What is Global Entry? Who can apply, and what are the benefits?

Just in 2022, three new countries were added to the fast-growing list of Global Entry eligible countries – Brazil, The Netherlands, and Bahrain. As of time of writing, Global Entry membership is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of the following 14 countries:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Bahrain
• India
• Colombia
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• The Netherlands
• Panama
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Mexico

Global Entry is an expedited processing program when flying into the U.S. border at certain participating airports for pre-approved “low-risk” travelers who have machine-readable passports, who can instead use one of the Global Entry automated kiosks to be admitted to the United States without needing to line up to be screened by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. Canadian nationals who are NEXUS members can also use Global Entry kiosks if their biometric information is on file with CBP.

Global Entry members are also eligible for TSA Pre-Check, which means travelers can use an expedited security screening lane at airports when boarding a flight in the U.S., and be exempt from needing to remove shoes, belts, and light jackets, and taking out laptops from bags – making the process go by much quicker.

CBP has sole discretion on whether or not to approve a traveler for Global Entry membership, which, if approved, costs $100 for a 5-year membership. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment, and the procedure varies depending on your citizenship. An applicant may be denied this benefit if any of the following applies:

• Provided any false or incomplete information on the application;
• Have any criminal convictions, pending criminal charges, or outstanding warrants (including driving under the influence)
• Have been found to have violated any customs, immigration, or agriculture regulations or laws in any country;
• Subject of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency;
• Have been denied for the purchase of a firearm;
• Are otherwise inadmissible, even if you have an approved waiver or parole;
• Or otherwise cannot satisfy CBP of “low-risk” status.

If a Global Entry member who is not a U.S. citizen or green card holder obtains a new visa, such as a new work visa, he or she must notify CBP in-person at a Global Entry enrollment center to update this visa information on file. Otherwise, the Global Entry kiosk may not properly calculate the members’ class of admission and period of stay. Each time when they are entering the U.S., Global Entry members may also elect to line up at the general queue and be personally examined by a CBP officer instead.

For more information on who is eligible and how to apply for Global Entry, check the CBP official webpage here.