Skip the Lines: Trusted Traveler Programs U.S. Citizens Can Use To Save Time in Other Countries

Airports are stressful enough without having to deal with long lines at passport control.

For U.S. citizens who travel internationally, several countries offer programs that let you use eGates or fast-track lanes instead of waiting in traditional queues. While each program has its own enrollment requirements, fees, and validity period, they all share 1 thing in common: saving you time at the border.

Let’s take a closer look at the main options available — and whether they’re worth the effort.

Canada: NEXUS

NEXUS is a joint program between the U.S. and Canadian governments to facilitate cross-border travel for frequent visitors.

There’s a one-time $120 application fee, and enrollees can use both NEXUS lanes and Global Entry lanes at dedicated border crossings.

You need to apply online or by mail and be conditionally approved before scheduling an interview. Interviews are available in the U.S. and Canada. However, U.S. enrollment centers are only near the Canadian border, which isn’t convenient for those living in more southern states. Not all enrollment centers are at airports, either.

Germany: EasyPASS-RTP

Germany’s EasyPASS Registered Traveller Programme (RTP) gives U.S. citizens access to automated eGates at participating airports. This means you can skip the typical immigration line.

Participation is free, but you must visit an EasyPASS registration office in Germany as part of the enrollment process. Additionally, you must have a chip-enabled electronic passport and be at least 12 years old.

Your enrollment is valid until your passport expires. You’ll then need to register for the program again with your new passport.

No appointment is necessary; after filling out this form (available in English), simply visit an enrollment office.

A list of airports with eGates is available here, and it includes major airports in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. There are currently 8 eligible airports.

Malaysia: Digital Arrival Card and eGates

Malaysia’s process is slightly different. It requires prearrival paperwork and biometric capture to use eGates and save time at the airport.

You apply online up to 3 days before arrival and then provide digital fingerprints on arrival. Social visits (aka tourism) are eligible for participation.

Enrollment is tied to your passport, meaning you need to reenroll when you get a new passport. The eGates are only available in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at present.

There’s no enrollment fee.

Mexico: Viajero Confiable

Viajero Confiable is Mexico’s equivalent of Global Entry, giving U.S. travelers faster entry through automated kiosks.

To be eligible, you must already have Global Entry and hold a valid, machine-readable passport. An in-person interview at a Mexican enrollment center is mandatory, and biometrics are collected at the interview. There’s no minimum age for participation.

The program is valid for 5 years, and its website does not mention a fee.

To apply, you must already have Global Entry and then apply through the program’s website. After that, you schedule an in-person interview at a participating airport. Viajero Confiable is available at airports in Mexico City (MEX), Cancun (CUN), and Los Cabos (SJD).

South Korea: Smart Entry Service

South Korea’s Smart Entry Service (SES) is similar to Viajero Confiable, providing faster immigration clearance for frequent visitors.

To be eligible, you must be at least 17 and already have a Global Entry membership. You also need a valid passport and need to complete an interview in South Korea. At the interview, you must provide biometrics.

You don’t need an appointment for the interview, which can be conducted at any participating location, including Seoul Station City Airport Terminal downtown.

There’s no additional cost beyond your Global Entry membership, and your SES enrollment is valid for 5 years.

SES gates are available at Busan Port, Cheongju Airport (CJJ), Daegu Airport (TAE), Gimhae Airport (PUS), Gimpo Airport (GMP), Incheon Airport (ICN), Incheon Port, and Jeju Airport (CJU).

Asia-Pacific: U.S. APEC Business Travel Card

The U.S. APEC Business Travel Card Program is designed for business travelers heading to the Asia-Pacific region. There are 21 participating countries, mostly in eastern and southeastern Asia, though members also include Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, and the U.S.

This option is available for U.S. citizens who already have Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI and are businesspeople or government officials doing business in an associated country. Qualifying business activities include everything from trade to musical performances. The application fee is $70.

Your APEC card is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.

Once you have an eligible Trusted Traveler Program membership, visit any Customs and Border Patrol trusted traveler enrollment center for your interview and signature collection to obtain the APEC card. There’s no appointment necessary.

Using Your Global Entry Membership Abroad

While Global Entry is a U.S.-based program, you may be surprised to learn you can use it for expedited lanes on arrival at 3 airports in New Zealand: Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), and Christchurch (CHC).

The lanes are clearly marked with “U.S. Global Entry” signs, and you need your physical Global Entry card, your passport, and any other documents related to your trip. Using these lanes doesn’t change any visa or immigration requirements for your trip.

Other Countries Offering eGate Access

In addition to these formal programs, U.S. passport holders can use automated passport control eGates in several other countries without special registration. Australia is a prime example: Eligible travelers simply walk up to the SmartGate, scan their passport, and go through without paperwork or prior enrollment.

Other countries on CBP’s international arrangements list also allow U.S. citizens to use eGates directly, though requirements can vary slightly. These can be a great perk for travelers who don’t want to commit to a separate program but still want faster processing abroad. The eGates program exists in Hong Kong, Portugal, the U.K., and more.

Is It Worth It?

Whether these programs are worthwhile depends on how often you travel.

• Occasional travelers: If you visit a country once every few years, it’s hard to justify the effort of applying, attending an interview abroad, and paying fees just to save time at immigration once or twice every few years.
• Frequent travelers: If you travel to eligible countries more than once a year, these programs can be a real time-saver. Skipping long lines after a long flight isn’t just a convenience. It can mean making your connection, arriving at meetings on time, or simply starting your vacation with less stress.
• Business travelers: The U.S. APEC Business Travel Card, in particular, is built for those with recurring business trips across the Asia-Pacific region. Its value increases the more often you use it.

Basically, the more you travel, the more these programs pay off.

Final Thoughts

Trusted traveler programs abroad give U.S. citizens the ability to bypass traditional border control, saving time and reducing hassle. While they do require some upfront effort — and fees in some cases — they can be invaluable for frequent international travelers.

If you only fly once every few years, you’ll probably be fine waiting in line. But if your passport gets frequent stamps from the same countries, enrolling in these programs can make your trips much smoother.