Global Entry mobile app: The complete guide
Editor's Note
Global Entry is getting even easier and faster to use.
At more than a dozen U.S. airports, travelers can now bypass the Global Entry kiosks and instead verify their arrival in the U.S. on a smartphone using the program’s new mobile app.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which operates Global Entry and other Trusted Traveler programs, rolled out the official Global Entry app in late September.
You can use the app to confirm your arrival at an international airport with a selfie. CBP will compare that photo with your photo(s) on file and then send you a mobile receipt you can take right to an agent.
Unfortunately, you won’t find the app usable at all airports where Global Entry is available just yet.
However, the Global Entry app is available at a fast-growing list of, now, 15 airports:
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Washington D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Midway International Airport (MDW) in Chicago
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
If you're arriving at another major U.S. airport not listed above, you might still want to check the app. TPG has found that CBP has rapidly added airports to the app as it expands its reach to more international arrivals locations across the country.
CBP said it will continue to evaluate the program and expand to other airports in the future as a way to make the program more secure and efficient for travelers.
“The new Global Entry mobile application leverages the latest technologies, in order to enhance security while further improving the travel experience for CBP’s trusted travelers,” Troy A. Miller, CBP senior official performing the duties of the commissioner, said in a statement in September.
Here’s a look at how the new app works.
How does the Global Entry app work?
Your first step, of course, is to download the Global Entry mobile app. It’s free in the Apple app store and Google Play.
Once you open the app, you’ll start a “New Submission.” You’ll want to start this process after landing, so perhaps while your plane taxis (after the flight attendant indicates you can use mobile devices).
From there, the app will ask you to select your CBP port of entry, which is the airport where you’ve just arrived.
Again, the current list of airports is limited, but the agency plans to expand this program to more in the future.
Depending on the airport, you may have to select your arrival terminal. If you’re not sure where you’ll arrive, you should be able to confirm this on your airline’s app.
For example, let’s say I’m arriving in Los Angeles.
Once I select LAX, I’ll have a choice of two terminals; I’ll pick “TBIT” for the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Then, it’ll ask you if you’ve actually arrived at that airport. If you have, select “Submit Now.”
At that point, the app will prepare you for your selfie and offer a few tips for taking an effective photo, like ensuring adequate lighting and not wearing a mask.
You’ll need to allow the app to access your camera for this to work (select “OK”).
Then, follow the instructions for taking a selfie.
The app will show you the photo it just captured, and you can either accept it or take another.
If I were actually near LAX and arriving from an international flight, I would then receive a mobile receipt. This takes the place of the Global Entry kiosk receipt (which, in a lot of cases these days, is digital anyway with the advent of paperless kiosks).
Once you’re in the international arrivals areas, you can head right to the Global Entry line, but skip the kiosks and proceed with your mobile receipt right to the CBP officer, who will be the final stamp of approval on your arrival back in the U.S.
Bottom line
Global Entry is at a record 12 million-plus members and continues to field applications at an unprecedented pace, which has helped contribute to an enrollment backlog.
However, once you’re in, the program can save you an incredible amount of time after an international flight, and the addition of the mobile app figures to speed that process up even more.
If you’re hoping to take an international trip next spring or summer, now is a good time to get the enrollment process started. Also, don’t forget to charge your $100 application fee to a credit card that reimburses the program’s cost.
Don’t want to use the app? No problem: Global Entry kiosks will still be available. CBP just considers this an additional option for its growing membership.
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- Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
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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.