Does Global Entry run your fingerprints?

Global Entry enrollment centers are usually located at international airports and land border crossings. During the interview for Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent will verify your information, take your picture and process your fingerprints.



Yes, Global Entry continues to utilize fingerprints as a core part of its biometric verification process in 2026. During your initial enrollment interview, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will scan all ten of your fingerprints to store them in the Trusted Traveler Program database. When you arrive at a Global Entry kiosk in 2026, the machine will prompt you to place four fingers (typically on your right hand) on the scanner to verify your identity against the stored records. While the latest "Touchless" kiosks in 2026 primarily use facial recognition technology to expedite processing, the fingerprint data remains the "gold standard" fallback and secondary verification tool. If the facial scan fails or requires additional security clearance, the kiosk will revert to fingerprinting. Therefore, your fingerprints are a mandatory part of the application and are checked frequently during your travel life cycle to ensure high-security clearance.

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TSA uses facial recognition by taking pictures of passengers and comparing them with the passenger's identification. Typically, when going through security at a domestic airport passengers hand over their driver's license, and a TSA agent places the license into a card reader to verify if the ID is real.

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Final background check and approval: Following the in-person appointment, the TSA conducts a more thorough background check, which may take an additional 2–3 weeks. Once completed, successful applicants will receive an email with their Known Traveler Number (KTN) or a physical card for Global Entry or NEXUS.

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The Trusted Traveler Programs website estimates application processing times of four to six months for Global Entry.

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If the conviction was a while ago, you may have to contact the U.S. Embassy, Office of Consular Affairs in your country to obtain a waiver. Other misdemeanors may result in denial if they are recent. A crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) may be grounds to deny entry to the United States.

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