Interested Applicants are Advised to Verify Passport Eligibility and Review Program Requirements

On October 27, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now considered an official Global Entry partner. The inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the Global Entry Program signifies a major step in strengthening travel, trade and security considerations between the United States and Saudi Arabia. 

Program Eligibility and Avoiding Delays

Saudi executives, U.S. companies doing business in the Kingdom and employees who travel overseas will now benefit from the privileges the program provides. Interested candidates should:

• Verify their eligibility for the program by checking the CPB ESTA Program here: Official ESTA Application Website - FAQ
• Verify passport expiration date and assure that passports have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page
• Verify that passports have a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. (As of April 1, 2016, all travelers must have an e-passport to use the Visa Waiver Program.)

As many new entrants are expected to enroll in the program, potential new members can avoid delays by carefully reviewing ESTA requirements in advance of embarking on the ESTA application and ensure that they are using the correct passport to establish eligibility for ESTA if they possess multiple passports.

Background and Privileges of the U.S. Global Entry Program

Currently, the United States has 22 global partners eligible for Global Entry membership, including Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Germany, India, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. 

The benefits for participants in the Global Entry Program include expedited entry and clearance at U.S. airports and access to TSA Precheck for domestic flights participating in the program. CBP also announced it expects both the Saudi and American governments to conduct rigorous vetting of applicants, including personal interviews by CBP prior to permitting enrollment in the program. 

The Trusted Traveler mobile app may be utilized by eligible applicants for membership status, enrollment in interviews and management and renewal of membership. For Mobile App information, individuals may visit the website here: Trusted Traveler App | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

CBP further announced that membership in Global Entry is valid for five years, contingent upon compliance with all program requirements.  Termination of membership would result in the event of any violation of the program. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: 
The Business & Corporate Immigration practice at Tarter Krinsky & Drogin will continue to follow this update closely. If you have any questions or would like to discuss, please reach out to a member of our team.