International travelers who count on the Global Entry mobile app to speed through U.S. customs will face a deadline in the coming days. The current app stops functioning on September 15, and users must switch to a replacement platform managed by the Department of Homeland Security. The move affects anyone who has used the app in recent years to enter arrival details on a phone instead of stopping at a kiosk. ([1])
Practical Impact on Returning Travelers
Most Global Entry members will notice little difference in their day-to-day experience at the airport. The program itself continues without interruption, and existing memberships remain valid for the full five-year term. No one needs to reapply or update payment information because of the app change.
The shift simply moves the mobile option to a new home. Travelers who prefer the app route can still skip the kiosks and head straight to a shorter line once they complete the digital steps on their phone.
New Trusted Traveler App Takes Over
The replacement is called the Trusted Traveler app. It performs every function the old Global Entry app handled, from submitting arrival information to managing membership details. The same login credentials carry over, so users avoid creating new accounts.
Beyond Global Entry, the app also serves as the starting point for related programs such as NEXUS and SENTRI. These options help expedite travel across North American borders for qualifying members. The single platform now consolidates access to the full suite of trusted traveler services.
Broader Changes at Major Airports
Separately, the Department of Homeland Security has introduced camera-based verification at six large U.S. airports. Members have their photos captured and checked automatically upon entering the customs area, allowing them to proceed directly to an officer without a kiosk stop.
The technology is already active at Boston Logan, Dallas Fort Worth, John F. Kennedy in New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle-Tacoma. Officials continue to evaluate the system at additional locations.
What Travelers Should Do Next
Anyone who uses the mobile option should download the Trusted Traveler app once it becomes available on September 15. The transition requires only a few minutes and preserves all current benefits.
- Confirm your Global Entry membership status remains active through the official website or the new app.
- Update your phone with the replacement application on the launch date.
- Continue using the same login details for seamless access.
- Watch for further airport technology updates if you frequently fly through the listed hubs.
Global Entry still costs $120 for five years, and many premium credit cards continue to reimburse the fee for eligible cardholders.
Looking Ahead for Frequent Flyers
The app replacement reflects ongoing efforts to modernize border processes while keeping core benefits intact. Travelers who adapt quickly will maintain the same time-saving advantages they have relied on for years. Those who wait until after September 15 may find themselves returning to kiosks on their next trip until they install the new tool.
