Monday, July 7, 2025
A new gateway to international travel has opened in the heart of Nassau County.
County officials joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security on June 11 to unveil a Global Entry enrollment center in Eisenhower Park — the first of its kind on Long Island.
Global Entry is a special program that allows pre-approved, low risk travelers to expedite their entry into the United States when arriving from international destinations. Prior to the office in Eisenhower Park, the closest interview locations were at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark International Airport and the U.S. Customs House in New York City.
At the unveiling, County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he thought the addition of a Global Entry office in Nassau County was “a brilliant idea.”
“This is a collaboration between Nassau County and the federal government to make people safer and to make their life easier,” he said, “and that’s what government should be about.”
The Global Entry office is located in Eisenhower Park’s Field 6/6A, near the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.
Sal Ingrassia, the port director of Customs and Border Protection at Kennedy airport, explained how one applies for Global Entry. Those interested can begin by visiting CBP.gov or GlobalEntry.gov, where they will fill out an application. Once it is processed and an applicant has “conditional approval,” they can schedule an interview at an office, like the one in Eisenhower Park. Ingrassia said the goal is process at least 200 interviews a day at the new location.
To apply for Global Entry, you have to be a U.S. citizen; a legal permanent resident of the U.S.; or a citizen of one of 18 countries that participate in the program. Visit CBP.gov for a full list of countries and guidelines.
The program is free for those ages 17 and younger, and costs $120 for adults for a five-year membership. If the Global Entry interview is successful and applicants are approved, the card issued to travelers can be used as a Real ID, which is now required for all domestic flights. Global Entry members also qualify for TSA Pre-check, a different program that allows pre-approved travelers to move through airport security screening more quickly.
County officials were not concerned about the potential traffic increase within Eisenhower Park, adding that there’s plenty of parking. They encouraged those interested in interviewing at the new office to enjoy what the park has to offer and to patronize local establishments.
To schedule an interview timeslot at the Eisenhower Park office and view hours of operation, visit TTP.DHS.gov.
