American manufacturing hubs. The temporary freeze does not affect TSA PreCheck or Mobile Passport Control, both viable stop-gap options, but those programmes do not grant the same expedited customs clearance.
Corporate travel managers should audit traveller profiles to identify whose Global Entry membership is expiring in 2026; renewals submitted before expiry are still being processed, albeit slowly. The attorney advises documenting urgent business needs—such as machinery-repair call-outs—so travellers can request an interview waiver once the system restarts.
Travellers looking to stay ahead of such disruptions can streamline their paperwork through VisaHQ, which helps Czech residents secure U.S. ESTAs, business visas and other travel authorisations online. The Prague-focused portal (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/) tracks government policy shifts in real time and offers concierge support, so companies can keep project teams mobile even when programmes like Global Entry stall.
For Czech nationals without US permanent residence, Global Entry remains off-limits; however, the article argues that monitoring the programme’s partner-country expansion is worthwhile, as Washington has previously opened enrolment to Poland and other allies. In the meantime, the lawyer recommends enrolling employees in airline fast-track schemes and ensuring they carry printed ESTA approvals to avoid secondary screening during the busy spring convention season.
The episode is a reminder that even trusted-traveller schemes are hostage to political events. Companies with tight project timelines in the United States should build contingencies for slower border processing and advise staff to allow at least a three-hour connection window when transiting through major US hubs.
