Short answer: Green card holders (U.S. lawful permanent residents) are eligible for Global Entry. Recent travel history does not disqualify you—CBP expects many applicants to have international travel. You must report your travel history accurately on the application and be prepared to discuss it at the interview. Travel to certain countries or regions may trigger additional questions or secondary review, but that does not mean denial. Bring your valid green card and passport from your country of citizenship to the interview, and any other documents CBP requests. For the full green card holder guide, see Global Entry Guide for Immigrants and Green Card Holders. For document requirements, see What Documents Actually Matter for Global Entry Interviews?
Having recent travel is normal for many green card holders. The key is accuracy and consistency between your application and your interview answers.
In this guide
Eligibility for Green Card Holders
U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible to apply for Global Entry. You must have a valid green card and meet CBP's other requirements (e.g., no disqualifying criminal or customs history). Recent international travel does not by itself make you ineligible. CBP uses travel history for background checks and risk assessment; many approved applicants have extensive travel. See Global Entry for Non-U.S. Citizens: What's Different? for an overview of how the process differs from U.S. citizens.
Reporting Travel History Accurately
The application asks for travel history (e.g., countries visited, dates). You must provide accurate information. Inconsistencies between your application and CBP records (e.g., I-94, border crossings) can cause delays or secondary review. If you've traveled a lot, list the countries and approximate time frames as required by the application. Don't omit countries because you think they might "look bad"—omissions can cause more problems than disclosure. CBP has access to entry/exit data; your application should align with that.
What to Expect at the Interview
At the interview, the CBP officer may ask about:
- Your immigration status and how long you've been a permanent resident
- Your travel history—countries visited, purpose of travel, length of stays
- Your employment and residence in the U.S.
- Any gaps or inconsistencies in your application or documents
Answer truthfully and consistently with your application. Travel to certain regions may prompt more questions; that's normal and does not automatically mean denial. For more on the interview and documents, see Global Entry Guide for Immigrants and Green Card Holders.
Documents to Bring
Green card holders typically need:
- Valid permanent resident card (green card)
- Valid passport from country of citizenship
- Valid U.S. or state-issued ID (e.g., driver's license) when applicable
- Any other document CBP has requested (e.g., proof of residency)
See What Documents Actually Matter for Global Entry Interviews? and the official Trusted Traveler Programs site for the most current list for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will travel to [specific country] hurt my application?
CBP does not publish a list of "bad" countries. Travel to some countries may lead to more questions or additional verification, but it does not automatically mean denial. Disclose all travel and answer truthfully at the interview.
I have long trips abroad. Is that a problem?
Long trips can be asked about (e.g., purpose, ties to the U.S.). As long as you maintained your permanent resident status (e.g., didn't abandon residence) and report accurately, it's not automatically disqualifying. Answer honestly at the interview.
My green card is expiring soon. Should I renew before applying?
You need a valid green card to apply and to complete the interview. If your card will expire before you're likely to get an interview (which can take months at busy centers), renew first so your application and interview are done with a valid card. See Can You Apply for Global Entry While a Passport Renewal Is Pending? for a similar principle with passports.
✅ Key Takeaway
Green card holders with recent travel history are eligible for Global Entry. Report travel accurately on the application and be prepared to discuss it at the interview. Bring your green card, passport, and ID. Travel to certain countries may trigger more questions or secondary review but does not mean denial—accuracy and honesty matter most.