Learn How to Check Your Global Entry Status

What Is Global Entry and How It Works

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows low-risk travelers to move through U.S. airport security and customs checkpoints more quickly when returning from international trips. The program was created to reduce wait times at airports while maintaining border security. When you have Global Entry, you can use dedicated kiosks at customs areas instead of waiting in the regular passenger line. This can save 20 to 30 minutes or more during busy travel periods, depending on airport traffic and time of day.

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The program requires an initial membership fee and periodic renewal. As of 2024, the membership fee is $100 for five years, which breaks down to about $20 per year. When you are a member, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can add to airline reservations. Some credit card companies include Global Entry membership as a cardholder benefit, meaning you do not pay the standard fee if you hold one of these cards.

Global Entry membership also includes benefits from related programs. Members receive a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck benefit, which speeds up domestic airport security screening. This means you can go through faster security lines at U.S. airports for domestic flights. The membership also covers trusted traveler programs in other countries, depending on the specific agreement between the United States and those nations.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding what Global Entry actually does—and what it does not do—is the first step in checking your status. Global Entry is a convenience program, not a requirement for international travel. You can travel internationally without it, but members experience shorter wait times at customs.

Ways to Check Your Global Entry Status Online

The official way to check your Global Entry status is through the CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. To use this system, you will need to create an account or log into an existing account on the CBP website. The process involves entering personal information such as your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. Once you log in, you can view your current membership status, renewal dates, and other account details.

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To access the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs portal, visit the official CBP website and look for the login section. You may be asked to create a username and password if you do not already have one. The system uses security questions and personal verification steps to confirm your identity before showing your account information. This protects your privacy and prevents unauthorized people from viewing your travel history.

When you check your status, you will see one of several possible statuses: Active, Pending, Expired, or Application Withdrawn. An Active status means your membership is current and you can use all benefits. A Pending status indicates that your information has been submitted but not yet reviewed. An Expired status means your membership period has ended and you cannot use Global Entry benefits until you renew. Application Withdrawn means your request was cancelled, either by you or by the government.

The CBP website also shows your KTN, which is a unique number assigned to your membership. You can add this number to airline reservations to receive TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits on your flights. Some travelers bookmark this page since they may need to reference their KTN for airline bookings or to confirm their membership status before traveling.

Practical Takeaway: Bookmark the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs login page so you can check your status anytime before trips. Checking your status before traveling prevents surprises at the airport if your membership has expired.

Understanding Your Global Entry Status Codes and What They Mean

When you view your account on the CBP website, you will see a specific status code that describes your membership condition. Each status code has a different meaning and affects what you can do at the airport. Understanding these codes helps you know whether you can use Global Entry benefits on your next trip or if you need to take action before traveling.

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An "Active" status is the status you want to see. This means your membership is current, your background check has been completed, and you can use all Global Entry benefits immediately. Active members can use the Global Entry kiosks at U.S. airports when returning from international travel. This status typically lasts for five years from the date your membership was granted. Most members check their status a few months before the five-year period ends to plan for renewal.

A "Pending" status means your information has been received and is under review. This status can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. During this time, the CBP is checking background information and verifying that you meet the program requirements. You cannot use Global Entry benefits while your status is Pending. If your status remains Pending for longer than expected, you can contact the CBP to ask about the progress of your case.

An "Expired" status appears after your five-year membership period ends. Once expired, you cannot use Global Entry kiosks or receive TSA PreCheck benefits on flights. Your KTN will not work with airlines. You will have to wait in regular security and customs lines. To restore your benefits, you must submit a renewal request through the CBP website.

An "Application Withdrawn" or "Denied" status means your membership will not be granted or has been cancelled. This can happen for various reasons, including background check results or program rule violations. If you see this status and believe it was a mistake, you can contact the CBP to learn more about why your membership was not granted.

Practical Takeaway: Write down the date your Global Entry membership expires so you can plan a renewal. Renewing before your membership ends means you will not lose benefits between the old and new membership periods.

What Information You Will Need to Check Your Status

Before you log into your account to check your Global Entry status, gather a few pieces of personal information. Having this information ready makes the process faster and more straightforward. The CBP system uses this information to verify your identity and locate your account record.

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You will need your full legal name as it appears on your passport or government-issued ID. The system is strict about name spelling and will not find your account if the name does not match exactly. If you have changed your name since you submitted your Global Entry information, you may need to update your account before checking your status. You will also need your date of birth, which should match the birth date on your official documents.

A valid driver's license number or passport number is typically required for identity verification. The CBP uses this number to cross-reference your identity with government databases. If you do not remember your driver's license number or passport number, you can look it up on your actual license or passport before starting the login process. Having this information beforehand prevents you from having to start the process multiple times.

You will also need to create or use an existing username and password for the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs portal. If you do not have an account yet, the system will guide you through creating one. You may be asked to provide a valid email address, which the CBP can use to send status updates or notifications about your membership. Make sure you use an email address you check regularly so you do not miss important messages about your account.

If you have forgotten your login credentials, the CBP website has a password reset option. You can use your email address or phone number to verify your identity and create a new password. Some people find it helpful to store their username in a safe place so they do not forget it before future trips.

Practical Takeaway: Create a document with your important travel information, including your KTN, passport number, and Global Entry membership dates. Keep this document in a safe place or your travel folder so you can reference it before flights.

Checking Your Status Through the CBP Mobile Application

In addition to the website, the CBP offers a mobile application called the "CBP Border Wait Times" app that can provide some account information on your phone. While the main CBP Trusted Traveler Programs portal is accessed through a web browser, the mobile app offers an alternative way to check certain details about your membership when you are on the go. The app is free and available for both iPhone and Android devices.

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The mobile app allows you to view customs and Border wait times at various U.S. airports, which can help you plan your return trip time. You can also access some account information if you log in through the app. However, for complete account details and status checks, the full website portal remains the most reliable option. Some travelers use the app primarily for checking real-time wait times at airports