What Is Global Entry
Global Entry is a U.S. government program that allows approved travelers to move through customs and immigration more quickly after arriving from international travel. It is part of a system designed to speed up entry into the United States for travelers who have completed a background review and meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Rather than replacing passport control or customs, Global Entry changes how parts of the arrival process are completed for approved members. The program uses automated processing at participating locations while still verifying a traveler’s identity and arrival information before entry is finalized.
It is a trusted traveler program, not a different travel document
Global Entry is neither a passport nor a visa. It is one of the U.S. Trusted Traveler Programs administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Approved members receive a Known Traveler Number that identifies them within the program. When they arrive in the United States from another country, they may use designated Global Entry kiosks or automated processing areas instead of the standard inspection line at participating locations.
Global Entry does not eliminate the arrival inspection. Instead, much of the identity verification is completed electronically before a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer completes the entry process.
It is only used when entering the United States from abroad
Global Entry is used during international arrivals into the United States. Participating airports and certain border crossings provide dedicated processing areas for approved members alongside the standard arrival process.
The program is not used when boarding a flight, checking baggage, or traveling on domestic flights. Its purpose is limited to processing eligible travelers as they re-enter the United States after international travel.
The system recognizes approved travelers automatically
Before someone can use Global Entry, they must first be approved for the program. That approval allows government systems to recognize the traveler during future international arrivals.
When an approved traveler enters a Global Entry processing area, passport information and identity details are matched with government records. Depending on the location, this may involve facial recognition technology, passport scanning, or other electronic verification methods.
Once the system confirms the traveler’s identity, the arrival inspection can usually be completed more efficiently. If additional review is required, the traveler is referred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer for the remainder of the inspection.
Faster processing is not the same as skipping inspection
A common misunderstanding is that Global Entry allows travelers to bypass immigration or customs. In reality, the same entry requirements still apply. The program changes how approved travelers move through the inspection process, not whether inspection occurs.
Global Entry is also sometimes confused with TSA PreCheck because membership includes TSA PreCheck benefits for eligible flights. The two programs serve different purposes. TSA PreCheck applies to airport security screening before departure, while Global Entry applies after international travel when entering the United States.
It works alongside the rest of the international arrival process
Entering the United States after international travel involves several connected systems that verify identity, authorize entry, and account for people and goods crossing the border. Passport control, immigration, and customs each serve different roles within that process.
Global Entry fits into that larger system by providing an alternative way for approved travelers to complete portions of the inspection electronically. It operates within the existing border entry process rather than replacing it, allowing identity verification to be completed more efficiently while maintaining the same inspection requirements.
Putting it all in context
Global Entry is an expedited entry program for pre-approved travelers returning to the United States from international travel. It uses automated identity verification within the existing customs and immigration system, making border processing more efficient while maintaining the same inspection and verification requirements.
Learn how typical systems work in the Travel & Transportation category, covering everyday movement and transit processes.
