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Will My Travel History Affect My Global Entry Application?

Oct. 09, 2016
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3 min read
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Will My Travel History Affect My Global Entry Application?
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TPG reader Jaquelyn sent me a message on Facebook to ask about Global Entry:

“The only thing that's held me back from applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck is my travel patterns. I've been to the Middle East quite a few times in the past 10 years; will that affect my interview and my chances of being approved?”

I'm a big fan of Global Entry, and I'd encourage anyone who travels regularly to consider signing up, especially since you can get a credit to cover the cost of applying. The expedited immigration lanes have saved me a ton of time when returning from international trips, and domestic travel has been a bit easier thanks to the included TSA PreCheck. The application process is pretty easy, and aside from the long wait to schedule an interview at some enrollment centers, it isn't too lengthy. That said, there are a few things you can do to avoid delays and maximize your chances of being approved.

During your initial online application, you'll be asked to list countries you've visited in the past five years, so any travel prior to that shouldn't be an issue. Based on my personal experience and anecdotal evidence from others, I think the only way you can really mess this up is to provide incomplete or inaccurate information. You'll probably get a bit more scrutiny than normal if you've spent a lot of time in countries like North Korea or Syria, but just having been there shouldn't prevent you from getting approved. On the other hand, failing to acknowledge previous travel could slow things down or be grounds for denial, even if the destination is considered relatively benign.

As for the actual interview, your travel history might not come up at all. If it does, then again be forthright about where you've been and why you went there. If you accidentally forgot to include a country in your application, be sure to bring it up right away. I wouldn't expect to be grilled about every trip you've taken overseas, but it can't hurt to have an explanation at hand. Any academic or professional obligation is worth mentioning — really, you just want to avoid saying something like "I don't know" or "no reason" when asked about your motivations for going.

Be sure to list all the countries you've visited, even if they seem mundane. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Ultimately, it's hard to say for certain how your travel history will impact your enrollment. I had an issue last year when I was tagged by TSA for advanced screening after a trip to Turkey, but that didn't affect my Global Entry status. I think a criminal record is far more likely to create problems, as I've heard plenty of stories about people being denied even for ancient misdemeanors. However, US Customs and Border Patrol doesn't publicize its approval process, so the only way to know for sure is to apply!

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For more on applying for Global Entry and other expedited security programs, check out these posts:

If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.