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The Global Entry Program: From Application to Airport [Plus Map of Locations and Kiosks]

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Jessica Merritt's image
Alex Miller,Jessica Merritt
Edited by: Michael Y. Park
& Keri Stooksbury
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Key Takeaways

  • Global Entry allows expedited customs clearance for international travelers, providing faster reentry to the U.S. via dedicated kiosks at airports.
  • The program can save you at least 15 minutes of wait time at 58 U.S. airports.
  • The application process involves a background check, an in-person interview, and a nonrefundable $120 fee, valid for 5 years, with TSA PreCheck benefits included.

Global Entry can make airport arrivals easier for international travelers, allowing preapproved travelers to skip long customs lines and reenter the U.S. faster using dedicated kiosks at select airports. It also includes TSA PreCheck, which lets you speed through security checkpoints.

This guide explains what Global Entry is, how to apply, and what to expect when you use it at the airport.

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What Is Global Entry?

Global Entry offers expedited customs processing for international travelers upon arrival. You can skip the processing lines and visit a kiosk to scan your passport and fingerprints, complete a digital customs declaration form, and proceed to the baggage claim area.

Man using Global Entry kiosk
Image Credit: Donna Burton via U.S. Customs and Border Protection

A Global Entry application costs $120 and is valid for 5 years if you’re approved. Global Entry members receive complimentary TSA PreCheck access (a $78 value). You also get limited reciprocal benefits with U.S. border programs that work in collaboration with other countries (NEXUS, SENTRI, and more). Those under 18 are free with an enrolled parent or legal guardian.

Many travel cards offer a statement credit for Global Entry application fees. Here are a few of our favorite cards that reimburse you for the Global Entry fee:

+ NEW BENEFITS
Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $3,850
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
  • $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  • More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  • More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

ELEVATED WELCOME OFFER
The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 150,000 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 200,000 points
Up to $4,400
$895
17.74% - 28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
  • Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
  • Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)
Cons
  • High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Card Highlights
  • Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
  • See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
  • Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
  • Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
  • Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
  • Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
  • Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
  • Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
  • Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
  • Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
  • Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
  • 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
  • 1X points on other eligible purchases
  • $895 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 17.74% - 28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

NEW OFFER
Chase Sapphire Reserve®Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000 points
$2,500
$795
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
  • 5x points on Lyft rides
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
Cons
    • $795 annual fee
Card Highlights
  • Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)
The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $395 annual fee
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Top rated mobile app
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

If you have multiple credit cards that offer a Global Entry credit, you can share excess credits by paying for a loved one’s application.

Platinum and Diamond Medallion members with Delta Air Lines may also get a $120 Global Entry voucher if they choose it as part of their Choice Benefits.

Which Countries Participate in Global Entry?

Besides the U.S., citizens of certain countries may be eligible to apply for Global Entry, including:

  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Brazil
  • Bahrain
  • Canada (through the NEXUS Program)
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Dominican Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Germany
  • India
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Mexico
  • Panama
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • The Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom

Hot Tip:

Global Entry status isn’t the same as obtaining a travel visa. Learn about the 4 types of travel visas, whether you need one, and how to get a visa before booking a trip.

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Global Entry Locations and Kiosks

There are 75 known airports with Global Entry kiosks. The map and table below show all the existing locations.

Enrollment on Arrival is available at select airports. Passengers can visit a dedicated booth for processing as non-Global Entry passengers, then complete the interview and enrollment process.

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Global Entry Locations and Kiosks

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)*

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Portland International Airport (PDX)

Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM)

Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)*

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Indianapolis International Airport (IND)*

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Bermuda International Airport (BDA)*

John Wayne Airport (SNA)*

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)*

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Kansas City International Airport (MCI)

Saipan International Airport (SPN)*

Bradley International Airport (BDL)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Burlington International Airport (BTV)*

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

Calgary International Airport (YYC)

Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Charleston International Airport (CHS)*

Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)*

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)*

San Jose International Airport (SJC)*

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)*

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport-SeaTac (SEA)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD

Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Shannon Airport (SNN)*

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

South Bend International Airport (SBN)*

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)*

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Nashville International Airport (BNA)

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)*

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

New York Stewart International Airport (SWF)*

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)*

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Tampa International Airport (TPA

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK)*

Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC)

Dublin Airport (DUB)*

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Toledo Express Airport (TOL)*

Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)

Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW))*

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO)*

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

* Locations with no enrollment centers. List of Global Entry locations taken from the CBP website.

You may be able to get an interview outside of the airports above. Contact CBP for more info. Internationally, appointments are also available outside airports in Canada (Belleville, New Brunswick; Lansdowne, Ontario; and the Vancouver Urban Enrollment Center in British Columbia) and Singapore (U.S. Embassy in Singapore).

How To Apply for Global Entry

To apply for Global Entry, start at the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. Then follow these steps:

  1. Create a Login.gov account.
  2. Complete the application in the TTP system and pay the fee. Make sure your name on the application is exactly as it appears on your passport, including your middle name, spacing, and hyphens.
  3. Wait for conditional approved status with a conditional letter of approval, which is typically within 2 weeks but can take 12 months or longer.
  4. Schedule your security interview (once conditionally approved) at an enrollment center or with an online remote interview. You may get an interview faster by using Enrollment on Arrival if available, checking nearby airports or alternate enrollment centers, and looking for last-minute cancellations.
  5. Attend your interview and bring your passport (or permanent resident card) and 1 other form of ID (such as your driver’s license), along with your TTP application conditional approval letter. The interview typically lasts about 15 minutes.
  6. Once approved, you can add your Known Traveler Number, or KTN, to loyalty program profiles and flight bookings. When you receive your Global Entry card in the mail, activate your card within your TTP online account. The card is typically used for land and sea crossings rather than airports.

Most applicants without a criminal history are approved for Global Entry within 4 to 6 months.

Requirements and Eligibility

You’re eligible for Global Entry if you’re a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or citizen of a participating country. Additional requirements include:

  • Not being convicted of criminal offenses and having no pending criminal charges or warrants
  • Not being found in violation of any laws on agriculture relations, immigration, or customs
  • Not being the subject of a current ongoing investigation
  • Must be admissible to the U.S. under immigration regulations
  • Must be able to prove your low-risk status to the CBP if they cannot immediately do so

You need contact information, including prior names, prior addresses for up to 10 years, place of birth, passport number, employment history, and a list of foreign countries you’ve visited. Additional documents may be required on a case-by-case basis, including proof of current residency, which can be met with bills or other documents with your address.

Children using Global Entry must have membership (even babies), and minors under 18 need parental or legal guardian consent. There’s no fee for children under 18 if a parent or guardian is enrolled or has a pending application.

Trusted Traveler Program Comparison

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Agency

Transportation Security Administration

Customs and Border Protection

Program

TSA PreCheck

Global Entry

NEXUS

SENTRI

Eligibility Required

U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and all foreign nationals

Application Fee

$78 (5-year membership)

$120 (5-year membership)

$50 (5-year membership)

$120 (5-year membership)

Passport Required

No

Yes, or lawful permanent resident card

No

No

Application Process

Preenroll online, visit an enrollment center; provide fingerprints and verify ID.

Preenroll online, visit an enrollment center for interview; provide fingerprints and verify ID.

Preenroll online, visit an enrollment center for interview; provide fingerprints and verify ID

Preenroll online, visit an enrollment center for interview; provide fingerprints and verify ID

Program Experience

TSA PreCheck expedited screening at participating airports

  • Expedited processing through CBP at airports and land borders upon arrival in the U.S.
  • Includes TSA PreCheck
  • Expedited processing at airports and land borders when entering the U.S. and Canada
  • Includes Global Entry benefits
  • Includes TSA PreCheck benefits for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and Canadian citizens
  • Expedited processing through CBP at land borders
  • Includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits for U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents

NEXUS is the border protection program between the U.S. and Canada, and having Global Entry allows you some of the benefits of NEXUS members.

To use the shared benefits of NEXUS, remember that your Global Entry card is only good for entry back into the U.S. You need to have separate NEXUS membership to be able to skip these entry points on the way out of the country as well.

SENTRI is the U.S. and Mexico border protection program. Similar to NEXUS, to use the shared SENTRI benefits of border crossing back into the U.S., you must have your Global Entry card.

To gain access to the SENTRI lane into Mexico, you have to have a full SENTRI membership.

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Hot Tip:

Another service offering expedited airport security is CLEAR®. Learn about the program in our guide to CLEAR.

How To Use Global Entry at the Airport

After you’re approved, it’s easy to use Global Entry. You can skip the paper customs form on the plane. Walk up to the kiosks at the airport when you arrive from your flight, scan your fingerprints and your passport, answer the on-screen questions, and pose for your photo.

If the kiosk can’t read your fingerprints, you can typically complete processing with an officer instead.

Woman using Global Entry kiosk with CBP agent
Image Credit: Ozzy Trevino via U.S. Customs and Border Protection

You don’t need your Global Entry card to get through the airport kiosks, but make sure to wait for your printout to finish the process. These printouts are necessary at the next checkpoint, as you must hand them to a CBP officer before exiting.

Even with Global Entry, you may occasionally be referred to an officer for additional screening.

Hot Tip: If you ever get an “X” on your receipt printout, take it to the nearest passport control officer to get approval before moving on.

Using TSA PreCheck

One of the best benefits of being a Global Entry member is the fact that you also get TSA PreCheck access, which expedites the security screening process. Provide your KTN when booking flights, and your boarding pass will indicate that you can use TSA PreCheck screening lines.

Using TSA PreCheck requires flying with an eligible airline. It’s available with most major airlines, but participation varies. These airlines use TSA PreCheck:

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TSA PreCheck Airlines

Advanced Air

British Airways

Hawaiian Airlines

Scandinavian Airlines

Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del Ecuador

Brussels Airlines

iAero Airways

Seaborne Airlines

AeroMexico

Cape Air

Iberia

Silver Airways

Air Canada

Caribbean Airlines

Icelandair

Singapore Airlines

Air Europa

Cathay Pacific Airways

InterCaribbean Airways

Southern Airways Express

Air France

Cayman Airways

ITA Airways

Southwest Airlines

Air India

China Airlines

Japan Airlines

Spirit Airlines

Air Premia

Condor Airlines

JetBlue Airways

STARLUX Airlines

Air Serbia

Contour Aviation

Key Lime Air

Sun Country Airlines

Air Tahiti Nui

Copa Airlines

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Sunwing Airlines

Air Transat

Delta Air Lines

Korean Air

Swiss International Air Lines

Alaska Airlines

Eastern Airlines

La Compagnie

Swoop

All Nippon Airways

Edelweiss Air

LAN Peru S.A.

TAM-Linhas Aereas S.A.

Allegiant Air

EL AL Israel

LATAM Airlines

TAP Air Portugal

American Airlines

Emirates

Lufthansa

Titan Airways

Aruba Airlines

Etihad Airways

New Pacific Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Asiana Airlines

Eurowings Discover

Norse Atlantic Airways

Ultimate Jet Charters

Austrian Airlines

EVA Air

Norwegian Air

United Airlines

Avelo Airlines

Fiji Airways

Omni Air International

Virgin Atlantic

Avianca

Finnair

PAL Express

Viva Air Colombia

Azul Airlines

Flair Airlines

Philippine Airlines

VivaAerobus

Bahamasair

Flycana

Porter Airlines

Volaris

BermudAir

French bee

Qantas

WestJet

Boutique Airlines

Frontier Airlines

Qatar Airways

World Atlantic

Breeze Airways

Global Crossing Airlines

RED Air

ZIPAIR

Hot Tip: You don’t need to remove laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets when going through TSA PreCheck. For more questions, check out our TSA FAQ.

Renewing Your Membership

Global Entry membership is good for 5 years, and you can renew as early as 1 year before your membership expires.

First, log in to the Trusted Traveler Programs system, find the page entitled “Manage Membership,” and select to renew your membership. You have to pay another $120 fee and update any information about yourself as applicable. An updated security interview may be required. Check your TTP account for updates on requirements for renewal.

Hot Tip:

If you’ve renewed your passport or changed your name, update your document details in your TTP account.

Final Thoughts

If you travel internationally, Global Entry can offer time savings and convenience. The short application and interview can save you time on arrival, and you also get TSA PreCheck benefits for faster security screening. With multiple ways to pay for your membership and a moderate fee of $120 for 5 years, this travel tool can be a useful upgrade. For even more info, read our Global Entry program FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries offer Global Entry?

The CBP has partnerships with over 20 countries. Our article has the entire list in the “Which Countries Participate in Global Entry?” section.

What types of U.S. visas are eligible for Global Entry?

A full list of eligible visa classifications is available in the FAQ section of the CBP website.

Where is my Global Entry number?

Also known as a Trusted Traveler Number, Known Traveler Number, or PASS ID, your membership number is inside your Trusted Traveler Program account or on your Global Entry card, if you have one.

What are the other Trusted Traveler programs?

There are 5 official Trusted Traveler programs: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST. The G.E. program is intended for international air travel, TSA PreCheck for domestic air travel, NEXUS for U.S. to Canada travel, SENTRI for U.S. to Mexico travel, and FAST for commercial trucking across North America.

Where are the Global Entry kiosks, and which airports are part of the program?

Kiosks are in approximately 75 airports worldwide. The complete list is available on the CBP website. These kiosks are only in the international terminals, where you would typically go through customs and immigration.

What is the Global Entry login site?

Access your account from the Trusted Traveler Program website.

Where are Global Entry interviews held?

Find a Global Entry enrollment center near you to schedule your interview. Finding an open interview can take up to a couple of months, but it’s worth it to keep checking back in case a spot opens up. You can also visit an Enrollment on Arrival location or set up a remote interview online

What is a Global Entry card?

A Global Entry card is proof of your membership in the Global Entry question. The physical card is only given to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and Mexican nationals. The card can be used instead of your passport at sea or land entry points, but your passport is needed for all other points of entry, including airport kiosks.

Does Global Entry give me TSA PreCheck access?

As a member of Global Entry, you can provide your Known Traveler Number when you book flights to be considered for TSA PreCheck access. This does not guarantee usage of the TSA PreCheck lane, but it does significantly increase your chances.

What's the Global Entry interview like?

During your interview, you must verify your documents, may be asked about the information on your application, and go over your travel history and discuss upcoming trips. Each interview differs from person to person and may be affected by your background.

What's the Global Entry fee?

The application fee is $120 and must be paid each time you renew your application. Each application is good for 5 years. Certain cards, such as the Amex Platinum card, offer credits for this fee.

Why use Global Entry, and what does it do?

Global Entry allows you to bypass the customs lines in certain U.S. and international airports so that you don’t have to wait in the typical processing lines, potentially saving you time.

How long does the Global Entry application process take?

The Global Entry application process can take 4 to 6 months or longer, depending on the current backlog of applications and the availability of interviewers. The application itself takes only 20 to 30 minutes, but the conditional approval typically takes about 2 weeks. Booking an interview can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

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About Alex Miller

Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.

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