Global Entry At Heathrow: What You Need To Know

Global Entry is a program that allows for expedited security checks when entering the US. While Global Entry does not apply to Heathrow Airport in London, UK, US citizens with valid passports can use ePassport gates for expedited entry into the UK.

US citizens can use ePassport gates at Heathrow

US citizens with a valid US passport can use ePassport gates at Heathrow Airport. The ePassport gates, also known as electronic gates or eGates, are available at all Heathrow terminals. They allow eligible travellers to pass through border control without a manual inspection of their passport, documents, or vaccination status.

To use the ePassport gates, US citizens must have a newer US passport with a chip. This can be identified by a small symbol on the front of the passport under the "United States of America" text that resembles the flag of Missouri. US citizens with Global Entry can use their Global Entry card, which also has a chip.

The ePassport gates use facial recognition technology to verify the identity of travellers. This means that travellers do not need to speak to an immigration officer during the process. The gates are typically located in the immigration hall and are marked with large blue "ePassport gates" signs.

US citizens travelling with children should be aware that there are age restrictions for using the ePassport gates. Children under the age of 10 cannot use the ePassport gates, and those aged 10 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Families travelling with children will need to go through the standard passport control process, which may result in longer wait times.

It is recommended that travellers using Heathrow arrive at the airport as early as possible and make their way directly to immigration. This can help reduce wait times, as the length of the queues can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Global Entry doesn't work for entering the UK

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the U.S. While Global Entry's goal is to speed travellers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States.

Global Entry does not work for entering the UK. It has nothing to do with entry to the UK. However, U.S. citizens can use ePassport gates or eGates at Heathrow for quicker entry if they have a suitable passport. This includes a valid U.S. passport with a chip. If your passport has a small symbol on the front under the "United States of America" text that looks like the flag of Missouri, then it has a chip.

U.S. citizens enrolled in Global Entry may use the Smartgate system when entering Australia and/or New Zealand without registration. They may also apply for the Dutch Privium program, the Korean SES program, Panama's Global Pass, Taiwan's e-Gate, Germany's EasyPASS, or the Mexican Viajero Confiable program for expedited entry into those countries. Additional fees and enrollment interviews may apply.

UK citizens are eligible for Global Entry but must first apply with the UK Home Office before submitting a Global Entry application. They will need to apply through GOV.UK and pay a £42 processing fee. If the applicant passes the UK vetting, they will receive a “UK Access Code,” which they will enter when applying for Global Entry through CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. The non-refundable application fee for a five-year Global Entry membership is $100 and applications must be made online. Once the application is approved, a CBP officer will conduct a scheduled interview with the applicant and then make a final eligibility determination.

US Global Entry is only useful in the USA

US Global Entry is a program that offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. It is a service provided by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to speed travellers through the process of entering the country. However, it is important to note that Global Entry is only useful and applicable when entering the USA.

When arriving at selected US airports, Global Entry members can proceed to the designated Global Entry lanes and kiosks. Here, they can use the available processing technology, which captures a photo to verify their membership, to expedite their entry into the country. This streamlined process offers a faster and more convenient alternative to the standard passport control procedures.

It is worth noting that Global Entry membership does not guarantee completely unhindered entry into the US. Members may still be randomly selected for further examination upon arrival, and any violation of the program's terms and conditions can result in enforcement action and termination of membership privileges.

To enrol in the Global Entry program, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include being 18 years of age or older (minors can join with parental or legal guardian consent), being a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or citizen of certain specified countries, and paying a non-refundable application fee of $120 (with exceptions for minors). Additionally, applicants must not have a criminal record or any pending charges and must be admissible to the United States under immigration regulations.

In summary, while Global Entry can provide significant benefits for expedited entry into the United States, its utility is specifically tied to travel into the US. The program is designed to facilitate the entry process for pre-approved travellers at US airports, and its benefits are not applicable when entering or exiting other countries, including the UK. Therefore, when travelling to destinations outside the United States, such as Heathrow Airport in London, Global Entry is not a factor in expediting one's entry or exit process.

US citizens don't need a visa to enter the UK

Heathrow Airport does not have Global Entry. Global Entry is only for entry into the US and has nothing to do with entry into the UK. However, US citizens can use ePassport gates or eGates at Heathrow for quicker entry if they have a newer US passport with a chip.

ePassport gates require a newer US passport with a chip

Heathrow Airport does offer Global Entry for US citizens entering the UK. However, Global Entry is only useful when re-entering the US, not when entering the UK. US citizens can use ePassport gates at Heathrow for quicker entry if they have a newer US passport with a chip. This chip contains the same information printed on the passport's data page, including the holder's name, date of birth, and other biographic information. It also contains a biometric identifier, such as a digital photograph of the holder.

The ePassport gates use facial recognition technology to verify the user's identity against the data stored in the chip in their biometric passport. This technology compares the facial image from the electronic chip of the passport with the one captured from the person physically present at border control. The gates are connected to the Information System of the Border Police, allowing for additional checks by querying relevant databases.

To identify if your US passport has a chip, look for a small symbol on the front under the "United States of America" text that resembles the flag of Missouri. If you have a newer US passport with a chip, you can use the ePassport gates at Heathrow for faster entry into the UK. These gates offer an alternative to staffed immigration officer desks.

It is important to note that Global Entry is a separate program that facilitates re-entry into the US, and it is not required for entering the UK. Additionally, ePassport gates do not accept national identity cards, and users between the ages of 10 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult when using these gates.

Frequently asked questions