‘Trusted travelers’ can get a faster way to enter the US. It involves a selfie
Amid changing Trump administration policies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is offering international travelers a quicker way to legally enter the country.
Since 2023, a mobile app has been available to streamline entry into the United States as long as the requirements are met.
The steps are simple, and the federal agency says they allow travelers to “complete their arrival processing instead of waiting in line to use a kiosk.”
What is Global Entry and who are ‘trusted travelers’?
Customs promotes the use of the Global Entry mobile app on social media as available for “trusted travelers” enrolled in the program.
About 20 countries participate in the Global Entry program. The Trump administration included El Salvador in April, in recognition of President Nayib Bukele’s support for mass deportation operations. In addition to El Salvador, the U.S. offers Global Entry to other Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama.
The program allows international travelers considered “low-risk” to fast-track customs and immigration procedures when arriving in the United States. Global Entry is one of the four trusted traveler programs offered by Customs and Border Patrol and benefits millions of people each year with expedited entry.
The Global Entry mobile app can be used in various U.S. airports, including Miami. Under the Department of Homeland Security, the program is also applied at U.S. seaports.
Requirements for applying to the Global Entry program in the U.S.
▪ All applicants must undergo rigorous and recurring background checks and a personal interview before their initial enrollment, according to Customs and Border Protection.
▪ Global Entry members can maintain their low-risk traveler status as long as they do not violate the program’s terms and conditions.
▪ Violations can result in enforcement actions and the cancellation of the traveler’s membership privileges.
How the Global Entry app and the rapid entry process work
Photo: With the new mobile app, a traveler needs to take a “selfie,” which will be compared against an image gallery to verify identity using facial recognition.
Inspection: Once the photo is sent via the app, a traveler will receive a receipt that allows them to proceed directly to Customs officers at the inspection area to expedite entry into the United States.
TSA: The program also allows options like TSA PreCheck for members who meet the requirements for domestic flights, quickening security screening at participating U.S. airports.
Cost: At a cost of $120, the program offers an option for frequent international travelers, particularly those with more than four trips a year. The application is completed online, and membership is valid for five years. Note that the program does not exempt participating countries from visa requirements.
This story was originally published June 18, 2025 at 11:32 AM.
