Clearing the Air with Trusted Traveler Programs

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.

Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.

While Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.

What are the benefits?

Your time is valuable. As a pre-screened Global Entry member, you arrive in the United States, check-in at the Global Entry kiosk and you’re on your way.

No processing lines
No paperwork
Access to expedited entry benefits in other countries
Available at major U.S. airports
Reduced wait times
TSA Pre-Check Eligibility

Who is eligible?

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of the following countries are eligible for Global Entry membership:

Citizens of India
Citizens of Colombia
Citizens of United Kingdom
Citizens of Germany
Citizens of Panama
Citizens of Singapore
Citizens of South Korea
Citizens of Switzerland
Mexican nationals

Note: There may be additional requirements you must meet depending on your country of citizenship. To find out if additional requirements must be met, select an International Arrangement and your country of citizenship.

Canadian citizens and residents are eligible for Global Entry benefits through membership in the NEXUS program.

If you are under the age of 18, you must have your parent or legal guardian’s consent to participate in the program.

What about children?

There is no minimum age requirement for Global Entry. However, if you are under the age of 18, you must have your parent or legal guardian’s consent to participate in the program. Your parent or legal guardian does not have to be a Global Entry member.

Regardless of your age, you must create a Global Online Enrollment System account, pay a $100 non-refundable application fee, and schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the time of interview.

How do I apply for Global Entry?

It’s easy. Just follow these steps:

Create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account. Regardless of your age, you must have your own TTP account.
Log into your TTP account and complete the application. A $100 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application.
After accepting your completed application and fee, CBP will review your application. If your application is conditionally approved, then your GOES account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.
You will need to bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine-readable permanent resident card.

A $100 one-time fee is required with your Global Entry application and must be paid at the time of application submission through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) System. You can pay by credit card or through an electronic bank transfer.

The fee is non-refundable, even if an application is denied.

What is TSA Pre-Check?

The TSA Pre-Check program expedites traveler screening through TSA security checkpoints. For a complete list of participating airports or for more information, visit www.tsa.gov or call the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673.

Who is eligible?

Global Entry entry members are eligible to participate in domestic TSA Pre-Check. U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents enrolled in NEXUS or SENTRI are also eligible to participate, as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.

How does it work?

If you are a Global Entry member or eligible NEXUS or SENTRI member, enter your membership number (PASS ID) in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking reservations, or enter it into your frequent flyer profile with the airline. The membership number enables Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight System to verify that you are a legitimate CBP Trusted Traveler and eligible to participate in TSA Pre-check.

Which program is best for me?

Traveling internationally frequently? Sign-up for Global Entry ($100), which includes domestic TSA Pre-Check.

Only flying within the US? TSA Pre-check is your choice ($85)

Travel a lot between the US and Canada? Apply for NEXUS for expedited processing between the two countries ($50).

Contact

For questions regarding Global Entry or any other U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program, you can visit the CBP Info Center website or contact the Global Entry Enrollment Center nearest you.