Global Entry Mobile icon
Global Entry Mobile: Digital Border Processing App Analysis

by US Customs and Border Protection

4.9
IOSTravel
Official mobile solution enabling Global Entry members to complete customs declaration via self-service photo verification. Designed for frequent international travelers seeking expedited processing at supported US airports.

Detailed Review

The Global Entry Mobile application represents the official digital extension of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's trusted traveler program, offering an alternative to physical kiosks for pre-screened members. This iOS application transforms the customs declaration process into a mobile-first experience, allowing qualified travelers to complete arrival procedures directly from their personal devices while maintaining the security standards expected of federal border protection systems. The application's core functionality centers on biometric verification through smartphone cameras. Users select their arrival airport from a dynamically updated list of supported locations, capture a live selfie, and submit the image for immediate facial recognition matching against government databases. The system processes this data alongside existing travel manifest information, creating a seamless digital handoff that eliminates the need for physical document presentation or kiosk interaction. This process maintains the same security protocols as stationary portals while adding mobility and convenience. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design considerations for travel scenarios. The interface maintains minimalistic functionality with large touch targets and clear instructional prompts, recognizing that users often operate in crowded terminals with limited attention spans. The photo capture system includes real-time guidance for proper framing and lighting conditions, though performance varies depending on device capabilities and environmental factors. The entire process typically completes in under two minutes when network connectivity remains stable. User feedback consistently highlights significant time savings, with multiple reviews noting processing times under 60 seconds. User mpkossen (July 25, 2025) reported the app 'makes crossing the border an absolute breeze,' while DayMo_DMV (August 11, 2025) noted they 'breezed straight through' compared to standard Global Entry lines. Some users like markkr1301 (May 20, 2025) reported confusion regarding dedicated mobile lanes at certain airports, suggesting wayfinding improvements could enhance the experience. The application delivers exceptional value for its target audience but faces inherent limitations. Its primary strength lies in eliminating physical queuing at kiosks, particularly valuable during peak travel periods or when making tight connections. However, the requirement for active Global Entry membership and limited airport support restricts broader adoption. Network dependency and occasional confusion about dedicated processing lanes represent operational challenges that users should anticipate when integrating the mobile option into travel plans.

Key Features

  • Biometric photo verification replaces physical kiosk interaction using device camera and facial recognition technology
  • Dynamic airport selection shows real-time supported locations with clear eligibility indicators for each facility
  • Dedicated processing lanes at participating airports provide expedited passage for mobile app users
  • Offline capability allows initial setup and photo capture without immediate network connectivity
  • Secure encrypted transmission ensures personal biometric data protection during government verification

Why Users Love It

Eliminates physical queuing
Faster than kiosk processing

Perfect for: Frequent international travelers with active Global Entry membership

Screenshots

Global Entry Mobile screenshot 1Global Entry Mobile screenshot 2Global Entry Mobile screenshot 3Global Entry Mobile screenshot 4Global Entry Mobile screenshot 5Global Entry Mobile screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Global Entry Mobile's performance in Travel over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#47

Best Rank

#47

All-time high

Average Rank

#47

30-day average

User Reviews

Rosenberg
Jan 17, 2025

Recommend it. Did it in mine when Global entry kiosk line was jammed. Took me 90 seconds. And then I showed the agent my receipt from the app and I was out… Worked Great Recommend it. Did it in mine when Global entry kiosk line was jammed. Took me 90 seconds. And then I showed the agent my receipt from the app and I was out…

mpkossen
Jul 25, 2025

This app makes crossing the border an absolute breeze. Once you are set up, you just take a selfie when arriving at a participating airport. You get sent to a special line and just get waved in, no papers necessary. Excellent app This app makes crossing the border an absolute breeze. Once you are set up, you just take a selfie when arriving at a participating airport. You get sent to a special line and just get waved in, no papers necessary.

Dairy farmer’s daughter
May 23, 2025

I love having Global Entry! Having the app let me catch a connecting flight after returning from overseas. The Global Entry line was well marked in Chicago and I was able to process the entry after landing, so breezed through customs. Thank you. Review I love having Global Entry! Having the app let me catch a connecting flight after returning from overseas. The Global Entry line was well marked in Chicago and I was able to process the entry after landing, so breezed through customs. Thank you.

markkr1301
May 20, 2025

Used GEM for the 1st time in Houston. App worked very smoothly. There was a line at Global Entry and this caused some confusion in where to go if you are using the Mobile app. Only suggestion is to make this clearer and that the Mobile customers are not trying to “cut in line”. 1st time (almost) excellent ! Used GEM for the 1st time in Houston. App worked very smoothly. There was a line at Global Entry and this caused some confusion in where to go if you are using the Mobile app. Only suggestion is to make this clearer and that the Mobile customers are not trying to “cut in line”.

Dollyria
Jan 21, 2025

We arrived in Miami, walked to the passport control, had our photos taken, and finished in under 3 minutes. The longest part of the experience was the walk from the gate to passport control. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Couldn’t be easier! We arrived in Miami, walked to the passport control, had our photos taken, and finished in under 3 minutes. The longest part of the experience was the walk from the gate to passport control. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.

App Details

Developer

US Customs and Border Protection

Platform

ios

Rating

4.9

Last Updated

9/7/2025