Learn About Global Entry Program Requirements

What Global Entry Is and How It Works

Global Entry is a U.S. government program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows certain travelers to move through airport security and customs screening more quickly when returning to the United States. The program costs $100 for a five-year membership. When you travel internationally and return home through an airport, Global Entry members can use dedicated kiosks at customs instead of waiting in the standard inspection line.

The program uses biometric technology, including fingerprints and iris scanning, to verify your identity quickly. When you arrive at a U.S. airport after international travel, you approach a Global Entry kiosk, place your fingers on a scanner, look into an iris reader, and answer a few questions on a screen. The system confirms your identity and allows you to proceed. This process typically takes one to three minutes, compared to 20 to 45 minutes in a standard customs line during busy travel times.

Global Entry also provides access to TSA PreCheck, which is the Transportation Security Administration's program for domestic flights. This means you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on during security screening at U.S. airports. You can also leave your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on luggage. This combination of benefits applies whether you are traveling domestically or internationally.

The program operates at 49 U.S. airports, including major hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, and Atlanta. International airports that serve as common re-entry points for U.S. travelers are the primary locations where Global Entry kiosks are available.

Practical Takeaway: Global Entry is a time-saving tool for frequent international travelers. Understanding what the program actually does helps you decide whether the $100 five-year cost matches your travel patterns and preferences.

Basic Requirements for Global Entry Membership

To use Global Entry, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident. This requirement exists because the program is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and requires background checks conducted through U.S. government systems. Non-U.S. citizens may be able to participate in some cases, but requirements differ, and you would need to contact CBP directly for information about your specific immigration status.

You must be at least 18 years old to hold your own Global Entry membership. However, children under 18 can be included on a parent's or guardian's account at no additional cost. Children younger than 18 do not need their own membership but can use the program under an adult member's account. This means a family traveling together can all benefit from the program with just one membership fee paid by an adult.

You must have a valid U.S. passport book, passport card, or other acceptable travel document to join. A state-issued driver's license or ID is not sufficient for Global Entry membership. Your travel document must be current and valid at the time you join and when you use the program. If your passport expires during your five-year membership, you will need to renew it to continue using Global Entry, though your membership remains active.

You must pass a background check that reviews criminal history, immigration status, and other factors considered relevant to travel security. The background check is more thorough than a standard security screening. You will be required to provide detailed personal information, including any previous addresses, employment history for the past five years, and information about family members living in your household.

Practical Takeaway: Before starting the process, confirm you hold the required citizenship or immigration status and have a valid passport. These foundational requirements determine whether you can move forward with Global Entry.

The Interview and Enrollment Process

The process to join Global Entry involves several steps over several weeks. First, you submit basic biographical information online through the CBP's official portal. This includes your name, date of birth, address, passport number, and contact information. You also answer questions about your travel history, residences outside the United States, and any criminal convictions. This initial submission is reviewed by CBP staff.

If your initial submission is reviewed and you are invited to continue, you must schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. The United States has approximately 17 official Global Entry enrollment centers, located in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and San Francisco. Some airports also host enrollment centers, though not all do. You can also choose to have your interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate if you are traveling internationally.

During the interview, a CBP officer will verify your documents, take your biometric data (fingerprints and photographs), and conduct background questioning. You must bring specific documents to the interview, including a valid passport, state identification, and possibly additional documents showing your residency and employment. The interview typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. The CBP officer will ask questions about your travel history, your reason for traveling, where you have lived, and your current employment or activities.

After your interview, CBP conducts a final background check. This additional review can take several weeks. Once approved, you receive notification and your Global Entry membership becomes active. You can then use Global Entry kiosks immediately. The entire process from initial submission to active membership can take 6 to 12 weeks, though some cases move faster and others take longer depending on CBP workload and whether any issues arise during the background check.

Practical Takeaway: Plan ahead for the enrollment process timeline. Finding an interview appointment and completing background checks takes considerable time, so do not rely on Global Entry for upcoming travel until you have received your approval notification.

Financial Investment and Program Costs

Global Entry membership costs $100 for a five-year term. This is the standard fee set by CBP. The fee must be paid when you submit your application. If your application is later denied, CBP will refund your fee. If you are approved but decide not to pursue membership before it becomes active, you may be able to request a refund during a limited window, but policies vary.

When your five-year membership is about to expire, you can renew it for another $100 for five years. Most Global Entry members renew if they continue to travel internationally on a regular basis. Renewal is generally simpler than initial enrollment and may not require a new in-person interview, depending on your circumstances and CBP's current procedures.

Some credit card companies offer to cover the $100 Global Entry fee for cardholders. If you hold certain premium travel credit cards, the card issuer may reimburse your Global Entry fee as a cardholder benefit. This means you could obtain Global Entry membership at no out-of-pocket cost if you have the right credit card. However, you would still need to pay the $100 fee initially and then request reimbursement from the credit card company according to their process.

Consider whether the cost makes sense for your travel patterns. If you take international trips several times per year, the $100 cost ($20 per year) may be worthwhile given the time saved at customs. If you travel internationally once every few years, the benefit may be less compelling. Additionally, some travelers value the TSA PreCheck component for domestic flights more than the international customs screening benefit.

Practical Takeaway: Calculate your likely usage based on how frequently you travel internationally. If you have a premium credit card, check whether it offers Global Entry fee reimbursement before paying out of pocket.

Background Check Standards and What Disqualifies Applicants

CBP conducts background checks that examine your criminal history, immigration status, and other security-related factors. The background check is more stringent than standard airport security screening. Certain criminal convictions will result in denial of Global Entry membership. These include felony convictions, drug-related offenses, crimes involving dishonesty or fraud, and crimes involving violence. Misdemeanor convictions may also result in denial depending on the nature of the offense and how recently it occurred.

Immigration violations can disqualify you from Global Entry membership. If you have overstayed a visa, entered the country illegally, or have pending immigration issues, you will likely be denied. CBP requires that members be in good standing with U.S. immigration law. Lawful permanent residents must demonstrate that their status is current and valid.

CBP also considers other security factors, including customs or tax violations, patterns of suspicious behavior during international travel, or connections to individuals or organizations flagged in security databases. If you have