A Guide to Global Entry & TSA PreCheck for Indian citizens
Renewing your Global Entry/TSA PreCheck? Go to my story from Sept 2024!
This is my experience as an Indian citizen with a valid U.S. visa applying for Global Entry in 2018; for all other countries and general questions, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website!
Checkout this story for details on how to update your I-94 after a visa stamping and continue to use Global Entry.
Given the amount of time I spend at airports, especially within and from the U.S., you can imagine my absolute delight when I found out that Indian citizens were eligible to apply for Global Entry! No more waiting in extra long security lines, and more time in the lounge. Sometimes, it also makes a huge difference between missing a flight and making it to the gate on time!
Seems like a piece of cake, doesn’t it? Especially if you read the steps on the DHS website?
Well, if you are an Indian citizen in the U.S. on a visa, you might want to rein in that excitement. The timeline for other countries’ verification processes is very different. And if you’re from India, it’s probably going to take you anywhere between 4 to 8 months to get through it!
I’m not making this up. I first chose and registered with the Customs and Border Patrol site in April 2018, and received my approval for Global Entry (and TSA Pre) in December 2018.
In my case, with One World Sapphire, and later, Emerald status, through British Airways and American Airlines, I have always had the benefit of using priority security lines when travelling with at most major U.S. airports. These same priority lines also have TSA Pre available at peak hours, which makes it an added benefit of not just shorter lines, but also faster-moving ones.
Basics: Trusted Traveler Programs
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers several programs for trusted travellers. If you are based in the U.S. and are a frequent traveller, like me, then you might want to consider enrolling in one of these programs.
The two main reasons a frequent traveller, especially by air, should consider signing up for a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) is because
- it allows expedited security at U.S. checkpoints
- and allows expedited immigration when entering the U.S.
The programs are TSA Pre, Global Entry, NEXUS, Sentri, FAST and are all valid for 5 years. Use the tool on the TTP Website to find the best match for your travel needs.
If you are a frequent domestic and international traveler, within, from, or to the U.S., Global Entry is your best choice. Subject to eligibility by the country of your citizenship (see here).
Documents you need
For the most part, you will have most of these documents on your person or at least have access to a copy of it — especially if you’re paranoid about immigration checks when re-entering the U.S. However, as you begin the process, just make sure you keep the originals with you all through. It isn’t too much to carry around.
Listed documents are for Indian citizens on a U.S. visa only; check the DHS website for info for other countries.
- Valid passport — expiration at least 1 year from the date you’re applying. It might say 6 months online, but considering the verification process takes 6 months or longer, make sure you’ve got some leeway; otherwise, you will run into issues with updating your new passport number in your applications!
- A valid visa (stamped) and/or original approved I-797 notice. An expired visa will not work, because you do need to enter your current status in the US when registering with TTP.
- U.S. ID card for proof of address. Drivers’ License OR State ID is recommended.
- An Indian ID card for address and identity proof. Drivers’ license or your voter ID is recommended. Additional documents are listed on the Ministry of External Affairs website.
- Recent passport size photos. Stick 2 or 3 in your passport (I always have at least 1 in my wallet, because you never know when you’ll need it!).
Any other supporting documentation you think necessary for address and identity verification!
The Whole Process — Global Entry (includes TSA PreCheck)
Ref: Global Entry for Indian Citizens
1. Register on the Trusted Traveler Program website
You will need your visa number or an approval notice (I-797) to be included in the application. Verify every single detail you enter.
You will be required to also state 5-years worth of international travel history — entry and exit dates.
Keep your application number handy. You will need it for future look-up of status and also to register with the Indian passport.
2. Pay the fee
Global Entry costs $100 and includes TSA Pre. Most U.S. travel credit cards cover the fees for TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry. The few that I am aware of (as of June 2019) are:
- American Express — Platinum and Gold
- Chase — Sapphire and Sapphire Reserve
- Orbitz Rewards
- CaptialOne Venture
- Most airline issued & travel credit cards
Do your research before you apply! It’s simple enough — just use an eligible credit card to pay the fee and it is returned to you in statement credit.
3. Register with Passport India
This is the official site for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. You’ll need to first register and then apply for Background Verification for GEP. Follow the steps listed here.
You will need to pay Rs. 500 in fees at some point in the process, before you can go to the next step.
I had trouble using my US credit card and had to use an Indian bank card.
4. Register for an appointment at a Regional Passport Office
It’s either a Regional Passport Office or Seva Kendra that’s closest to your home address. Make sure you select something nearest your home because it is a long wait!
Appointments are published up to 60 days ahead of time, so make sure you plan accordingly, i.e. make sure you’re in India at the time!
You can change your appointment date/time up to 3-times with the same payment/receipt; beyond that, you will need to pay again.
5. Interview & Verification in India
Step 1: Attend the Interview
Go in for your interview in India at the chosen location — Regional Passport Office or Seva Kendra.
Take copies of all documents listed above along with the originals. And some cash.
This is necessary and cannot be skipped. Your application on the DHS TTP site will say “pending information”
Carry an Indian ID card for proof of identity and address — this can be your Voter ID, Aadhar card or any of the documents listed here.
It took me about two hours one morning at a regional passport office in Bangalore. It genuinely appeared that most of the verification officers had no clue what GEP was, but were all pleased, and amused, to pass my documents along for just a police verification. No big deal.
As soon as your interview is complete, you should receive a confirmation text message or call from the closest police station.
Step 2: Police Verification
You can choose to go in for an interview with your neighbourhood cop. Mine texted me!
Again, make sure you carry all documents — passport, US ID (or driver’s license) and Indian ID.
Be prepared to explain why exactly you’re there — Global Entry — and wait until he/she verified all your documents and takes a picture for their records.
The policeman I met with was very intrigued and looked at my U.S. driver’s license with great interest, and had a detailed and friendly conversation with me on why I hadn’t yet obtained a Washington state license after moving to Seattle, WA from Chicago, IL. The whole chat took about 20 minutes, and I was off.
Now you wait to be conditionally approved.
This is a black box, for the most part. It has been stated in several online forums that the approval/verification process now proceeds through various departments, assumed to be the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, and potentially some additional police verification.
I’d give it about 6 months before getting too antsy. You can consider applying for an RTI, but I have no idea how long this takes.
My advice? You’re better off waiting. And just when you’ve completely forgotten about it… out of the blue, you will receive a notification from the Department of Homeland Security (via the TTP alias) that there has been a change of status in your application. Log in to your TTP account and check the status. It’s probable that you were just conditionally approved. Yay!
6. Scheduling & Completing your interviewing in the U.S.
You have 2 options.
- If you are in the U.S., attend an interview at any U.S. Customs and Border Protection centre (the closest might be an airport).
- If you are outside the U.S., consider completing your interview with an agent at the Global Entry kiosk at the airport when you enter the U.S.
Look up available locations and appointment dates for your interview with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (the list is here) and schedule your interview.
You can go in for your interview at any location in the US; it is not restricted to your city or state of residence.
I was travelling from Chicago to New York at the time, Seattle had no availability for about 1.5 months, so I chose to attend my interview in Chicago, which had a lot of available time slots.
Attend the interview
Make sure you take a printed copy of your original conditional approval notice in addition to your passport and US documents (take a copy of your I-797 too, even if you have a valid stamped visa).
Once your interview is complete, your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is now active.
It is the same number as on your profile on the TTP website, but will also be delivered to your e-mail address within a few hours of your interview and is immediately ready for use.
If you are not a U.S. citizen or Green card holder, you will not receive a Global Entry card. The card is required for entry via a Global Entry line when travelling by land or sea. By air, all you need is the KTN.
Known Traveler Number or KTN is the same for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Domestic Travel by air with TSA PreCheck
- During the booking or check-in, enter your KTN issued by the DHS. If you’re unable to, ask the agent at the gate, or call customer service.
TSA Pre must be printed on your boarding pass to be able to use the expedited security line
2. Keep in mind that most airports do close the TSA PreCheck line at times of low passenger traffic.
In this case, most TSA agents will note it down and allow you to go through with PreCheck privileges (no need to remove your laptop, shoes, etc.) but you still have to wait in the regular line
3. You may use TSA PreCheck even when boarding an international flight from the U.S.
Some major U.S. airports — LAX, ORD, LGA, at least — have a PreCheck line dedicated to those travelling in Business/First class, or have priority status with their airline. This makes getting through security even faster!
International Travel by air with Global Entry
The same rules as for domestic travel apply here also.
If you entered your KTN during booking or check-in, you will see a TSA PreCheck badge on your boarding pass on any boarding pass issued for a flight taken from the U.S. or directly to the U.S.
Entering the U.S. when ‘conditionally approved’ — Inactive KTN
This is when you are approved for Global Entry but your KTN has not yet been set to active, i.e. you have not yet had an interview with Customs & Border Patrol
- On entry to the U.S. (by air), go to the Global Entry line and walk directly to the Border Security agent for your interview
- Ensure you carry all necessary documents
Entering when fully approved — Active KTN
Your KTN is active and ready for full-fledged use.
You do NOT need to fill out a Customs form that’s usually handed out on planes.
- Walk up to a Global Entry Kiosk
It is different from e-Passport! Follow the prompts on the screen — you will be fingerprinted and have your picture taken
2. Scan your passport
Do NOT scan your visa. You might have been told to do so at your interview but trust me, that does not work.
While your KTN is tied to your visa, it’s actually the passport that is used to verify. Not the visa.
The immigration officer I met with at the airport (Chicago, when I landed there from London), said that it was a common mistake to scan the visa. I took his word for it because I’ve travelled three more times since, and scanning my passport worked like a charm every single time!
If you have an issue here (and it might happen if it’s your first time entering after receiving your KTN), walk over to an agent to help out.
Remember: You will need to see an agent if you got a new visa stamped/issued as well, but you can still use the Global Entry kiosk.
3. Answer customs questions
These are the same questions as on the printed form you might be used to filling up. Read through the screen and select appropriate answers.
- Take the white or blue slip (usually white) the machine prints for you, and hold on to it.
- At customs (use the Global Entry line if available) hand over your passport and the slip from the machine to the border security agent and go on out!
While a long process for some, having Global Entry, and consequently TSA Pre, has made travelling through very crowded airports a little less of a tedious job.
Most recently, the TSA Pre line at Boston Logan was only about 1/4th of a mile long (as opposed to the regular one-mile-long line that went out the entrance), and moved three times as fast.
It is also a breath of fresh air to be one of the first to deplane, thanks to my inclination to travel business or first class internationally, and get through immigration lines in a jiffy.
It is worth the wait. I do not know yet if I need to go through the complete verification process again when my KTN is up for renewal in 4 years, nor do I know what other questions I will be asked when I get a new visa stamped. I hope it will be simple enough.
Until then, I will enjoy the privileges of a frequent traveller!
