Russian I used to think the only way to skip passport control lines was to be a citizen or have fast-track access. But it turns out there are a few more ways to move like a VIP and save hours of waiting:
1. The right passport + Global Entry = fast entry into the U.S.
If you’ve ever landed in the U.S., you know the dreaded immigration lines. But there’s a hack: Global Entry — a program for “trusted travelers.” You register your passport, pass a background check once, and after that, no more lines — just head to the kiosk.
Eligible passports: Argentina, India, Colombia, Germany, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, UK, Brazil, Taiwan, Croatia, +Mexico, +Canada.
Bonus: expedited TSA screening on domestic U.S. flights.
2. eGates in Italy
Major Italian airports (Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and others) offer automated eGates for passport control. Eligible travelers include citizens of: the U.S., EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, South Korea, Japan, Israel, UAE, Taiwan, New Zealand, Singapore.
Tourists queue up, but you’re already sipping your cappuccino at the café. Available for travelers aged 12+.
3. France & PARAFE gates
Paris, Nice, and Lyon airports have PARAFE gates. Scan your passport, look at the camera — and you’re through.
Eligible travelers: citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, UK, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, USA.
You need a biometric passport and must be 18+.
4. APEC Business Travel Card — business-class lanes without the ticket
Frequent traveler in Asia? This is a game changer.
The APEC Business Travel Card gives entrepreneurs from APEC countries:
— Visa-free entry to 19 countries
— My favorite perk: access to diplomatic/fast lanes at border control. Personally tested — it’s a joy.
You can get this card even with a Russian passport — valid for 5 years. A huge time-saver if you travel around Asia and Australia.
Bottom line: more documents = shorter lines
The more passports, residencies, and special cards you have, the shorter your lines will be. Travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s also about how you go. 😎
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