Global Entry Program to Resume
“As DHS continually evaluates measures it can take amidst the Democrats’ continued shutdown of the department, DHS will be reactivating Global Entry on March 11th at 5:00 AM ET,” stated a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This announcement comes after the Global Entry program was suspended on February 22, 2026, due to a partial government shutdown that affected various federal operations.
The Global Entry program, designed to expedite the entry process for preapproved American citizens and lawful permanent residents, allows members to bypass standard passport-control lines. This initiative has been promoted by the government as a significant time-saving benefit for frequent international travelers, with approximately 13 million members currently enrolled.
Applicants for Global Entry are required to pay a $120 application fee, undergo background checks, and attend an interview. Membership is valid for up to five years, making it a popular choice among travelers who frequently cross borders. The program is funded by the application fees collected from its members, which has raised concerns about its suspension during the government shutdown.
The suspension of Global Entry drew criticism from lawmakers and industry groups, who argued that it not only inconvenienced travelers but also compromised national security. A representative from the US Travel Association remarked, “Global Entry is far more than a convenience, it is on the front line of national security.” This sentiment reflects the broader implications of the program, which also provides members with access to TSA PreCheck lanes at airport security, further enhancing the travel experience.
The decision to suspend Global Entry was part of emergency measures taken by DHS to conserve funding and personnel during the ongoing government shutdown, which had lasted for three weeks at the time of the announcement. The unusual decision to suspend Global Entry had been strongly criticized across the travel sector and by some lawmakers on Capitol Hill, highlighting the program’s importance to both travelers and the economy.
With the resumption of Global Entry on March 11, 2026, travelers can expect a return to more efficient processing at borders. However, DHS has not set a clear timeline for when normal operations will return after the funding is reinstated, leaving some uncertainties regarding the future of the program.
As the Global Entry program prepares to restart, it remains to be seen how the ongoing political climate will affect its operations in the long term. For now, travelers can look forward to the reinstatement of a service that has become integral to their international travel experience.
