Global Entry facilitates arrival into the U.S. for travelers at kiosks in more than 75 airports, bypassing long U.S. Customs and Border Protection lines. The program also allows travelers to clear customs before returning to the U.S. from 15 preclearance locations abroad.
Travelers receive a physical Global Entry card after applying. While not required for using Global Entry at airports, there are three situations where travelers might need the card, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The first scenario is at airports with preclearance facilities. "Although the Global Entry card is not required for air travel, every international traveler is subject to random checks or additional questions by a CBP officer when they are entering the United States," said a CBP spokesperson. In Canada, travelers may need to show their "document of entitlement" to access certain lanes, as noted by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.