New Global Entry Rules at IAH

I’ve had Global Entry for several years, and today at IAH I was unexpectedly berated by a CBP officer upon re-entering the U.S. for not carrying my physical Global Entry card. According to the Trusted Traveler Program website, “You need to carry your membership card only if you’ll be traveling by land between the United States and Canada or Mexico. You do not need the Global Entry card for travel by air.” The CBP Officer eventually agreed to “let it slide just this one time”.

I travel internationally by air often and have never encountered this issue before. It wasn’t just me–several passengers in the Global Entry line seemed equally confused by what appeared to be a new or inconsistent process at IAH. There is also a new expedited line for those who use the Global Entry mobile app for approval (if you use Global Entry, download the app!).

Heads up, folks: even with Global Entry, your return to the U.S. might not be as smooth as expected.