Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Global Entry for Korean Citizens

The Smart Entry Service (SES) is a trusted traveler program operated by the Republic of Korea. The SES program provides expedited processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers at designated airports in Korea via the use of e-gates. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has partnered with the Korean Immigration Service to link the SES program with the Global Entry program. This arrangement is open to both U.S. and Korean citizens.

Citizens of the Republic of Korea are eligible to apply for Global Entry.  Korean citizens must first become an SES member, and may then apply for Global Entry. Korean citizens should refer directly to the SES website.

Application Process:

  1. Apply Online with SES: Complete an online application.
  2. Create a TTP account.  Log into the account to pay the $100 Global Entry application fee.
  3. Schedule an Interview: Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a message in your TTP account instructing you to schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers. If you are unable to schedule an in-person interview, you may opt to use the Enrollment On Arrival (EoA) option that is immediately available while entering the U.S. from an international country.  No appointment is required for the EoA process. Additional information regarding EoA is available on the Enrollment on Arrival website. 
  4. Interview Determines Your Eligibility: A U.S. Customs Border Protection officer will ask you questions, take your photo, and collect biometric information, for example, scan your fingerprints.
  5. Provide Identification: Bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card.

Renewal Process:

  1. Complete an online application with SES.
  2. Log into your TTP account and pay the $100 Global Entry application fee. (Payment option will be available after the new application has been linked to your existing PASSID/membership ID.)
  3. Schedule an Interview: Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a message in your TTP account instructing you to schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers. If you are unable to schedule an in-person interview, you may opt to use the Enrollment On Arrival (EoA) option that is immediately available while entering the U.S. from an international country.  No appointment is required for the EoA process. Additional information regarding EoA is available on the Enrollment on Arrival website. 
  4. Interview Determines Your Eligibility: A U.S. Customs Border Protection officer will ask you questions, take your photo, and collect biometric information, for example, scan your fingerprints.
  5. Provide Identification: Bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card.

Other Benefits:

Once a Korean citizen is enrolled in Global Entry, he/she will also be eligible to participate in TSA Precheck. Visit the TSA Precheck program website for more information.

Travel Requirements:

All Korean Global Entry members must have a valid passport and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)  or a valid visa. Global Entry members who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. lawful permanent residents must maintain updated visa information with CBP. If a Global Entry member obtains a new visa, or obtains a new petition for a work visa, the member must notify CBP in-person at a Global Entry enrollment center.  A member must visit an enrollment center to have CBP add visa and/or update visa information. If the visa information is incomplete or not properly updated with CBP, the Global Entry kiosk may incorrectly calculate the member’s Class of admission and admission date. A member must visit an enrollment center in-person to add or update visa information.

Last Modified: Apr 05, 2023