The vast majority of applicants get approved — but Global Entry isn't automatic. CBP runs a full federal background check and has broad discretion to deny anyone they consider a risk. Here's exactly what can get you denied: the hard disqualifiers, the gray areas like DUIs, and what to do if you're unsure about your record.

The short answer: most people qualify

Global Entry approval rates are high. The vast majority of applicants — people with clean records, no immigration issues, and consistent travel history — get conditionally approved within a few weeks of applying. If you're asking this question out of general anxiety, the answer is probably: you're fine. Apply.

That said, CBP explicitly states that Global Entry is a privilege, not a right. They run your identity against multiple federal databases — including criminal records, immigration history, customs violation history, and national security watchlists — and they can deny anyone they determine is not a "low-risk traveler."

This article covers the specific factors that actually cause denials, from clear-cut disqualifiers to the gray areas that cause confusion.

Hard disqualifiers (automatic or near-automatic denial)

CBP publishes a list of grounds for ineligibility in the Global Entry program regulations. The following are explicitly listed or consistently result in denial:

Felony conviction (any country)

A felony conviction is the clearest disqualifying factor for Global Entry. This applies to convictions in the U.S. and abroad. CBP does not have a bright-line "how old is too old" rule — a decades-old felony can still result in denial, though older convictions with no other red flags may be weighed differently than recent ones.

Important nuance: expungement does not guarantee approval. CBP has access to federal records and is not bound by state expungement orders in the way a private employer might be. Many applicants with expunged felonies are still denied. You can and should disclose the conviction on your application regardless of expungement status — failing to disclose is a separate disqualifying offense.

Drug trafficking, importation, or distribution offenses

Any conviction or documented involvement in drug trafficking, importation, or distribution is an essentially automatic disqualifier, regardless of whether it's a felony or misdemeanor, and regardless of how old it is. This is one of the categories CBP takes most seriously given that Global Entry grants expedited customs clearance — exactly the process drug smugglers attempt to exploit.

Crimes involving moral turpitude

"Crimes involving moral turpitude" (CIMTs) is a legal category that includes fraud, theft, robbery, assault with serious injury, murder, and similar offenses. A conviction for a CIMT is listed in Global Entry regulations as a disqualifying factor. What counts as a CIMT is determined by the statute of conviction and the specific conduct involved — an immigration attorney can advise on borderline cases.

Weapons violations and terrorism-related offenses

Convictions for weapons offenses (e.g., illegal firearms possession, trafficking), or any connection to terrorism-related activity or individuals on terrorism watchlists, are disqualifying. This includes material support for terrorism designations and certain export control violations.

Known or suspected gang affiliation

CBP may deny applicants who are documented as gang members or associates in federal or law enforcement databases. Unlike criminal convictions, this isn't always something applicants are aware of — it can result from prior law enforcement contact that didn't lead to charges.

Previous Global Entry or Trusted Traveler revocation

If you had a prior Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or TSA PreCheck membership revoked for cause (as opposed to simply expired or voluntarily cancelled), that revocation is on your record and will almost certainly cause denial on a new application unless the underlying issue was resolved.

Outstanding warrants

An active arrest warrant — federal, state, or international — will result in denial and may trigger additional action when your background check is run.

Gray areas: DUIs, old charges, and minor offenses

This is where most people's questions actually live. CBP's regulations don't draw bright lines on misdemeanors, DUIs, or older charges — they evaluate these case by case. Here's what's generally known:

DUIs

A DUI does not automatically disqualify you — but it can. CBP evaluates each application individually with full discretion. Factors that affect the outcome:

• Recency: A DUI from 15+ years ago with a clean record since is treated very differently than a DUI from 2 years ago.
• Number of incidents: A single DUI is a gray area. Multiple DUIs signal a pattern that CBP views negatively.
• Severity: A DUI involving injury to others, a high BAC, or involving a commercial vehicle is treated more seriously.
• Other history: A DUI combined with other criminal history compounds the risk of denial.

Many applicants with a single older DUI are approved. Many with recent or multiple DUIs are denied. There's no guaranteed outcome — CBP doesn't publish approval rates by offense type.

Minor misdemeanors

Minor misdemeanors — petty theft, simple possession of small amounts of marijuana (in states where it's now legal), minor disorderly conduct from years ago — often do not result in denial, especially if they're isolated incidents and old. CBP looks at the totality of your record. A single minor misdemeanor from a decade ago with nothing since is very different from a pattern of recent criminal activity.

Drug-related misdemeanors (even minor ones) are evaluated more carefully than other misdemeanors given CBP's mission. A misdemeanor for marijuana possession may or may not cause issues depending on the specifics and how CBP's review policies evolve.

Arrests without conviction

An arrest record without a conviction can still trigger scrutiny during CBP's review — particularly if it involved serious alleged conduct or shows a pattern. CBP can see arrest records even without conviction. Most single old arrests with no resulting conviction don't cause denial, but they can cause your application to spend longer in "Pending Review" while CBP investigates. See why your Global Entry status says Pending Review.

Juvenile records

Juvenile records are generally sealed and not accessible to most background checks. However, CBP has broader access than most entities and may be able to view certain juvenile records. In practice, old juvenile adjudications rarely cause Global Entry denials for adults, but very serious juvenile offenses (particularly those tried as adult cases) can.

Immigration violations

CBP's core mandate is border security, so immigration history is scrutinized carefully. The following can result in denial:

• Overstays: Overstaying a visa — even a short one, even if you eventually regularized your status — is documented in CBP's systems and can cause denial or prolonged review.
• Prior removal or deportation orders: If you were ever deported, removed, or had a formal order of removal issued (even if not enforced), this is a significant red flag. Applicants who have been removed are typically ineligible.
• Unlawful presence: Extended periods of unlawful presence in the U.S. are documented and reviewed.
• Visa fraud or misrepresentation: Any prior finding that you misrepresented yourself to obtain a visa or immigration benefit is treated similarly to a false statement offense.
• Inadmissibility grounds: If you are currently subject to a ground of inadmissibility under immigration law (health, security, criminal, etc.), you are likely ineligible for Global Entry.

Non-U.S. citizens must be citizens of a participating country and meet additional requirements. See Global Entry guide for green card holders and immigrants.

Customs and CBP violations

This is the most directly relevant category — CBP is also the customs enforcement agency, so violations they've personally enforced carry particular weight:

• Prior customs violations: If you've been caught smuggling goods, failing to declare items, or making false declarations at the border, that's in CBP's own records.
• Agricultural violations: Importing prohibited agricultural products (meat, plants, etc.) is a CBP matter and documented violations can count against you.
• Currency reporting failures: Failing to report cash over $10,000 when entering or leaving the country is a customs violation.
• Prior placement in secondary inspection for suspicious behavior: Repeated secondary inspections for cause (not random selection) can establish a pattern CBP considers in their review.

False statements and omissions on the application

The Global Entry application is a federal form. Making a material false statement on it — whether by outright lying or by omitting something you were asked to disclose — is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Beyond the legal risk, CBP will find the truth when they run your background check. When they find a discrepancy between your application and your actual record, the omission itself becomes a disqualifying factor on top of whatever you were trying to hide. The calculation is simple: disclose everything, let CBP evaluate it honestly. You may get approved despite a disclosed issue. You will be denied — and face legal exposure — for a concealed one.

How CBP actually decides

CBP's Global Entry review is not a simple checklist. It's a discretionary process conducted by CBP officers who review your entire record, travel history, application, and interview performance. A few things to understand:

• They weigh the totality. A single old misdemeanor and a spotless record since is weighed differently than a recent pattern of issues.
• They consider your interview. Your demeanor, consistency with your application, and how you explain prior issues all factor in. Officers note applicants who seem evasive or who provide inconsistent answers.
• They use broad databases. CBP has access to federal criminal databases, immigration databases, customs violation records, DHS databases, and other law enforcement systems. Their background check is more thorough than most employers' checks.
• Their decision is largely unreviewable. Unlike employment decisions, CBP doesn't have to explain exactly why they denied you, and there's no right to see the specific information they acted on.

What to do if you're denied

If CBP denies your Global Entry application or revokes your existing membership, you have limited but real options:

Read the denial letter carefully

CBP will send a denial letter that gives a general reason for the denial (e.g., "criminal history," "prior violations"). It won't necessarily cite the specific record they found, but the category will help you understand what they're acting on.

File a TRIP appeal

The Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) allows you to challenge or seek clarification on a denial. If you believe the denial was based on inaccurate information (e.g., a case of mistaken identity, an error in your record, or a charge that was dismissed), TRIP is the appropriate channel. The process can take several months. You can file at dhs.gov/dhs-trip.

Address the underlying issue, then reapply

If the denial was based on accurate information — a genuine conviction, an immigration violation, a customs offense — the path forward is to address the underlying issue (e.g., complete the terms of your sentence, resolve any pending matters) and reapply after sufficient time has passed. How long to wait depends on the specific issue; there's no published waiting period.

Get legal advice for complex cases

If your denial involves criminal history, immigration status, or watchlist placement, an attorney specializing in immigration law or national security can advise you on whether a TRIP appeal is viable, what records CBP may have accessed, and whether the denial can be challenged.

Frequently asked questions

Does a DUI disqualify you from Global Entry?

Not automatically. A single older DUI with a clean record since may not result in denial — many applicants in this situation are approved. Multiple DUIs, a recent DUI, or a DUI combined with other issues significantly increases the risk of denial. CBP evaluates case by case and doesn't publish a bright-line rule on DUIs.

Does a felony automatically disqualify you from Global Entry?

Yes, a felony conviction is listed in CBP's regulations as a disqualifying factor and nearly always results in denial. Expungement does not guarantee approval — CBP can still consider expunged records. Disclose the conviction on your application regardless.

Can you get Global Entry with a misdemeanor?

Depends on the misdemeanor. Minor, old misdemeanors with no pattern of behavior often don't cause denial. Drug-related misdemeanors, weapons misdemeanors, or those involving fraud or dishonesty are evaluated more carefully. Disclose it and apply; you may still be approved.

Does Global Entry check expunged records?

CBP has broader access to records than most employers and is not bound by state expungement orders. They can consider expunged records in their review. Always disclose expunged history on your application — omitting it is a false statement.

Can a pending charge get you denied?

Yes. A pending charge — even without conviction — can result in denial or prolonged "Pending Review" status. CBP may wait for the resolution of the case before making a final decision. Applying while facing serious pending charges is generally not advisable.

What happens if I'm denied Global Entry?

CBP issues a denial letter with a general reason. You can appeal through the TRIP program if you believe the denial was based on an error, or address the underlying issue and reapply after time has passed. Legal advice is worth considering for complex cases.

Does an immigration overstay disqualify you?

An overstay is documented in CBP's systems and can cause denial or prolonged review, especially if it was recent or extended. Its effect depends on how long ago it occurred, how it was resolved, and your overall immigration record since then.