Global Entry Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility for Global Entry

Global Entry is a risk-based approach to facilitate the entry of pre-approved travelers. Applicants may not qualify for Global Entry participation if they:

  • Provide false or incomplete information on the application;
  • Have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges, including outstanding warrants;
  • Have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country;
  • Are subjects of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state or local law enforcement agency;
  • Have been denied for the purchase of a firearm;
  • Have received a criminal pardon from any country;
  • Are inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration regulation, including applicants with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation; or if they
  • Cannot satisfy CBP of their low-risk status or meet other program requirements.

You can visit the FBI website for additional information (https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/nics/national-instant-criminal-background-check-system-nics-appeals-vaf).

Or

  • To submit a challenge through the mail, please mail your request to:

FBI CJIS Division
Attn: Criminal History Analysis Team 1
BTC 3
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

(When submitting a challenge via mail, include your NICS Transaction Number (NTN) or State Transaction Number (STN). Failure to include these numbers will delay processing.)

Global Entry is also available to citizens of the Netherlands who are enrolled in FLUX and Korean Smart Entry Service members. Citizens of Germany, Panama, and Mexico may also apply for Global Entry. Canadian NEXUS members have Global Entry benefits, but are not eligible to join.

If your country has a bilateral trusted traveler arrangement with CBP, you may participate in Global Entry provided you are not entering the U.S. under one of the following visa categories:

  • C-1 - Alien in Transit
  • C-2 - Alien in Transit to United Nations
  • C-3 - Foreign Government Official In transit
  • H-1C - Registered Nurse
  • H-2A - Agricultural worker
  • H-2B - Unskilled worker
  • H-2R - Returning H-2B
  • H-3 - Trainee
  • K-1 - Fiancé of U.S. Citizen
  • K-2 - Child of K-1
  • K-3 - Spouse of U.S. Citizen
  • K-4 - Child of K-3
  • M-1 - Vocational student
  • M-2 - Spouse/child of M-1
  • N-8 - Parent of SK-3
  • N-9 - Child of N-8, SK-1, SK-2, SK-4
  • Q-1 - Participant in an International Exchange Program
  • Q-2 - Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Principal
  • Q-3 - Spouse and Minor Children of Q-2
  • S-5 - Witness/Informant
  • S-6 - Witness/Informant
  • S-7 - Family members of S-5, S-6
  • T-1 - Trafficking victim
  • T-2 - Spouse of T-1
  • T-3 - Child of T-1
  • T-4 - Parent of T-1
  • T-5 - Sibling of T-1
  • U-1 - Criminal Activity Victim
  • U-2 - Spouse of U-1
  • U-3 - Child of U-1
  • U-4 - Parent of U-1
  • U-5 - Sibling of U-1

Using Global Entry

If the kiosk receipt has an "X" printed on it, you must report to a CBP officer at the nearest staffed CBP passport control booth. You do not have to get back in line. The CBP officer at the passport control booth will review your documents, determine the reason for the "X" and either release you from there or refer you to "secondary" for additional processing.

The "X" can mean many different things: random inspection; your fingerprints may not have matched; or other issues.

You must have the "X" cleared before proceeding to the exit control point or you will be directed back to passport control for processing. The kiosk receipt shows the CBP officer that you have successfully used the kiosk.

If the kiosk receipt has an "O" printed on it, you have declared something. You must collect your luggage and proceed to the exit point to meet with an officer to discuss the declaration.

The head of the line privilege is only available at U.S. airports that have Global Entry kiosks. The head-of-the-line privilege is reserved for program members if the kiosks are out of service, if a member gets referred to a CBP officer, and at the exit points.

U.S. lawful permanent residents must use their I-551 permanent resident card at the Global Entry kiosk.

Yes. You must declare all agricultural products that you bring into the U.S. Failure to declare agricultural products can result in up to $10,000 in fines and penalties. For additional information, click here.

No. Global Entry members can choose not to use the kiosk and can be processed by CBP officers.

No, only Global Entry members can use the Global Entry kiosk.

After you have submitted your application and scheduled an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, contact the Global Entry Enrollment Center where your interview is scheduled to request a reasonable modification or auxiliary aid or service to complete the Global Entry application process.  Requests for a modification, aid, or service should be made as soon as possible and prior to the date of an interview to allow sufficient time for making the appropriate arrangements at the interview location.

Partner Expedited Travel Programs

U.S. Citizens enrolled in Global Entry may use the Smartgate system when entering Australia without registration. U.S. Citizens may apply for the Dutch FLUX program, the Korean SES program, Panama's Global Pass or the Mexican Viajero Confiable program for expedited entry into those countries. Additional fees and enrollment interviews will apply.

The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) PreCheck allows for expedited airport screening at TSA checkpoints in specific airports. Global Entry members are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.

For more information about TSA PreCheck, click here.

Yes, Korean citizens may now apply for Global Entry. Korean citizens must first enroll in the Smart Entry Service (SES) program operated by the Korean Immigration Service.

Korean citizens submit Global Entry applications through the Korean Government's website. After submitting the Global Entry application, Korean applicants must then create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. Applicants will log into the account and pay the $100 Global Entry application fee. Once conditionally approval status is granted, applicants will be invited to schedule a Global Entry interview through their TTP account at one of the Global Entry enrollment centers to complete the enrollment process.

Yes. In order to participate in Global Entry, Korean applicants must be at least 17 years of age.

Yes. U.S. citizens may apply for the Korean SES program. Applications for SES may be submitted through the TTP website. Once conditionally approved in the SES program, applicants must visit an SES enrollment center (in Korea) to complete the enrollment process and pay the fee. The SES fee for U.S. citizens is $100 (this is in addition to the $100 Global Entry fee).

If you have additional questions or for more information on the Trusted Traveler Programs, please click here.

Global Entry Membership Information

Find your Trusted Traveler's membership number by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. The membership number is listed toward the top of the page. The membership number, also known as your PASS ID, is also on the back of Trusted Traveler cards.

All Global Entry members can update their passport information through their TTP account. Click on "Update Documents." If the passport update involves a name change, you must visit a Global Entry enrollment center to update your information.

If you would like a copy of your Identity History Summary, you may submit a request to the FBI. The FBI offers three options for requesting your summary or proof that a summary doesn't exist.

For more information, please read the the How to Challenge and How to Obtain Your FBI Identity History Summary brochure. 

If you believe your Identity History Summary contains inaccurate or incomplete information, you may request a change or correction by contacting the agency or agencies that originally submitted the information to the FBI. However, most states require that changes ot Identity History Summary information be processed through their respective state centralized agency (State Identification Bureau). For the State Identification Bureau listing refer to: www.fbi.gov/checks

For more information, please read the How to Challenge and How to Obtain Your FBI Identity History Summary brochure. 

Renewing Global Entry Membership

You become eligible to renew your membership one year prior to program expiration. If you submit a renewal application before your membership expires, you will be able to continue to use benefits up to 24 months after your membership expiration date, if your renewal does not get processed in time.

Follow these steps to renew Global Entry membership:

  • Log onto the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website.
  • Select Manage membership - the Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment page will display.
  • Select the blue Renew Application button - the Personal Information page will display.
  • Use the Application Wizard to change your personal information by selecting the specific category(ies) hyperlinks.
  • When complete, select U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Program List on the Application Wizard - the Trusted Traveler Program List will display.
  • Click the box next to each program that you wish to renew.
  • Select the enrollment center hyperlink to see a list of available enrollment centers.
  • Select Next - the Trusted Traveler Program Application page will display.
  • If a FIX Errors hyperlink displays, you must provide the information requested to proceed.
  • To continue, select Update to go to the Program Application page.
  • On the Program Application page, select Certify at the bottom of the page - the Certification page will display.
  • Answer Yes or No to "Do you certify?"
  • Select Next. The Final Review: Application Shopping Cart will display.
  • Select the box next to Fees. Fees are for application processing and are non-refundable. To agree and proceed, click here. The Home button changes to a Make Payment button.
  • Select Make Payment. The online payment page displays.

An interview for program membership renewal may not be necessary. Once you submit your renewal application and fee, check your TTP account periodically for updates on what actions are necessary to complete the renewal process. You will receive an email when your membership status changes.

Global Entry Cards

Only U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents and Mexican nationals are issued Global Entry cards.

CBP accepts Global Entry cards for lawful U.S. entry at land and sea ports of entry. Global Entry cards have radio frequency identification, which enables their use at SENTRI and NEXUS expedited travel lanes entering the U.S. Global Entry cards are not valid for entry into Canada via the NEXUS lanes and kiosks. Global Entry cards are not accepted at Global Entry kiosks, which require passports or U.S. lawful permanent resident cards. Global Entry card holders must follow all program rules for SENTRI and NEXUS when using this card at land and sea ports of entry.

CBP began issuing Global Entry radio frequency identification (RFID) cards on July 12, 2011, to new Global Entry members who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents or Mexican nationals (who do not already have a SENTRI card) at no additional cost.

No, it is not necessary to obtain a Global Entry card to continue using Global Entry at airport kiosks. A card is only required for expedited entry at the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes coming into the United States.

New enrollees will receive their Global Entry card 7-10 business days after approval for Global Entry.

If you have a U.S. address, the card will be mailed there. If you do not have a U.S. address, it will be sent to your designated U.S. point of contact or to a Global Entry enrollment center that you designate.

Activate your card within 30 days of receipt or you will be unable to use your card at the Trusted Traveler lanes. To activate your card, log into your TTP account.  After you sign in, click on the Activate Membership Card button under the Program Membership(s) section on the Homepage.

You can request a replacement card by logging into your TTP account and selecting Manage Membership. Next select Request for Global Entry Card. A $25 fee is charged for the replacement card. By requesting the replacement card, the original card will be deactivated and no longer functional.

Global Entry members who joined prior to July 12, 2011, may request a Global Entry card via their TTP account for a $15 fee. Login to your TTP account and click on the "Manage Membership" button. Next, click on the "Request for Global Entry Card" button. Finally, complete the application and pay the $15 fee.

For Global Entry Members at NEXUS/SENTRI Lanes

Login to TTP. On the GOES home page under Program Membership(s), click on "Manage Membership." Then click on the "Add Trusted Traveler Program." Make any changes necessary. On the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Program List page, select the checkbox next to the NEXUS option. On the next page you will see the NEXUS logo. You will need to provide additional information and answer questions; (some of these questions are very similar). Once all the application information is entered/ corrected, certify your application and pay the fee. Applicants seeking to use NEXUS to enter Canada must complete an enrollment interview with the Canada Border Services Agency.

Global Entry members who wish to drive their vehicle in the SENTRI lanes, must register their vehicle with CBP and schedule an appointment at a SENTRI enrollment center to conduct a 7-point vehicle inspection.

There are no additional requirements for a member to use the NEXUS lanes coming into the U.S. However, Global Entry cards are not valid for entry into Canada via the NEXUS lanes and kiosks; travelers must apply separately for NEXUS.

If you register your vehicle in SENTRI as part of your initial Global Entry application, there is no fee. If you wish to register your vehicle after your initial application, you must pay a $42 registration fee for a CBP vehicle inspection at a SENTRI enrollment center.

For NEXUS and SENTRI Members at Global Entry Kiosks

All current NEXUS members, and U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents who are SENTRI members, are eligible to use Global Entry kiosks once they provide fingerprints and document information to CBP. If CBP already has your fingerprints and document information on file, you can use Global Entry kiosks without further action and at no additional cost. If you are a Mexican national in SENTRI, you must apply for Global Entry through your TTP account. For additional Global Entry benefit information, log on to your TTP account.

No, when you use the Global Entry kiosk, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card. The Global Entry cards do not work when entering the United States by air through the Global Entry kiosks. 

No, when you use the Global Entry kiosk, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card. The SENTRI cards do not work when entering the U.S. by air through the Global Entry kiosks.

The NEXUS card will be recognized by the Global Entry kiosks in Canada Preclearance locations only. When using the Global Entry kiosks in Canada Preclearance locations you can use your passport, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card or NEXUS card. You cannot use your NEXUS card at Global Entry kiosks outside of Canadian Preclearance locations. At all other ports, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card. 

Anyone with a travel document is eligible to apply for SENTRI.

Contact the information center at 1 (877) 227-5511 to cancel or reschedule within 24 hours.

Children and Travel Companions

Global Entry benefits are member specific and cannot be extended to others.

Yes. Children may enroll in Global Entry. Minor children 18 years or younger are required to have parental or legal guardianship permission.

Minor children that do not have a parent or legal guardian enrolled in Global Entry may enroll. A parent or legal guardian must give permission and must be present at the time of the interview.

Enrollment on Arrival (EoA)

No.  Applicants must have already completed the application through Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. and received a Conditional Approval notification in order to complete the EoA.

You can still participate in EoA upon arriving in the United States at an EoA eligible airport if you already have an interview scheduled. Simply proceed to the EoA CBP station upon arrival at the CBP inspection hall.  

Your scheduled interview will be canceled automatically after you complete the enrollment on arrival process. No further action is needed on your part.

No. Only those who are entering the U.S. Customs and Border Protection area after arriving from an international flight are able to participate in EoA.

Individuals traveling through domestic airports may verify whether the airport has an Enrollment Center at which they may schedule an interview or can immediately accept conditionally approved persons to complete walk-in enrollments. You may verify the locations and Enrollment Centers’ hours of operation online through the Trusted Traveler Website.

No.  A Global Entry conditionally approved applicant may simply arrive at an EoA booth in the CBP inspection hall at a participating airport.

No. Traveling to an EoA participating airport is a decision of convenience for the applicant.

This depends on the airport at which you’re arriving. Please check with a CBP Officer at the Enrollment on Arrival Port of Entry to determine if your complete travel party can utilize the EoA lane.

Participants need the same materials they would need in order to complete a standard interview at the Enrollment Center. That would include their passport as well as any other supporting or essential documents which TTP prompted them to bring to the interview (e.g., court documents, change of address notifications, etc.).

The final decision notification timeline can vary.  Please monitor your email and check your TTP account for updates regarding the status of your Global Entry application.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is currently planning to expand EoA to additional airports.  Travelers can review the EoA webpage on the CBP website for EoA expansion updates.


Source URL: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/frequently-asked-questions