Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control make a U.S. arrival feel fast, smooth and welcoming. They’re widely available, but underused. Many eligible international travelers don’t know they qualify, and travel professionals often don’t recommend them early enough in the booking process or at all.

Match the right Trusted Traveler program to the right traveler, recommend it early and make enrollment part of the trip preparation. Recommending the right program has an outsized payoff for the traveler and for the impression of America they carry home.

Global Entry

A CBP Trusted Traveler Program that gives pre-approved, low-risk travelers a faster path through U.S. customs and immigration. Members use dedicated lanes and streamlined kiosks instead of the standard line. Global Entry membership also includes TSA PreCheck, which means shorter security lines for any domestic U.S. flights during the trip.

Who Can Apply

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of partner countries (including most major international source markets).

Program Fee

$120 / 5 Years

($24/year—or less than the cost of a standard checked bag).

How to Enroll

Apply online, complete a background check, then attend a short in-person interview. Enrollment on Arrival is also available at many U.S. airports, letting conditionally approved applicants complete their interview during their first U.S. entry.

Where it is Available

62+ airports across the U.S., plus select international locations through Enrollment on Arrival.
See all airport locations

Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

A free CBP app that speeds up customs and immigration processing. Eligible travelers submit passport and customs declaration information from their phone before reaching the officer. 

Who Can Apply

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B-1/B-2 visitors and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with approved ESTA. 

Program Fee

$0

Free. No approval process, no application, no fee.

How to Enroll

Download the Mobile Passport Control app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Create a profile. Use at participating airports. 

Where it is Available

30+ airports across the U.S. 

Side-by-Side Comparison: Which Program is Best for Travelers?

Global Entry

Best for frequent international flyers

Best For

Frequent international travelers. Also good for travelers with U.S. connecting flights, since membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck.

What Is Involved

Online application, background check and a short in-person interview.
$120 for five years (requires planning ahead).

Key Traveler Benefit

Expedited, kiosk-based CBP entry screening. Travelers completely skip main CBP customs screening lines and paperwork.

Where It Is Available

62+ U.S. airports. See the full live tracking list at
cbp.gov.

Mobile Passport Control

Best for casual or family travel groups

Best For

Eligible, less frequent travelers. Works exceptionally well for Canadian visitors, families and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers entering with an approved ESTA.

What Is Involved

Free smartphone app. Simply download, fill out the digital declaration form on arrival, and use it at a participating airport. No background check, no application and no fee.

Key Traveler Benefit

Complete declarations and submit arrival info on a personal mobile app in advance of entry. Can submit group info for up to 12 family members together with a dedicated entry lane.

Where It Is Available

30+ U.S. airports. See the full live tracking list at
cbp.gov.

✓ Tips to Promote These Programs

Awareness is the difference between a person who enrolls in a trusted traveler program and one who doesn’t. These programs work best when they’re introduced as part of the booking conversation. A few approaches that work: 

  • Suggest early. Recommend the right program during the booking process, before other travel details are finalized.
  • Add a line to correspondence. A short sentence in a confirmation email can prompt enrollment. 
  • Have a one-pager ready. Offer more detail if the traveler asks for it. 
  • Use a QR code. Easy mobile access increases enrollment after booking. 
  • Offer an incentive. Some organizations provide a small perk for travelers who confirm enrollment.