Updated: Aug 01, 2022
The Global Entry Program has been created by the CBP (the US Customs and Border Protection and permits pre-approved travelers expedited clearance on their arrival in the USA. Members of the program enter the USA via automated kiosks at specified airports.
At the airport, members of the Global Entry program proceed to the automatic kiosks, where they must present a machine-readable passport or US green (permanent resident) card, have their fingerprints verified by a scanner, and finally, make their customs declaration. The kiosk will then issue the traveler with a receipt of the transaction before directing them to baggage claim.
All applicants for the Global Entry Program must be pre-approved, with a strict background check and face-to-face interview before their enrollment.
The aim of Global Entry is to expedite travelers through the entry process, but members may still undergo further questioning on entering the USA. If the program's terms and conditions are found to have been violated, enforcement action will be taken, and the traveler's membership will be terminated.
From September 8, 2022, Global Entry applicants with conditional approval can complete their in-person interviews at Trusted Traveler Program enrollment centers in the US. They must pre-book their interviews via their Trusted Traveler Programs website account. Enrollment on Arrival is still in operation at all participating airports. U.S.-Canada FAST and NEXUS interviews at Canadian and US enrollment centers remain suspended. FAST-South and SENTRI enrollments may also be affected.
Global Entry offers many benefits. Global Entry Members save valuable time: they arrive in the US, check in at the automatic Global Entry kiosk, and are on their way. Other reasons for joining include:
United States citizens and lawful permanent residents, and citizens of the countries below, are eligible for Global Entry membership:
Depending on your country of citizenship, you may have to meet further requirements. Canadian residents and citizens can apply for Global Entry via membership in the NEXUS program. Those under 18 must have the consent of their parent or guardian to apply.
Reasons that you may not participate in the Global Entry program include:
Global Entry membership lasts for five years. It does not replace a US visa or an ESTA. Travelers who are holders of a Green Card do not need to complete background checks and can apply directly to the United States.
During the in-person interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, an applicant's fingerprints will be captured and a photo taken. Applicants will also receive instructions on using the automatic kiosk. Applicants are not always approved on site, but the interviewing officer can give full approval, either immediately, within 15 minutes, or several hours later on the same day.
Whatever the outcome, the CBP program sends notification both by email and by a letter stating the result immediately upon the officer's decision input. The email directs the applicants to log in to the DHS TTP portal to see the result, although this is unnecessary.
The letter may include a Global Entry membership ID card (usually only if requested via the web portal). However, the card is not needed for the program and is not valid at kiosks as an alternative to a passport. Requests for ID cards may be made through the TTP portal, and replacements may be ordered in the same way.
You will find Global Entry automatic kiosks located at nearly 100 airports listed below. Airports denoted with an asterik (*) are those where there is no active enrollment center.
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