Global Entry is a program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that gives travelers faster entry into the United States after international flights. It’s designed for people who are considered low-risk by CBP and want to save time at immigration and customs. Once approved, members also get TSA PreCheck, which speeds up airport security when flying within the U.S.
It is part of the Trusted Traveler Programs suite and is intended to streamline the arrival process through biometric verification and risk-based assessment.This post tells you all you need to know about it.
What Is Global Entry
Global Entry lets travelers skip the regular passport control line when arriving in the U.S. Instead of waiting for a CBP officer, members go to a kiosk or use the Global Entry app. Many airports now use facial recognition, so in most cases, you don’t need to scan your passport or fingerprint.
It reduces paperwork, automates identity checks, and integrates with CBP’s system to allow pre-approved travelers to reenter the U.S. with minimal delay.
Frequently Asked Questions about Global Entry
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.
Who is eligible for Global Entry?
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain other countries are eligible to apply, subject to background checks and an interview.
How do I apply for Global Entry?
Apply through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website at https://ttp.dhs.gov. Submit your application, pay the fee, and attend an interview upon conditional approval.
Is Global Entry the same as TSA PreCheck?
No, but Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits. TSA PreCheck is for domestic flights, while Global Entry is for expedited U.S. entry from international travel.
How long is Global Entry valid?
Membership is valid for five years from the date of approval.
Can children use Global Entry?
Yes, but each child must have their own Global Entry membership and complete the application and interview process.
What if my Global Entry is revoked?
If revoked, you will receive a notice from CBP. Revocation can occur due to customs violations, criminal charges, or changes in eligibility.
Can I use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app if I have Global Entry?
No. Global Entry members use GE kiosks or the Global Entry mobile app, not the MPC app.
If I use the Global Entry mobile app, do I need to stop at the kiosk?
No. The mobile app replaces the kiosk for supported airports and flights. You present the digital receipt to CBP.
Do family members get Global Entry with me?
No. Each family member must apply individually and be approved to use Global Entry.
Do babies need their own Global Entry membership?
Yes. Even infants and toddlers must apply and be approved individually to use Global Entry benefits.
If I use Global Entry at Abu Dhabi or Montreal, do I go through immigration again in the U.S.?
No. You land as a domestic passenger and can walk out of the airport without further immigration checks. U.S. customs and immigration are completed before departure at the preclearance location.
Who Can Apply
Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain countries that have agreements with the U.S.
| Group | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| U.S. Citizens | Yes |
| U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents | Yes |
| Citizens of Partner Countries | Yes (See full list) |
| Children (any age) | Yes (with parent or guardian) |
| People with criminal history | Usually not eligible |
All applicants must pass a background check and complete an in-person interview.
CBP also evaluates immigration history, compliance with customs rules, and previous travel patterns during the review.
Children and Infants Must Be Enrolled
Every traveler, including babies and young children, needs their own Global Entry membership. There is no family or group pass.
Steps for enrolling children:
- Create a separate TTP account
- Fill out an application and pay the $120 fee (waived if one of the parents has GE)
- Schedule an interview at an enrollment center
- Bring the child to the interview with the parent or guardian
Children are also eligible for TSA PreCheck once they have their own Global Entry membership.
This is required even if the child is a lap infant or is traveling with Global Entry-approved parents.
How to Apply
Applying for Global Entry is done online. Here’s how the process works:
- Go to ttp.dhs.gov
- Create an account
- Fill out the Global Entry application
- Pay the $120 fee (non-refundable)
- Wait for conditional approval
- Schedule an interview or use Enrollment on Arrival
- If approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number
Membership lasts five years and includes TSA PreCheck.
The application asks for detailed background, employment, address history, and travel records for screening.
Where You Can Use Global Entry
Global Entry is available at over 75 airports in the U.S. and abroad. It’s also used at certain preclearance airports, where you go through U.S. customs before boarding your flight.
Examples of preclearance locations:
- Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- Dublin (DUB)
- Montreal (YUL)
- Toronto (YYZ)
Full list of Global Entry locations:
CBP Global Entry Locations
In preclearance airports, Global Entry allows travelers to complete all entry procedures before boarding their U.S.-bound flight.
How the Kiosk and Mobile App Work
Global Entry members use a kiosk or the mobile app when arriving in the U.S. The process is fast and mostly contactless.
| Option | What You Do |
|---|---|
| Kiosk | Look into the camera. Facial recognition matches your photo to your CBP file. You answer a few questions, then exit. In most airports, you don’t need to show your passport or scan your fingerprints. |
| Mobile App | Use the Global Entry Mobile App to take a selfie and enter your trip details. Submit and show the digital receipt to the CBP officer. |
Facial recognition is now in use at many major airports. If you don’t want to use it, you can request a manual inspection instead.
The app can only be used at airports that support the feature and is optional for travelers preferring the kiosk.
Is Global Entry a Real ID?
Yes. The Global Entry card is Real ID-compliant.
You can use it to:
- Board U.S. domestic flights (if you bring the physical card)
- Enter federal facilities that require Real ID
- Reenter the U.S. from Canada or Mexico by land or sea
Note: The Known Traveler Number or TSA PreCheck status alone doesn’t qualify as Real ID—you must carry the actual card.
The card is not required for airport reentry by air but is useful at land and sea borders.
How to Renew
You can renew your Global Entry membership up to 1 year before it expires. If you apply before expiration, your benefits will stay active for up to 24 months while CBP processes the renewal.
Steps:
- Log into your TTP account
- Click on “Renew Application”
- Update your information and pay the $120 fee
- Wait for conditional approval
- Schedule an interview if required
Renewal requires re-verification of your background and may include another interview depending on your travel history.
How to Update Your Information
You must update your Global Entry profile if you:
- Get a new passport
- Change your legal name
- Move to a new address
- Change your immigration or residency status
All updates are made through your TTP account. Some changes may require an in-person visit.
Failure to keep your account up to date could cause delays or revocation of benefits.
What Can Revoke Global Entry
CBP can revoke your membership for any of the following:
- Bringing non-GE guests through the GE line. Do not bring your child(ren) or spouse through the GE lane if they don’t have their own GE card.
- Arrests or criminal charges after approval
- Failing to declare items at customs
- Importing restricted items (even unintentionally)
- Giving false information on your application
- Misbehavior during customs or TSA screening
Warning About Overseas Shipments
Receiving restricted items from overseas—such as supplements, seeds, or electronics—can result in a customs violation. If it’s in your name, you’re responsible, even if ordered through Amazon or another retailer. Violations can lead to revocation.
Revocations are often final, and reapplication after denial or removal is limited or disallowed.
Credit Cards That Reimburse the Application Fee
Many credit cards will refund the $120 Global Entry fee once every 4 or 5 years. Just use the card to pay the fee.
| Card Name | Issuer |
|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Chase |
| The Platinum Card | American Express |
| Capital One Venture / Venture X | Capital One |
| Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite | Citi |
| United Explorer Card | Chase |
| Bank of America Premium Rewards | Bank of America |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve | U.S. Bank |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | American Express |
| Hilton Honors Aspire | American Express |
The credit works even if you pay for someone else’s application.
Check your card benefits guide for enrollment instructions and reimbursement eligibility.
Enrollment on Arrival and Departure
If you’re conditionally approved but don’t have an interview appointment, you can often complete your interview when you travel.
Enrollment on Arrival (EoA)
- Complete your interview after landing from an international flight
- No appointment needed
- Available at 60+ U.S. airports
- Must have conditional approval
EoA interviews occur immediately after passport control with a CBP officer at a designated booth.
Enrollment on Departure
- Available only at select U.S. airports upon departure to international destinations
- Complete your interview before boarding a U.S.-bound flight
- Locations: Miami (MIA) and Washington Dulles (IAD) only
- Must have conditional approval
You must arrive early enough to complete the process without delaying your departure.
How to Get an Interview Appointment
Once you receive conditional approval:
- Log in to ttp.dhs.gov
- Choose an enrollment center
- View available appointment dates and times
- Book your interview
Tips if no appointments are available:
- Check daily for cancellations
- Look at less busy or nearby centers
- Use Enrollment on Arrival if you’re flying internationally
Appointments often open up with short notice due to cancellations.
Preclearance
Preclearance is a process that allows U.S.-bound travelers to complete U.S. immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections at certain foreign airports before boarding their flight. Operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), preclearance means that upon arrival in the United States, travelers are treated as if they arrived on a domestic flight. This eliminates the need to go through immigration or customs in the U.S. and allows direct access to connecting flights or airport exits. Preclearance facilities are located in select airports in Canada, Ireland, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
Real-World Use of GE at a Preclearance Facility: Montreal
Montreal–Trudeau (YUL) operates a full U.S. preclearance facility, which allows Global Entry members to complete U.S. customs and immigration checks before boarding their flight.
After passing through Canadian security and passport control, travelers head to the U.S. departures wing where blue Global Entry kiosks stand ready. Facial recognition technology captures your image and compares it to your passport data, often eliminating the need for manual document scanning. Once the kiosk issues a receipt, you proceed to boarding without additional checks upon arrival in the U.S.
Preclearance at YUL is available only for flights destined to the United States and must be completed during CBP operating hours.
Membership—including for children—must be active, and all travelers need a boarding pass and valid passport. Overall it only take a few minutes to clear border and CBP if you have Global Entry.
Is Global Entry Worth It?
Global Entry may be beneficial for travelers who:
- Take multiple international trips to the U.S. each year
- Want access to TSA PreCheck for domestic flights
- Prefer expedited processing at U.S. immigration and customs
- Have access to a credit card that reimburses the $120 fee
The $120 fee covers 5 years of membership and includes TSA PreCheck (normally $85 on its own). Time saved at customs and security varies by airport, time of day, and travel volume.
For travelers who fly internationally rarely or do not mind regular customs lines, it may not provide significant value.
No refunds are given if an application is denied or if the program is underused.
