How to Apply for Global Entry:
Citizens of India can apply for Global Entry through CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. At this time, vetting by the Government of India may take from 6 months to 2 years to complete and as a result, the Global Entry membership approval may be delayed by up to 2 years. If approved, members will receive a full 5-year membership which takes effect on the day the membership is approved. The application processing time does not affect the membership expiration date. Indian citizens not currently residing in India should wait to submit their GE application prior to their next trip to India to prevent further processing delays.
Application Process:
- Submit a Global Entry application via the TTP website and pay the non-refundable application processing fee.
- After applying for GE on the TTP website, submit the requisite information and pay the local application fee of ₹500 in the Passport Seva Portal, www.passportindia.gov.in, for a background check AND schedule an in-person interview at the designated PSK/PSLK office per your residential jurisdiction in India. Note: If you are not presently living in India, it is recommended that you apply for GE prior to your next trip to India to coordinate an appointment at the PSK/PSLK office.
- Your GE application status will be viewable in your TTP dashboard (pending, conditionally approved, or denied).
- If conditionally approved, follow instructions to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center or use the Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) option that is available when entering the U.S. from abroad. No appointment is required for the EoA process, and additional information can be found on the Enrollment on Arrival website.
- You must bring your passport and an official photo ID that shows your current residence address with you to the interview. During the interview a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer will ask you questions and collect your biometric information (fingerprints, if applicable, and photo).
- After your interview, CBP will send you an email/notification to your TTP dashboard regarding your final eligibility determination. If approved, your Global Entry benefits will begin immediately.
Maintaining Global Entry Benefits:
Membership in the Global Entry program becomes active upon final approval and remains valid until your fifth birthday after the approval date, and must be renewed every five years thereafter. To ensure continuity of GE benefits after the initial validity period has lapsed, you must submit a renewal application via the TTP website prior to your membership expiration date. CBP will send a reminder to the email address on file in your GE account prior to your membership expiration date. Renewals may be submitted up to 364 days prior to the membership expiration date.
Other Benefits:
Once enrolled in Global Entry, you will also be eligible for TSA PreCheck® while traveling domestically throughout the United States. You will not receive a Global Entry card, but possession of a GE card is not required to receive TSA PreCheck® benefits. Instead, you must enter your GE membership number in the airline reservation to receive the TSA PreCheck® benefit. Visit the TSA PreCheck® program website for more information.
Travel Requirements:
All Indian Global Entry members must have a valid passport and a valid visa to utilize the Global Entry border technology to enter the United States. As a GE member, you are required to maintain current passport information via your TTP dashboard. However, if you obtain a new visa or change your name then you must notify CBP in-person at a Global Entry Enrollment Center – no appointment necessary for name change or visa information updates. If the information in your account is incomplete or incorrect, the GE border processing technology may incorrectly calculate your digital I-94 data, and you may not be able to receive TSA PreCheck® benefits.