Saudi citizens become eligible to apply for US Global Entry
Saudi Arabia joined the US Global Entry programme on 27 October, opening applications for expedited airport clearance to eligible citizens who pass screening.
Saudi Arabia became a US Global Entry partner on 27 October 2026, making its citizens eligible to apply for faster clearance at US airports. US Customs and Border Protection announced the change in Washington; individual travelers must still qualify for membership before using the service.
The partnership adds Saudi Arabia to a programme for preapproved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States. CBP says members receive expedited airport clearance. The National reported that approved travelers can use automated Global Entry kiosks on arrival, avoiding the regular customs queue and paperwork. Membership does not replace the requirement for a valid US visa, the outlet reported.
How Saudi citizens can qualify for Global Entry
Saudi applicants will be vetted by both US and Saudi authorities, CBP said. Enrollment also requires an in-person interview conducted by CBP. Eligibility to apply under the new partnership therefore does not mean an applicant has already been approved or can use expedited clearance immediately.
CBP says Saudi citizens may use its Trusted Traveler mobile application to apply, check their status and schedule an enrollment interview. Members can also use the app to confirm their arrival in the United States. Approved travelers may access TSA PreCheck on eligible domestic flights, which provides a shorter security screening process, according to The National.
Membership duration and other partner countries
Global Entry membership lasts five years, provided members continue to meet programme rules, CBP said. Violations can lead to enforcement action, including termination of membership. The agency said Saudi Arabia joins 22 other international partners whose citizens are eligible to apply; The National named the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, India and the United Kingdom among them.
Diane Sabatino, an executive assistant commissioner in CBP’s Office of Field Operations, said the expansion was intended to make travel more seamless for trusted travelers while strengthening cooperation between the two countries. The change affects Saudi citizens seeking US airport clearance through Global Entry, subject to the same application and ongoing compliance requirements CBP described.
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Sources and context
- Saudi citizens added to US Global Entry programme for faster clearance at airportsThe National
- CBP announces Global Entry® partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaU.S. Customs and Border Protection
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.