Are you eligible for Global Entry?

Are you eligible for Global Entry?

Are you interested in skipping long lines at the airport and enjoying a more efficient travel experience? Then Global Entry may be the perfect option for you. Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) created by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency that allows you to skip the slow customs and immigration lines.

The main Global Entry benefit you’ll enjoy is skipping the long wait to get through customs. Instead, you can use the automated Global Entry kiosks for expedited clearance to re-enter the U.S. after an international trip.

You’d also get access to TSA PreCheck which expedites the airport security screening process.

In my experience, the lines to go through customs and immigration are always shorter for Global Entry than the regular lines.

To join the Global Entry program, all you need to do is apply online, supply all the required information, pay the $100 fee (at the time of writing) for 5 years of membership, and finally schedule your in-person interview.

This guide will help you determine your eligibility for Global Entry.

If you’re eligible, here are 5 tips to make the application process as smooth as possible.

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents

If you are a U.S. citizen, then you are eligible for Global Entry as long as you don't meet any of the disqualifications listed below.

Lawful permanent residents in the U.S. are also eligible to join the Global Entry program. You will need to supply your valid passport and your Permanent Resident card.

If you are under 18 years of age, you will need approval from a parent or guardian.

Non U.S. citizens

There are several countries other than the U.S. whose citizens can apply for Global Entry.

The countries are:

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

There may be additional requirements for you if you are a citizen of one of these countries so please take a look at the official Global Entry page for non-U.S. citizens to find out what requirements apply to you.

Canadian citizens will need to enroll in the NEXUS program, another Trusted Traveler Program specifically for international travel between Canada and the U.S.

Learn more about NEXUS on the official CBP website.

Mexican citizens can also enroll in the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection program (SENTRI) which is specifically for entry through the U.S. southern border.

Requirements for children

If you have a Global Entry membership, you can only take children six months or younger with you through the expedited customs line.

Any children older than that will need their own membership. Yes, including seven-month-old children.

There is no age requirement to be a Global Entry member, but children under 18 will need the consent of their parent or guardian to join the program. The parent or guardian does not need to be a member of Global Entry for a minor to join.

They must create their own profile on the official TTP website, pay the fee, complete the Global Entry application, and schedule a Global Entry interview at an enrollment center.

Reasons you may not be eligible

There are a few reasons why you may not be eligible for Global Entry, even if you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or citizen of other accepted countries.

One thing to keep in mind is that you may not be rejected until you make it to the interview stage of the application.

If you are worried that you may be ineligible due to any of the below reasons, we recommend contacting the CBP by submitting a question on their website or giving them a call at 1-877-CBP-5511 (877-227-5511).

The application fee is non-refundable so you can not get that money back once you have paid it and made it to the interview stage—even if you are deemed ineligible.

Here are a few reasons you may not be approved for Global Entry:

1. You provide false or incomplete information on your application. If you are truthful in your application, you likely have nothing to worry about. Just make sure you answer all the relevant questions at the interview with the CBP officer.
2. You aren’t a low-risk traveler. The official Trusted Traveler Program website is vague about what exactly a “low-risk traveler” is, but as long as you are not flagged on any federal watchlists (for example terror threat watchlist), then it may be safe to assume you’re a low-risk traveler.
3. You've been convicted of any criminal offense, have pending charges, or have outstanding warrants. Any criminal charges on your record may make you ineligible for Global Entry. For example, if you have been convicted of driving under the influence, you may be ineligible for Global Entry.
4. You have previously violated customs, immigration, or agricultural regulations in any country. For example, if you have previously tried to smuggle illegal goods into the U.S. and were caught, this will remain on your record and can cause you to be ineligible.
5. You are the subject of an ongoing investigation by any local, state, or federal agency. This will appear on your background check and make you ineligible for Global Entry. For example, if there is currently a criminal investigation into your conduct by the FBI, you will likely be ineligible for Global Entry until that is resolved.
6. You’ve been denied the purchase of a firearm in the United States. The official TTP website does not go into detail about why this is the case, but there might be some overlap between someone who is denied the sale of a firearm and someone who isn’t considered a low-risk traveler.
7. You are inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulations. This will disqualify you for Global Entry.

Hopefully, none of these apply to you and you are eligible for the Global Entry program.

If you’re eligible, apply for the Global Entry program and book your interview now.