Global Entry Application: Trusted Traveler Program
Step-by-step guide to applying for Global Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection trusted traveler program that speeds up clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States.
Confirm U.S. citizenship, U.S. lawful permanent residency, or eligible foreign nationality
Citizens of 12 countries including the UK, Germany, South Korea, and Panama are eligible. Mexican nationals apply through a separate Viajero Confiable process.
Verify no criminal convictions or pending criminal charges
Any customs or immigration violations, including agricultural inspections, can result in denial. Even dismissed charges may require explanation during the interview.
Check that you have not been denied entry to the U.S. or had a previous trusted traveler membership revoked
If previously denied, you may reapply after 1 year. CBP does not refund the $100 application fee for denied applicants.
Online Application via TTP
Create an account on the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
You need a valid email address and will create a username/password. The TTP system is the same portal used for NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST programs.
Complete the online application with personal information, travel history, and employment details
You must list all countries visited in the past 5 years. Gather your passport, driver's license, and employment address before starting — the form times out after 20 minutes of inactivity.
Enter passport details and country of citizenship
Provide 5-year travel history with dates and countries
List current and previous addresses for the past 5 years
Pay the non-refundable $100 application fee by credit card
The fee covers a 5-year membership. Many travel credit cards reimburse the Global Entry fee as a cardholder benefit — check your card's perks before paying out of pocket.
Submit the application and save your confirmation number
Conditional approval typically takes 2-4 weeks, though it can take up to 6 months during peak periods. You can check status anytime on the TTP dashboard.
Conditional Approval and Interview
Receive conditional approval notification via email
Conditional approval means you passed the background check. You have 730 days (2 years) from conditional approval to complete your interview before the application expires.
Schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center
There are over 70 enrollment centers at major U.S. airports and some international locations. Wait times vary — smaller airports like Burlington, VT or Tucson, AZ often have same-week availability.
Log into TTP and select an enrollment center
Choose an available date and time slot
Alternatively, use Enrollment on Arrival at participating airports
Enrollment on Arrival lets conditionally approved applicants complete the interview when returning from international travel, skipping the appointment. Over 60 airports participate in this program.
Attend the interview with required documents
Bring your valid passport, one additional form of ID (driver's license or state ID), and your permanent resident card if applicable. The interview typically lasts 10-15 minutes.
Bring valid passport
Bring a second form of government-issued ID
Bring permanent resident card if applicable
Enrollment Completion
Provide fingerprints and a photograph at the enrollment center
CBP captures 10-print fingerprints digitally and takes a facial photo. This biometric data links to your Known Traveler Number (KTN) for identity verification at kiosks.
Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and Global Entry card
Your KTN is assigned immediately after approval. The physical Global Entry card arrives by mail in 2-3 weeks, but you can use Global Entry kiosks right away with your passport.
Add your KTN to airline frequent flyer profiles for automatic TSA PreCheck
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits at no extra cost. Add your KTN to each airline's loyalty program profile so PreCheck appears on boarding passes automatically.
Using Global Entry
Use Global Entry kiosks at participating airports when returning to the U.S.
Scan your passport or permanent resident card at the kiosk, complete the customs declaration on the touchscreen, and provide fingerprints. The entire process takes about 2 minutes.
Present the kiosk receipt to the CBP officer at the exit
If the kiosk prints a receipt with an X, you will be directed to secondary inspection. This can happen randomly and does not mean your membership is in jeopardy.
Report any changes in personal information through the TTP dashboard
Name changes, new passport numbers, and address changes must be updated in TTP within 30 days. Failure to update information can result in membership revocation.
Renewal Process
Apply for renewal up to 1 year before your membership expiration date
Log into TTP and select 'Renew' on your dashboard. Renewal costs $100 for another 5 years. CBP sends an email reminder 6 months before expiration.
Complete the renewal application with updated personal information
Most renewals are approved without an interview. If CBP requires an interview, you will be notified through TTP. Renewal processing typically takes 3-6 weeks.
Continue using Global Entry while renewal is pending if within the grace period
If your renewal application is submitted before expiration, your benefits extend for up to 18 months while the renewal is processed. Your KTN stays the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Global Entry cost and how long is it valid?
Global Entry costs $120 for a 5-year membership, which works out to $24 per year. The program includes TSA PreCheck benefits at no additional cost (TSA PreCheck alone costs $78 for 5 years). Many premium credit cards (like the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X) reimburse the Global Entry fee as a cardholder benefit. Renewal costs the same $120 and can be done online up to 12 months before expiration.
How long does Global Entry approval take?
After submitting your online application, conditional approval typically takes 2-4 weeks, though some applications undergo additional review for 2-3 months. After conditional approval, you must complete an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, and appointment availability varies by location from days to months. Enrollment on Arrival allows conditionally approved applicants to complete their interview upon returning from an international trip, often with shorter wait times.
Can non-US citizens apply for Global Entry?
Yes, citizens of 15 countries can apply, including the UK, Germany, South Korea, Mexico, India, Colombia, Argentina, and others through bilateral trusted traveler agreements. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) of the US are also eligible regardless of their citizenship. Canadian citizens should apply for NEXUS instead, which includes Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and Canadian trusted traveler benefits for $50. Check CBP's website for the current list of eligible countries.
What disqualifies you from Global Entry?
Common disqualifiers include prior criminal convictions (even misdemeanors), prior customs or immigration violations, pending criminal charges, and providing false information on the application. Previous visa overstays or CBP enforcement actions also result in denial. Minor traffic infractions generally do not disqualify you. If denied, you can reapply after one year or submit a DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry (DHS TRIP) if you believe the denial was made in error.