Published on 10 June 2025

Frequently asked questions and answers on the U.S. Global Entry Program

• What is the Global Entry Program?

  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) introduced the Global Entry Program to facilitate entry to the U.S.A. at select airports for frequent travelers. On admittance to the program travelers can enter the country using an automatic kiosk.

• Who can participate?

  To participate in the Global Entry Program you must undergo a security check. First, fedpol runs a check on you in various police databases. Afterwards, the U.S. authorities run their own security check and decide independently on your admission to the program. You can read about the application procedure here.

• Is it worth participating in the program?

  The application procedure involves time and money. Therefore, it is only worthwhile if you travel to the U.S.A. several times a year. You must also be aware that participation in the program means that you must undergo a security check by the police in Switzerland and the U.S.A., and that you must consent to your personal data being transmitted to the U.S. authorities. U.S. data protection regulations are not as strict as in Switzerland.

• What does it cost?

  For the pre-clearance check in Switzerland fedpol charges a fee of CHF 100.
  The criminal record extract from the Federal Office of Justice FOJ costs CHF 17.00.
  The U.S. authorities charge USD 120 for participating in the program.
  
  

• What police databases are checked?

  fedpol runs a check in the RIPOL and SIS databases. Your consent is necessary for this. Information on the application procedure and the declaration of consent are available at: Global Entry Program
  

• What data is disclosed to the U.S. authorities?

  If you are not registered in any of the police databases fedpol discloses your surname, first name(s), date of birth, as well as your two reference numbers, the “Membership/PASSID” and the “Application ID” to the appropriate U.S. authority.
  

• What happens to my data in the U.S.A?

  U.S. data protection laws are not as comprehensive as in Switzerland. Participants in the program must be aware that any personal data disclosed to the U.S. authorities is no longer under the control of fedpol or the program participant. Under U.S. legislation the data may be transmitted to other U.S. agencies or used by CBP for other purposes.
  

• How long will it take to process my application?

  Applications are processed on receipt. Security checks are carried out on an individual basis. The procedure generally takes a few weeks. Please allow enough time for this.
  

• Can I apply for the security check in the U.S.A. before I receive fedpol’s reply in order to save time?

  No. You can only register for the U.S. security check once you have a (positive) reply from fedpol.
  If an applicant has not been vetted by fedpol prior to applying through the TTP website, the Global Entry application will not be processed by U.S. authorities.
  
  

• Do I still have to complete an ESTA form?

  Yes. The Global Entry Program allows expedited entry to the United States, but it is not a substitute for ESTA travel authorisation or a visa (necessary for stays of more than 90 days).
  

• Where can I obtain a criminal recordsʼ extract?

  You can order an extract from the Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) here.
  

• Do children and young people have to register for a security check?

  Yes. Every child must undergo a security check. The procedure is the same as for adults. The declaration of consent must be signed by the child’s legal guardian. Children under the age of ten, however, do not require an extract from the criminal records.
  

• How long is the Global Entry Program membership valid?

  Membership in the program is valid for 5 years from the date of U.S. approval. The expiration date is 5 years from the participant’s next birthday.
  At the end of the 5 years, a renewal application must be submitted via the TTP website and a new security clearance by fedpol is required.
  
  

• My passport / ESTA authorisation / visa is about to expire. What should I do?

  The expiry of your passport, ESTA authorisation or visa does not cancel your Global Entry Program membership. Personal data can be updated at any time, either online via the Global Online Enrolment System (GOES) or at an enrolment centre in the United States.
  

• What is the deadline for registering for a security check by the U.S. authorities once I have obtained pre-clearance from the Swiss authorities?

  You have 365 days after registering on the website to fix an appointment with the U.S. authorities.
  

• I have a work permit in Switzerland but am not a Swiss citizen. Can I participate in the Global Entry Program?

  No. The Global Entry Program is only open to citizens of the states admitted to the program by the U.S.A.
  

• What countries have been admitted to the Global Entry Program?

  Participation in the program is open to Swiss nationals, US citizens, permanent residents and nationals of other countries. Please check the relevant website of the US authorities for the most up-to-date list: Eligibility for Global Entry | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov). For the participation of nationals of these nations, interested persons must go through the program in the respective state.