Choose the right trusted traveler program
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are both trusted traveler programs, but they serve different needs. Global Entry is the better value for international travelers because it includes TSA PreCheck benefits. TSA PreCheck alone only covers domestic security lanes. If you fly internationally, Global Entry saves time and money by bundling both services into one application.
The Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website lists Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST as risk-based programs designed to facilitate pre-approved travel. While all these programs offer expedited processing, Global Entry is the only one that provides expedited customs clearance upon re-entering the United States from abroad.
To compare the options side by side, review the key differences below. This table highlights the cost, coverage, and interview requirements for each program to help you decide which fits your travel pattern.
| Program | Cost | Coverage | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Entry | $100 | International customs + Domestic TSA PreCheck | Required |
| TSA PreCheck | $78 | Domestic security lanes only | Required |
| NEXUS | $50 | US/Canada borders + Global Entry + PreCheck | Required |
| SENTRI | $122 | US/Mexico land borders | Required |
Start your application on the official Trusted Traveler Programs website. You will need a valid passport or permanent resident card and a valid ID. The process takes about 10-15 minutes to complete online. After submitting your application, you will receive a conditional approval email within a few weeks. You can then schedule your interview at a nearby enrollment center.
Create your TTP account
Start by visiting the official Trusted Traveler Programs portal at ttp.dhs.gov. This is the central hub for managing all DHS trusted traveler programs, including Global Entry. Avoid third-party intermediaries; applying directly through this government site ensures your data goes straight to CBP and eliminates unnecessary service fees.
If you already have an account, simply log in. If this is your first time, click Create Account. You will need to provide a valid email address and create a strong password that meets the portal's security requirements. This account will serve as your permanent profile for all future applications and renewals.
Go to ttp.dhs.gov. The homepage provides direct links to each program. Ensure you are on the official DHS domain to protect your personal information.
Click the Create Account button. You will be prompted to enter your email address. Verify that you are using an email address you check regularly, as all application status updates and interview invites are sent here.
Create a secure password and answer security questions. These credentials are required for future logins and for accessing your Known Traveler Number (KTN) quickly when booking flights.
Check your inbox for a verification link from the DHS. Click the link to activate your account. Once verified, you can immediately begin filling out your Global Entry application.
Keep your login details handy. You will need this account to track your application status, schedule your interview, and eventually renew your membership. Accuracy at this stage prevents delays later in the approval process.
Complete your Global Entry application online
Start by visiting the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. This is the only official portal for Global Trusted Traveler applications. You will create a personal profile that serves as the foundation for your Global Entry request. Ensure you have your passport, driver’s license, and employment records ready before you begin. Having these documents on hand prevents errors and keeps you from losing progress.
Navigate to the official TTP portal and select "Create a Profile." If you already have a Known Traveler Number from TSA PreCheck or NEXUS, log in with your existing credentials. This step links your new Global Entry application to your established trusted traveler history, streamlining the verification process.
Fill in your legal name, date of birth, and citizenship exactly as they appear on your passport. The system validates these fields against government databases. Any discrepancy between your passport number and the data entered will delay your approval. Double-check the expiration date and country of issuance.
List your current and previous employers for the past five years. Include job titles, addresses, and dates of employment. This information is critical for the background check that determines your Global Trusted Traveler eligibility. Omitting short-term jobs or internships is not necessary, but accuracy is mandatory.
Declare any household members, including spouses and children, who may also be eligible for the program. You can add them to your application later, but listing them now saves time. Review your international travel history for the past five years to ensure it is complete and accurate.
Carefully review every section before submitting. Pay special attention to criminal history questions; false statements can result in permanent disqualification. Once submitted, your application will enter a "Pending" status. You can check your status online, but approval typically takes several weeks.
After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email. Keep this reference number safe. While you wait, you can continue to use TSA PreCheck if you already have a KTN. Remember, Global Entry is an investment in smoother travel, so taking the time to get the details right now pays off at the airport.
Schedule and prepare for your interview
Your Global Entry application is only half the journey. The final step is an in-person interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. This meeting confirms your identity and allows the officer to verify the information in your application. Without this step, you will not receive your Global Trusted Traveler status.
Book your interview slot
Once your application status changes to "Recommended," you must schedule your interview immediately. Go to the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website and log in to your account. Select the "Schedule Interview" option to view available times.
Availability varies widely by enrollment center. Popular airports often fill up weeks in advance. If you cannot find a convenient time at your primary airport, check nearby centers. You can reschedule later if your travel plans change, but do so as soon as possible to secure a slot.
Gather required documents
You must bring original documents to prove your identity and citizenship. Digital copies or photos on your phone are not accepted. Bring the following items to your interview:
- A valid passport from your country of citizenship.
- A secondary form of identification, such as a driver’s license.
- Any documents listing name changes (e.g., marriage certificate).
- Proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
- Your Global Entry card (if you have one from a previous enrollment).
What to expect during the meeting
The interview typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. The officer will verify your documents, ask about your travel history, and confirm your eligibility. Be honest and concise in your answers. If you have any criminal history or customs violations, disclose them upfront.
After the interview, if approved, your Global Entry status is usually activated immediately. You will receive an email confirmation and your Known Traveler Number (KTN) will be added to your profile. You can then use this number when booking flights to access TSA PreCheck lanes.
Navigate to the Trusted Traveler Programs website and sign in with your credentials. Ensure your application status shows "Recommended" before proceeding.
Choose a convenient Global Entry enrollment center. Check for available appointment times across nearby airports if your local center is fully booked.
Confirm your date and time. Write down the location and any specific entry instructions provided by the center. You will receive a confirmation email shortly after booking.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even with a clear plan, small errors can stall your Global Trusted Traveler application. CBP officers review every detail, so accuracy matters more than speed. A single inconsistency can trigger an extended background check that takes months instead of weeks.
Verify your full legal name, date of birth, and place of birth match your passport exactly. Even a middle name omission can cause a mismatch with official records.
List every international trip, including short visits. Omitting a past trip is often viewed as a lack of honesty, which is a primary reason for denial.
If you have any arrests or convictions, provide full details. Do not leave these fields blank or vague. Transparency is required for Global Trusted Traveler status.
Find your Known Traveler Number
Once your Global Entry application is approved, the Department of Homeland Security issues a unique Known Traveler Number (KTN). This eight-character alphanumeric string is your key to faster security lines and expedited customs processing. You can locate this number by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov.
After signing in with your Login.gov credentials, navigate to the "My Applications" tab on your dashboard. Your KTN will be displayed prominently at the top of the page, labeled as your "Known Traveler Number" or "TTP Number." If you have lost this number, you can also retrieve it by checking the approval letter sent to you via email or postal mail.
Keep this number handy and save it to your digital wallet. You must enter it every time you book a flight with a participating airline. Adding it to your reservation ensures your Global Entry status is linked to your boarding pass, allowing you to use the dedicated Global Entry lanes at the airport.
Frequently asked: what to check next
Which is better: TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
Global Entry provides more comprehensive benefits for international travel, including expedited U.S. customs clearance upon return. It also includes TSA PreCheck automatically, making it the superior choice for Global Trusted Travelers who fly abroad frequently. TSA PreCheck alone only covers domestic security lanes and does not help with customs processing.
What is a Trusted Traveler Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that uses risk-based analysis to pre-approve low-risk travelers. Once approved, you use automated kiosks at international airports instead of waiting in standard customs lines. This status is the primary goal for frequent international travelers seeking to minimize wait times.
How do I find my Known Traveler Number (KTN)?
Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is assigned when CBP approves your Global Entry application. You can find this eight-digit number by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account at ttp.dhs.gov. It will appear on your membership card and in your application status dashboard. Use this number when booking flights to ensure TSA PreCheck is applied to your boarding pass.
Can you travel without a Real ID after May 2026?
Yes, you can. A valid Global Entry card is a Real ID-compliant document that meets federal requirements for domestic air travel. After the May 2026 enforcement deadline, your Global Entry card can be used as acceptable identification for domestic flights, eliminating the need for a separate state-issued Real ID driver’s license.
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