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Global Entry Enrollment Events

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Due to backlogs from the Coronavirus pandemic, we're not able to host an on-campus Global Entry enrollment event anytime soon. You can still apply for or renew your Global Entry membership online and complete the in-person interview at an enrollment center.

On-Campus Global Entry Events Cancelled

Due to backlogs from the Coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has suspended all offsite Global Entry enrollment events. Until we're able to schedule events with CBP, we do not plan to host an on-campus enrollment event for Harvard faculty and staff anytime soon. If and when we can schedule an enrollment event in the future, we'll notify Harvard affiliates via our email list and update this page with dates and instructions. In the meantime, you can continue to apply for or renew your membership for Global Entry on the CBP’s Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website.

Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program

Global Entry is managed by CBP and enables expedited entry through customs at U.S. airports and expedited entry benefits in other countries. It's open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a valid passport or permanent resident card; membership is also open to citizens of selected other countries. Visit the Global Entry eligibility webpage for more information.

  • Provides access to self-service kiosks for international arrivals to the United States
  • Reduces wait time at customs
  • Includes TSA PreCheck
  • Online application and in-person interview required
  • $100 application fee charged by CBP
  • Membership lasts for 5 years

How to Apply Online for Membership

Visit the CBP website to create your Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account. Complete the application and pay the $100 non-refundable fee. CBP will review your application. The review process can take up to 90 days. If CBP conditionally approves your application, then your TTP account will instruct you to complete an in-person interview.

You need the following information and documents to apply:

  • Personal information (including other names used): name, date of birth, contact details
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate); if not a U.S. citizen: permanent resident card
  • Driver's license
  • Five years of home address history
  • Five years of employment history
  • Five years of travel history (only a list of countries is required)
  • Payment information (bank account details or credit card number)
  • Travelers who have previously been issued a PASSID, FAST ID, Membership Number, or FLUX Membership Number: have your number available before starting the application process

How to Renew Your Membership Online

If you already have Global Entry and your membership is expiring within a year, you can apply for renewal online. Log in to your TTP account, update your information for renewal, and pay the $100 non-refundable renewal fee. CBP will review your application. The review process can take up to 90 days, although renewals may process faster. If CBP conditionally approves your application, then your TTP account may instruct you to schedule an interview at a TTP enrollment center; some renewals do not require an interview.

If your renewal is not processed before your membership expires, you can continue to use the Global Entry benefits up to six months after your membership expiration date.

How to Complete the In-Person Interview

There are significant wait times for scheduling interviews at most enrollment centers, including Boston Logan Airport. These delays are due to a temporary six-month suspension of operations at TTP enrollment centers earlier in the pandemic (March-September 2020) and reduced appointment availability now to allow for physical distancing measures that protect the health and safety of staff and travelers.

The CBP's Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) program has remained operational, however, and CBP advises that the EoA program remains the best option for conditionally-approved Global Entry applicants to complete their interviews.

Bring the following original documents with you to the interview:

  • Confirmation letter from your TTP account inviting you to the interview (not applicable for the EoA program)
  • Valid passport; if you travel using more than one passport, bring all valid passports
  • Documents providing evidence of residency (e.g. driver’s license with current address, mortgage statement, utility bill, etc.)
  • Permanent resident card, if applicable

The CBP agent will interview you and take your photo and fingerprints. Upon successful completion of the interview, CBP will immediately activate Global Entry status on your passport or permanent resident card.

Alternatives to Global Entry

As an alternative to Global Entry, U.S. citizens and certain other eligible groups can use Automated Passport Control (APC) or Mobile Passport Control (MPC). You can use APC and MPC for Customs entry at dozens of international airports in the United States, all of which have designated APC kiosks and MPC lanes to reduce wait times and increase processing efficiency. APC and MPC do not require pre-approval or interviews. APC does not incur a charge. For MPC, you have an option for a free version of a premium version that incurs a fee.

Questions?

Browse the FAQs below, and email us at globalsupport@harvard.edu if your question hasn’t yet been answered.

Due to backlogs from the COVID-19 pandemic and shift to remote work, we do not anticipate being able to schedule and host an on-campus Global Entry enrollment event for Harvard faculty and staff any time soon.

If and when we are able to host an on-campus enrollment event in the future, scheduling will depend on CBP agent availability. We typically host up to two events annually (one in the fall and/or one in the spring). We announce dates of the on-campus enrollment event several months in advance to give you enough time to apply for and receive conditional approval.

If and when we host a future event, we'll notify Harvard affiliates on our email list and update this page with new dates and instructions.

The Global Entry application fee is charged by CBP and is the responsibility of the traveler. Because Global Entry can be used for both personal and business travel, IRS rules do not allow Global Entry to be a reimbursed business expense. Reimbursements, if provided by the local unit, must be processed as additional pay.

Consult with your local financial administrator if you have questions regarding your department’s reimbursement policy for this expense.

Yes, your spouse or partner can apply. Each person needs to complete their own online application, receive conditional approval, and complete their own interview.

No. Each interview accommodates only one individual. If a spouse or partner applies for Global Entry and receives conditional approval, they will need their own appointment.

If your membership is expiring within a year, you can submit a renewal application to CBP. If your renewal does not get processed in time before your membership expires, you can continue to use the Global Entry benefits up to 6 months after your membership expiration date.

For renewals, an interview may or may not be required. Once CBP reviews your renewal application, your TTP account will be updated to reflect your status and the next steps needed to complete the renewal process. 

Yes, citizens of selected other countries are also eligible to apply for Global Entry, although additional restrictions apply. See the CBP's Global Entry eligibility web page for a complete list of countries.

For U.S. citizens, a valid passport satisfies proof of citizenship. If not a U.S. citizen, you'll need a valid permanent resident card.

No, travel companions who are not Global Entry members cannot use the Global Entry kiosks.

You can also review CBP's frequently asked questions about Global Entry.