Global Entry can be a useful program for travelers entering the United States or select other countries. Specifically, this Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) has benefits for U.S. Customs screenings that usually expedite entry into the country.
Besides U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents, select foreign citizens are also eligible for Global Entry. The program has specific international arrangements with several countries. Read on to learn more.
Global Entry participating countries
When returning to the U.S. from travel abroad, members can use Global Entry kiosks located at many major airports. There's good news for U.S. Citizens with Global Entry, too: Certain countries may accept your Global Entry membership through specific systems at their ports of entry.
Who can apply for Global Entry?
U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents are eligible for Global Entry. Citizens of several additional countries can apply for Global Entry because of international arrangements with the program. Those countries include:
- Argentina
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Germany
- India
- New Zealand
- Panama
- Republic of Korea
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- The Netherlands
- United Kingdom
The nonrefundable application fee is required for every individual as they complete a Global Entry application. However, applicants from thecountries above may first need to complete specific steps, such as obtaining clearance from their home country's authorities. This
clearance can cost an additional fee.
Examples of international arrangements for Global Entry
Several countries have arrangements with U.S. Customs and Border Protection that may facilitate Global Entry benefits.
Australia
Australian citizens are not eligible to participate in Global Entry. However, U.S. citizens with Global Entry who are at least 16 years oldcan access SmartGate in many of Australia's international airports. SmartGates use facial recognition and electronic passport technology to
process you when arriving in or departing from the country. To enter Australia, travelers need a valid passport and visa.
Republic of Korea
To apply for Global Entry, citizens of the Republic of Korea must first enroll in the Smart Entry Service. This is a TTP that the Republic of Korea operates and has linked to Global Entry through a partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
New Zealand
With a Global Entry membership, U.S. citizens arriving in New Zealand can use a designated processing line. Auckland, Wellington andChristchurch international airports have these designated lines for U.S. Global Entry members. Standard customs, immigration and biosecurity screenings are still required upon arrival, but the international arrangement can benefit U.S. Global Entry members.
Global Entry locations
There are Global Entry kiosks in many airports, some in the United States and some in other countries. You'll also find Global Entryenrollment centers at major U.S. airports and select other countries. These particular centers are typically in international airports. However,
you can find Global Entry enrollment center locations outside airports, as well.
Can you use Global Entry in Mexico?
U.S. citizens who have Global Entry membership can apply for Viajero Confiable, Mexico's TTP that offers specific expedited entry benefits. The program is similar to Global Entry in that members can use automated kiosks at participating airports to enter Mexico more quickly. Viajero Confiable requires its own an application fee and interview; Global Entry members aren't automatically enrolled.
Does Europe recognize Global Entry?
Global Entry has arrangements with several countries in Europe. Usually, citizens of these countries have to meet certain requirements andcomplete processes their country has designated as part of a Global Entry application.
United Kingdom
As of May 2023, U.S. citizens with a Global Entry membership do not have access to any expedited entry benefits when arriving in the United Kingdom.
U.K. citizens are eligible for Global Entry but first must complete the application process with the U.K. Home Office. Passing this vettingprocess would provide an access code you can use when completing a Global Entry application at the TTP website. To enroll in Global Entry at this point will require a valid passport as well as a valid visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Germany
Global Entry membership benefits are not available when arriving in Germany. Instead, the country has a program called EasyPASS-RTP, aself-service border control screening process that requires an electronic passport. EasyPass-RTP happens to be free to participate in as of May 2023. If you enroll successfully, you can use EasyPASS-RTP lines at participating Germany airports right away and for as long as yourelectronic passport is valid.
Croatia
Citizens of Croatia can apply for Global Entry at the TTP website. They'll need a valid passport and either a valid visa or approved ESTAapplication to complete the application process. If you have Global Entry membership, it's important to keep passport or visa information up to date in your TTP account. Otherwise, you may not be able to use a Global Entry kiosk successfully.
Switzerland
Citizens of Switzerland can apply for Global Entry but first need a clearance from the Swiss Federal Police, which involves paying a fee.Another Swiss Federal Police clearance will be needed when Swiss citizens submit a renewal application for Global Entry.
The Netherlands
Dutch nationals are able to apply for Global Entry. Applicants will need a Dutch passport and have to meet some additional requirements.Maintaining your membership, for instance, requires an annual background check by Dutch authorities, even though Global Entry
membership lasts five years.
Does Canada accept Global Entry?
Global Entry is not accepted when entering Canada. The country doesn't have an expedited screening process specifically for Global Entrymembers who enter the country. Instead, Canada partners with U.S. CBP to offer NEXUS. This TTP can provide members expedited processing when entering either the United States or Canada.
In summary
Global Entry can expedite entry when arriving in the United States at international points of entry. Through international arrangements withseveral countries, citizens of several countries can apply for Global Entry. Also, U.S. citizens with a Global Entry membership can access
expedited entry benefits in some countries, such as New Zealand.
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