DHS Restarts Global Entry Operations Today
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) paused two trusted‑traveler programs, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, in late February amid a partial government shutdown. TSA PreCheck was quickly restored, but Global Entry was not.
Now DHS has notified travelers that Global Entry has resumed normal operations as of early morning today, March 11th.
“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. We are working hard to alleviate the disruptions to travelers caused by the Democrats’ shutdown,” a spokesperson for the agency said.
Global Entry is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It allows pre‑approved, low‑risk travelers who are American citizens and lawful permanent residents returning from abroad to bypass passport-control lines using automated kiosks. Applicants pay a fee, undergo background checks and interviews, and, if approved, receive the benefit for up to five years. Members of Global Entry are also eligible for TSA PreCheck, which provides expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports.
The U.S. Travel Association was critical of Global Entry shutting down, citing 2025 data where “the use of automated biometric technology reduced arrival wait times by 70% and saved officers more than 300,000 hours”.
