How to Skip Passport Control Lines: 4 Proven Methods
I used to think you could only skip the line in your own country, or through some fast-track program. Turns out there are several more ways to sail through like a VIP and save hours of waiting:
1. The right passport + Global Entry = a fast way into the US
If you've ever flown into the US, you know what hell the border-control lines can be. But there's a way around it. Global Entry is a program for "trusted travelers." You register your passport once, go through a single screening, and after that — no lines, ever. Just walk up to the kiosk.
Passports that qualify: Argentina, India, Colombia, Germany, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, the UK, Brazil, Taiwan, Croatia, +-Mexico, +-Canada.
Bonus: expedited screening on US domestic flights too.
2. eGates in Italy
Italy's major airports (Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and others) have automated passport-control gates. They're open to citizens of: the US, EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, South Korea, Japan, Israel, the UAE, Taiwan, New Zealand, Singapore.
Tourists are stuck in line while you've already breezed through and are sipping a cappuccino. Ages 12 and up only.
3. France and the PARAFE gates
Paris, Nice, and Lyon airports have PARAFE gates. You land, scan your passport, look at the camera, and you're free.
Who can use them: citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, the UK, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, the US.
Biometric passport required, and strictly 18+.
4. The APEC card — business-class treatment without the business-class ticket
Fly around Asia a lot? This one's a god-tier hack.
The APEC Business Travel Card is issued to entrepreneurs from APEC member countries. What it gets you:
— Visa-free entry to 19 countries in the region
— And my favorite part: a diplomatic-style lane at the border. Tried it myself — it's glorious.
You can even get the card with a Russian passport — valid for 5 years. Makes life a lot easier if you fly to Asia and Australia often.