Although U.S. citizens primarily use Global Entry to get expedited entry back into the U.S. from abroad, travelers can also use it for expedited entry benefits in limited countries.
The program gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad. Global Entry users can enter the country through automated kiosks at 75-plus airports.
Conversely, non-U.S. citizens from 21 countries can apply for Global Entry to use it in the U.S.
Here’s what to know.
Countries where US citizens can access expedited entry benefits
U.S. citizens with a Global Entry membership can access expedited entry benefits in three countries.
Australia
Qualified U.S. citizens with Global Entry can use facial recognition and electronic passports for expedited entry and departure at 10 Australian airports.
U.S. citizens must be at least 16 years old and have a biometric symbol on their passport to participate.
Travelers can use facial recognition and electronic passport technology to both enter and depart Australia via a SmartGate kiosk.
To enter Australia, Americans also need a visa.
New Zealand
U.S. Global Entry members can use a designated processing line to expedite entry into New Zealand, specifically at Auckland Airport (AKL), Wellington Airport (WLG) and Christchurch Airport (CHC). To do so, U.S. Global Entry members must show their Global Entry card, their U.S. passport and arrival documentation.
Mexico
U.S. citizens with Global Entry membership can apply for a reciprocal Trusted Traveler Program called Viajero Confiable to use in Mexico.
To apply, travelers must be at least 18 years old, have a valid machine-readable passport and pay an application fee online. Similar to Global Entry, applicants must also interview at an enrollment center.
Once approved, members can use automated kiosks at participating airports — including Cancun International Airport (CUN), Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) — to enter Mexico more quickly.
Countries where non-US citizens can apply for Global Entry
Through international arrangements with several countries, citizens of 21 countries can apply for Global Entry:
- Argentina
- Australia (as of early 2025)
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Canada (eligible for Global Entry benefits through Nexus)
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Dominican Republic
- Germany
- India
- Japan
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Netherlands
- Panama
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- U.K.
For all of these countries, the application works the same way it does for U.S. travelers. You must apply online through the Trusted Traveler Program website and pay the application fee.
If conditionally approved for Global Entry, the easiest option is to schedule an interview when entering the U.S. from abroad via Enrollment on Arrival or Enrollment on Departure at Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C. You must bring your passport and a photo ID showing your correct residential address to interview.
Ways to save money on Global Entry
A five-year membership to Global Entry costs $120, and it includes a five-year membership to TSA PreCheck. Essentially, you reap the benefits of both programs for an additional $42.
Several cobranded airline and hotel credit cards, among other credit cards, offer up to $120 in statement credit reimbursement for the application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is typically available every four to five years, though you should check the terms for your specific card for the exact frequency.
Some of the cards with this benefit are:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- United℠ Explorer Card
- Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- United Club℠ Infinite Card
Bottom line
Global Entry is most widely available for U.S. citizens seeking expedited entry upon returning to the U.S. from abroad. However, Americans with Global Entry can also use it for expedited entry into select countries.
Non-U.S. citizens from more than 20 countries can also apply for Global Entry to expedite the U.S. customs process at participating airports.
Related reading:
- 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
- Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
- Clear just increased its annual price for users by $10
- Travelers can now enroll in TSA PreCheck via Clear at 13 US airports
