Global Entry, Trusted Traveler & Mobile Passport Control: What Travelers Need to Know
The Global Entry app has changed—and if you don’t have Global Entry, there’s another free app that could help make your return to the U.S. easier.
If you travel internationally, you’ve probably heard of Global Entry. You may even be a member. But there have been some recent changes to the apps used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and there’s another option—Mobile Passport Control—that many travelers still don’t know about.
Here’s what changed, how the different programs work, and what you should know before your next international trip.
The Global Entry App Has Been Replaced
First, an important clarification: Global Entry is not going away.
On September 15, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection replaced its former Global Entry mobile app and Trusted Traveler Programs mobile app with a single new Trusted Traveler app.
If you’re already enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST, your membership has not changed. Existing users can sign into the new app with their existing credentials, and their profile and membership information transfers to the new app.
The new Trusted Traveler app puts several functions in one place. Travelers can use it to:
Apply for Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST
Check an application or membership status
Schedule an enrollment interview
Manage or renew a membership
Confirm an international arrival in the U.S. if they are a Global Entry member
So, if you previously used the Global Entry app, it’s time to switch to the new Trusted Traveler app.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a CBP Trusted Traveler Program designed to provide expedited U.S. entry for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
Unlike simply downloading an app, Global Entry requires an application, background check and enrollment process. The current application fee is $120 for a five-year membership.
Once approved, Global Entry members can use expedited processing when entering the United States at participating locations.
There’s another valuable benefit: Global Entry members are also generally eligible for TSA PreCheck, which can provide expedited security screening when departing from participating U.S. airports.
To receive your TSA PreCheck benefit, make sure the PASSID associated with your Global Entry membership is entered as your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in your airline reservation or frequent-flyer profile.
A helpful tip for families
Children need their own Global Entry membership; they cannot simply accompany a parent through Global Entry based on the parent's membership.
However, CBP now waives the $120 application fee for applicants under 18 when a parent or legal guardian is already enrolled in—or is applying for—Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI.
Using the New Trusted Traveler App With Global Entry
For Global Entry members, the new Trusted Traveler app can make the arrival process even more convenient.
At supported locations, Global Entry members can use their phone to confirm their arrival into the United States rather than relying solely on the airport's Global Entry processing technology.
The app uses the traveler's information and a photo to initiate the arrival process. Once submitted, travelers follow the instructions provided by the app and CBP at the airport.
And remember: the app is not your Global Entry membership. Global Entry is the actual Trusted Traveler Program for which you apply and receive approval. The Trusted Traveler app is simply a tool for accessing and managing those services.
Don't Have Global Entry? Meet Mobile Passport Control
This is the option many travelers overlook.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a separate, free CBP program that can streamline your entry into the United States—and there is no application fee, enrollment interview or background check.
Eligible travelers download the official Mobile Passport Control app and create a profile using their passport information.
Before arriving at a participating U.S. entry point, travelers use the app to provide their travel information, take a photo and answer CBP inspection and declaration questions.
At the airport, they then proceed to the designated MPC line and present their passport to a CBP officer to complete the inspection.
CBP says MPC can result in shorter wait times because you've already provided much of the information needed for your inspection.
Who Can Use Mobile Passport Control?
MPC is currently available to:
U.S. citizens
U.S. lawful permanent residents
Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors
Returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with an approved ESTA
Availability is limited to participating ports of entry, so it’s worth checking whether your arrival airport supports MPC before your trip.
And MPC isn't limited to airports anymore. In 2026, CBP began expanding Mobile Passport Control to eligible pedestrians at select land-border crossings as well.
MPC Can Be Especially Useful for Families and Groups
One of my favorite features of Mobile Passport Control is the ability to include up to 12 eligible travelers in a single submission from one device.
That can make MPC particularly attractive for families or groups traveling internationally together.
Instead of everyone separately entering their information, the group can be included in the same submission and stay together when speaking with the CBP officer.
For air travel, CBP currently allows travelers to complete their MPC submission up to four hours before landing. That means you may be able to take care of the process before you even step off the plane.
Global Entry vs. Mobile Passport Control: What's the Difference?
Both can make returning to the United States easier, but they're very different programs.
Global Entry | Mobile Passport Control | |
Cost | $120 for 5 years | Free |
Application required | Yes | No |
Background check | Yes | No |
Interview/enrollment | Yes | No |
Dedicated/expedited arrival processing | Yes | Yes, at participating locations |
TSA PreCheck eligibility | Yes, for eligible members | No |
Can manage/use via an app | Yes — Trusted Traveler app | Yes — MPC app |
Group submissions | Each traveler needs their own Global Entry membership | Up to 12 eligible travelers can be included |
Best suited for | Frequent international travelers | Eligible travelers who don't have or need Global Entry |
So, Which Should You Use?
If you travel internationally regularly, Global Entry can offer benefits that go well beyond an app, particularly because of its expedited arrival process and TSA PreCheck eligibility.
If you only travel internationally occasionally—or simply don't want to go through the Global Entry application and enrollment process—Mobile Passport Control is worth knowing about. It's free, doesn't require advance approval and is available at many major U.S. international airports.
And here's another possibility: know how both work.
Airport processing and wait times vary. Understanding the options available at your particular port of entry can help you navigate your return more efficiently.
The important thing is not to confuse the two apps:
Trusted Traveler → for Global Entry and other CBP Trusted Traveler Programs
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) → a free arrival-processing option for eligible travelers that does not require Global Entry membership
What About TSA PreCheck?
One final distinction causes a lot of confusion.
TSA PreCheck is primarily about airport security when you're departing.
Global Entry is primarily about expedited CBP processing when you're entering the United States from another country.
Global Entry members generally receive TSA PreCheck eligibility as part of their membership, which is one reason frequent international travelers may find Global Entry particularly useful.
Mobile Passport Control does not include TSA PreCheck.
Think of it this way:
Leaving the U.S.? TSA PreCheck may help you get through airport security.
Returning to the U.S.? Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control may help streamline the CBP arrival process.
Before Your Next International Trip
If you already have Global Entry and used the old Global Entry mobile app, download the new Trusted Traveler app before your next trip and make sure your membership information appears correctly.
If you don't have Global Entry, consider downloading Mobile Passport Control and setting up your passport profile before you leave home. Then check that MPC is available at the airport where you'll enter the United States.
Either way, don't wait until you're standing in the arrivals hall after an overnight flight to figure out which app you need.
A few minutes of preparation before your trip can make the final part of your journey home a little easier.
Information current as of September 2026. U.S. entry requirements, program eligibility and participating locations can change. Always verify current requirements with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before travel.
