Global Entry is the ultimate travel hack. Bypassing the passport control line and strolling straight to baggage claim after a 12-hour international flight is an incredible feeling.
Unfortunately, not everyone gets to skip the line.
Because Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), applicants must pass a rigorous background check extending far beyond a standard TSA screening.
Before you drop $120 on a non-refundable application fee, here is exactly what you need to know about Global Entry eligibility, citizenship requirements, and the red flags that will instantly disqualify your application.
1. Citizenship & Residency Requirements
First, the easy part. You are automatically eligible to apply if you fall into one of these two main categories:
- U.S. Citizens or Nationals
- U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
However, Global Entry is not exclusive to Americans! The United States maintains agreements with several international partners. Citizens of the following countries are also eligible to apply:
- Argentina
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Germany
- India
- Mexico
- The Netherlands
- Panama
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
Note for international applicants: If you are applying from a partner country, you must usually complete a preliminary background check with your home country's government before CBP will begin processing your application.
Are you Canadian? If you are a Canadian citizen or resident, you generally apply for NEXUS instead, which automatically includes all Global Entry benefits.
2. Age Restrictions (Or Lack Thereof)
There is no minimum age requirement for Global Entry. Newborn infants can, and frequently do, enroll in the program.
However, children cannot simply walk through the Global Entry kiosk with their parents. Every individual traveler must have their own active membership, regardless of age. If a family of four approaches the kiosk, all four must be enrolled.
Children under the age of 18 must have parental or legal guardianship consent to apply, and a parent or guardian must be present during the child’s physical interview at the enrollment center.
3. Disqualifying Factors (The Red Flags)
CBP employs strict risk assessments to determine who is "trusted." If you trigger any of the following red flags during your background check, your application will almost certainly be denied.
You may be disqualified if you:
- Have criminal convictions or pending charges: This includes DUIs (Driving Under the Influence). Even expunged convictions or pardons from decades ago can occasionally still disqualify you, as CBP has access to extensive federal databases.
- Have outstanding warrants: Including warrants for unpaid traffic tickets or minor infractions.
- Have violated any customs or immigration law: If you were caught bringing prohibited agricultural items into the U.S. on a prior trip, or if you overstayed a visa in a foreign country, your application will be denied.
- Are the subject of an ongoing investigation: By any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency.
- Provide false or incomplete information: Lying or accidentally omitting past residences, employment history, or minor arrests on the initial online application is the fastest route to a denial.
If you are honestly unsure whether a past indiscretion will disqualify you, it is generally recommended to disclose it fully on your application. CBP officers understand that humans make mistakes; attempting to hide an infraction is viewed far more harshly than the infraction itself.
4. The Final Hurdle: The Interview
If you meet all the citizenship requirements and pass the background check, you will receive Conditional Approval. You are eligible!
But the process isn't over. You must now complete a brief, in-person interview with a CBP officer at an enrollment center to finalize your membership.
The problem? Due to massive backlogs in 2026, finding an interview appointment at a major airport can take up to 11 months.
Don't let the wait time discourage you. Instead of manually checking the CBP portal every day hoping for a cancellation, you can use a Global Entry appointment scanner like Appt Helper to automate the entire process. The tracker scans your local enrollment center 24/7 and sends you an instant SMS text alert the second a cancellation opens up. You can snipe the available slot and get your Official Known Traveler Number (KTN) in just a few days.