U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has marked the second anniversary of its Global Entry Mobile Application, reporting that more than 1.6 million travelers have used the program since its launch in September 2023.
The app, which enables members to complete arrival processing using facial recognition and a mobile receipt, is now accepted at 80 airports and preclearance locations worldwide.
CBP said the mobile application continues to expand as a key part of the Global Entry program, which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. The agency noted that the tool has been downloaded more than 3 million times since launch and is contributing to shorter wait times at busy airports.
How the App Works
The Global Entry Mobile App allows enrolled travelers to submit their arrival information electronically by taking a selfie on their mobile device. The photo is verified against secure CBP records, and the system generates a digital receipt. Upon arrival, members present the receipt and their travel documents to a CBP officer to complete inspection.
According to CBP, the technology speeds up processing while maintaining security. The app eliminates the need to use physical kiosks at airports, offering a more flexible option for participants. It is available on both iOS and Android devices and continues to be updated to expand compatibility across airports.
Expansion Across Airports
CBP confirmed that the app is currently accepted at 80 airports in the United States as well as at designated preclearance locations abroad, where U.S. entry processing occurs prior to departure. The list includes major international gateways such as New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Miami International Airport, alongside smaller regional hubs.
The expansion aligns with CBP’s efforts to modernize border processing through biometrics and mobile technology. The agency said the rollout has been particularly significant during peak travel periods, when automated tools help reduce congestion at customs halls.
CBP has not specified when additional airports will be added but indicated that integration continues as more facilities upgrade their infrastructure. The app functions as a complement to traditional Global Entry kiosks, which remain in service at participating airports.
The Global Entry program is part of CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs, which provide expedited processing for low-risk travelers. Members undergo a background check and in-person interview before approval. The program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain partner countries, with membership valid for five years.
Global Entry members can also benefit from access to TSA PreCheck for expedited security screening at domestic checkpoints. The mobile app is an additional convenience layered into the program, giving travelers the choice to bypass kiosks entirely.
Since its launch in September 2023, the app has recorded 1.6 million completed arrivals through its system. CBP said adoption rates have continued to climb as travelers become more familiar with the technology and airports expand support for mobile processing.
Traveler Impact
The agency emphasized that the app has contributed to shorter lines and faster clearance times, particularly at high-volume airports. The ability to complete part of the inspection process on a mobile device reduces dependency on fixed infrastructure and provides more flexibility to passengers.
CBP also noted that security standards remain central to the program. The app uses biometric verification and encrypted data transfer, ensuring that traveler identities are matched against official records. Mobile receipts are digitally authenticated before travelers present them to officers.
CBP officials said the Global Entry Mobile App reflects the agency’s broader commitment to innovation. They pointed to the growing use of facial biometrics at airports as part of the long-term modernization of border management.
CBP said it expects further growth in Global Entry enrollment and app usage as international travel volumes continue to recover. The agency has encouraged frequent travelers to enroll in the program, noting that members save time at arrival checkpoints while contributing to more efficient airport operations overall.
The second anniversary milestone demonstrates how mobile technology is reshaping border management in the United States. With more than 1.6 million travelers having already used the app and 80 airports supporting it, CBP considers the Global Entry Mobile App a core feature of the Trusted Traveler Programs going forward.
As adoption continues, the program is likely to influence how other border control agencies worldwide consider integrating mobile platforms into their processing systems. For now, CBP officials say the focus remains on expanding acceptance and ensuring that the mobile application delivers on its goal of faster, secure entry for approved travelers.
