- New Partnership: The United States has officially announced Saudi Arabia as a partner nation in the Global Entry program.
- Expanding Network: With the addition of Saudi Arabia, Global Entry now includes 23 international partner countries and territories.
- Expedited Screening: Global Entry provides expedited clearance at U.S. airports for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
- Vetting Requirements: Interested Saudi citizens must undergo rigorous dual vetting by U.S. and Saudi authorities, including an in-person interview with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Digital Onboarding: Applicants can submit requests, track status, schedule interviews, and manage renewals via the official Trusted Traveler mobile app.
- Membership Terms: Membership is valid for five years, contingent upon continued compliance with program regulations.
- Brazil Included: Brazil remains among the 23 eligible partner nations.
Saudi Arabia has officially joined Global Entry, the U.S. government initiative that expedites entry procedures for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers. The announcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) marks a strategic step forward in bilateral security, trade, and travel cooperation between the two nations.
With the inclusion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Global Entry now spans 23 international partner nations and territories whose citizens are eligible to apply, subject to rigorous background checks and program criteria.
According to CBP, the partnership aims to facilitate seamless international travel for vetted individuals while maintaining security standards across U.S. ports of entry.
“Travel should build bridges. By expanding Global Entry eligibility to Saudi citizens, we are making international travel simpler for trusted travelers while strengthening cooperation between our two nations,” said Diane J. Sabatino, Assistant Executive Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations. “This milestone reflects our shared vision for secure and efficient travel.”
How Global Entry Operates
Global Entry is one of four primary Trusted Traveler Programs managed by CBP. The system provides expedited clearance at designated U.S. airports for pre-vetted applicants using automated kiosks or facial biometric processing.
Eligible participants also gain access to TSA PreCheck, which streamlines domestic airport security screening across participating U.S. airports.
Program enrollment is not automatic for citizens of partner nations. Applicants must complete an online application and undergo a thorough background evaluation to determine eligibility.
For Saudi citizens, the vetting process will involve dual assessment by both U.S. and Saudi law enforcement authorities. The procedure includes background checks and an in-person interview conducted by CBP officers prior to final enrollment.
Digital Application Management via Trusted Traveler App
Throughout the application process, Saudi citizens will be able to utilize the official Trusted Traveler mobile app, which centralizes the enrollment workflow.
Through the app, eligible users can:
- Apply for available Trusted Traveler Programs
- Track application status in real time
- Schedule required enrollment interviews
- Manage and renew active memberships
Following approval, members can also utilize the mobile app to confirm their arrival at select U.S. airports, further accelerating entry procedures.
Five-Year Membership Terms
Global Entry membership is granted for a five-year term, provided the participant maintains compliance with all program rules and regulations.
CBP notes that failure to adhere to terms and conditions may result in administrative sanctions, including immediate revocation of membership privileges. Initial approval does not exempt travelers from ongoing compliance or standard inspection authority at ports of entry.
The program currently serves millions of members worldwide, seeking to balance operational efficiency for international business and leisure travel with border integrity.
Global Network Includes Brazil
The addition of Saudi Arabia brings the total number of international Global Entry partner jurisdictions to 23. The official list maintained by CBP includes:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Germany
- India
- Japan
- Jordan
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Panama
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
Brazil’s inclusion on the partner list means Brazilian citizens remain fully eligible to apply for Global Entry, subject to the same dual-vetting and approval procedures.
Interested applicants can review eligibility criteria, enrollment steps, and official guidelines on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Programs portal.
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