🌐 How to Apply for Global Entry
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection trusted-traveler program that provides expedited arrival processing for approved, low-risk travelers. Membership also includes TSA PreCheck eligibility for qualifying members.
Apply through the official CBP Global Entry instructions and the Trusted Traveler Programs account linked there. Every applicant needs a separate application, including children.
CBP conducts a background review. After conditional approval, schedule an enrollment-center interview or use Enrollment on Arrival where available. Bring original documents and update CBP if passport or immigration information changes.
📋 Documents you'll need
- Valid passport or passports held
- Permanent resident card or other immigration document when applicable
- Driver's license or another document showing current address
- Five-year address and employment history requested by the application
- International travel and customs information requested in the form
- Original documents for the interview
🪜 Step-by-step
- Review eligibility and disqualifying information on the CBP website.
- Create a Trusted Traveler Programs account for the applicant.
- Complete the Global Entry application accurately and disclose requested history.
- Pay the nonrefundable application fee through the official system.
- Monitor the account for conditional approval and messages.
- Schedule an enrollment-center interview or follow Enrollment on Arrival instructions.
- Attend the interview with original passport and other required documents.
- After approval, use the PASSID as the Known Traveler Number for eligible flights.
| Estimated cost | $120 nonrefundable application fee at the time of this guide. Certain applicants under 18 may qualify for a fee exemption tied to an eligible parent or guardian; verify current CBP rules. |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Processing varies widely. Conditional approval may take from days to many months, and interview availability depends on location. |
Frequently asked questions
Is the application fee refundable if I am denied?
No. CBP describes the application fee as nonrefundable.
Does Global Entry replace a passport?
No. Carry all travel and immigration documents required for your trip.
Do children need their own membership?
Yes. Each traveler, including a child, needs an individual application and approval to use Global Entry benefits.