If you’re considering applying for Global Entry but are worried about how a DUI might affect your eligibility, you’re not alone. Many frequent travelers rely on Global Entry to save time at airports when returning from international trips. Or you may have family members with Global Entry that you want to travel with, but you know your entire travel group needs to have it.
This can leave you wondering: Can I get Global Entry with a DUI? Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a trusted traveler program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It offers faster processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers at customs when re-entering the United States. Members also automatically qualify for TSA PreCheck, which expedites security screenings for domestic flights.
This program is helpful for people who travel internationally often and need to get through customs efficiently. Here’s what you get when you apply:
- TSA PreCheck Benefits: Global Entry members also get all the benefits of TSA PreCheck.
- Expedited U.S. Customs Clearance: Skip the long customs lines when returning to the U.S. No paperwork and no processing.
- Expedited Entry into Other Countries: Once you have Global Entry, you can more easily apply for other countries’ similar programs, like Mexico’s Viajero Confiable or Germany’s EasyPASS.
The application fee is $120 and membership lasts five years. If you travel multiple times a year, the time saved makes this investment worthwhile.
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry often get confused, but they serve different purposes. TSA PreCheck only applies to security screenings at U.S. airports for domestic flights. It allows you to use faster lines, leave on your shoes, and keep laptops and liquids in your bag.
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck but has additional benefits for international travel. It provides quicker customs processing when entering the U.S. from abroad. Both programs require a background check and fingerprinting, but Global Entry is more comprehensive.
TSA PreCheck screening will check for felony convictions, which could disqualify you. However, misdemeanor DUIs are generally not automatic disqualifiers. Some felony convictions disqualify you for up to seven years, while others can do so permanently.
Requirements for Global Entry
Global Entry has strict requirements because it’s designed to approve only low-risk travelers. CBP carefully reviews applicants’ criminal, immigration, and travel histories. Here’s what you need to know about the requirements:
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens from select countries, including Mexico, Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
- Application Process: Fill out the application online, pay the $120 fee, and schedule an in-person interview.
- Documents Required: Bring your valid passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued ID to the interview. You may need additional documentation based on your immigration status.
- Background Check: CBP reviews your records going back 10 to 20 years. Any significant legal issues and DUIs that are public record could disqualify you.
- Interview: During the interview, you’ll be asked about your travel history, criminal record, and other personal details.
- Membership Renewal: You need to renew every five years, which requires another background check. If you’re convicted of a crime while holding Global Entry, your membership could be revoked, and you may be banned from reapplying.
Can You Get Global Entry With a DUI?
Yes, a DUI conviction can disqualify you from Global Entry. That’s because any criminal conviction, whether for a misdemeanor or a felony, can disqualify you. Other factors that can disqualify you include:
- Providing false or incomplete information on your application.
- Pending charges or warrants against you.
- A history of violating customs, immigration, or agricultural laws in the U.S. or other countries.
- Being the subject of an ongoing investigation.
- Being denied when trying to purchase a firearm in the past.
If you have a single DUI, Global Entry might still be available to you, especially if it happened years ago. CBP will consider how long it’s been since the offense and whether your record shows a pattern of risky behavior.
Can I Appeal If I Was Denied Global Entry for a DUI?
If your Global Entry application is denied, you have the right to appeal. First, learn how the appeals process works and when it might be worth pursuing.
When to Appeal
In certain cases, appealing gives you a chance to present your case and potentially gain approval despite past mistakes. An attorney can help you determine what’s right for your situation, but here’s when it could be worth it:
- Arrest Without Conviction: If you were arrested for DUI but never convicted, you can explain this to CBP. Supporting documents, like court records, can strengthen your case.
- Expunged Records: If your DUI was expunged, CBP may still see it in their database. You’ll need to explain the expungement and demonstrate why you’re a low-risk traveler.
- Recent Conviction: If your conviction was recent but you’ve taken steps to rehabilitate, highlight your progress. Focus on actions like completing programs, avoiding repeat offenses, and showing stability in other areas of your life.
How to Appeal
If you fit one of the above situations, it’s relatively easy to appeal. An attorney can also help you make your case and move forward with the following steps:
- Log In to the Website: You’ll receive a notification explaining the reason for your denial and how to appeal it on the Trusted Traveler Program website.
- Submit a Reconsideration Request: Use the online portal to provide new or clarifying information. This might include documents showing your arrest didn’t result in a conviction or evidence of expungement.
- Wait For CBP to Review: The appeals process can take weeks or months, so patience is important.
The Bottom Line
Traveling internationally with a DUI is possible, but it requires careful planning. If your case is still open and you haven’t been convicted, you may avoid having a DUI on your record altogether. If you’ve already been convicted, you might qualify for expungement, which could improve your chances of approval.
To explore your options, contact the Tulsa DUI Guy for a free evaluation. We can help you work toward clearing your record and making future travel plans easier to navigate.