Using Global Entry Id To Purchase Beer: Legal Or Not?

Global Entry cards are issued to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals who are members of the Global Entry program. While the card is a valid travel document, its acceptance as a form of ID varies across different establishments. Some bars and clubs may not accept it as they may not be familiar with it. However, Global Entry cards meet all the requirements for a Real ID, and can be used for expedited entry at major U.S. airports and land and sea ports of entry.

Global Entry cards as a valid form of ID

Global Entry cards are issued to members of the Global Entry program who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals. The card is used for expedited entry into the U.S. via SENTRI and NEXUS lanes at land and sea ports of entry. It contains a radio frequency identification chip, which enables its use at these lanes.

However, the Global Entry card is not a valid form of identification at Global Entry kiosks. These kiosks require a passport or lawful permanent resident card. Additionally, the card is not valid for entry into Canada via the NEXUS lanes and is not accepted in Canada.

While the Global Entry card is a valid travel document, other establishments, such as bars and clubs, may not accept it as a form of identification. This could be due to a lack of familiarity with the card.

In conclusion, while the Global Entry card is a valid form of identification for certain purposes, such as expedited entry into the U.S. at specific ports of entry, it may not be universally accepted as ID. It is important to check with the specific establishment or entity to determine if they accept the Global Entry card as a valid form of identification.

Acceptability of Global Entry cards at bars

The acceptability of Global Entry cards at bars varies. While Global Entry cards are considered valid travel documents, other establishments may not accept them as they may not be familiar with them. Some people have reported being refused service at bars when presenting a Passport Card as ID, with staff believing it to be fake.

Global Entry cards are issued to members of the Trusted Traveler Programs who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals. The cards have radio frequency identification chips, which enable their use at Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) and NEXUS travel lanes when entering the United States at land borders. Cardholders must follow all program rules for SENTRI when using this card at the Southern land border ports of entry.

The Global Entry card cannot be used at Global Entry kiosks, which only accept passports or lawful permanent resident cards. However, NEXUS cards are accepted at Global Entry kiosks located in Canadian Preclearance Airports. Global Entry cards are also not valid for entry into Canada via the NEXUS lanes.

Global Entry cards meet all the requirements for a Real ID, which will be required for flying from October 2020 onwards. To check if you have a Real ID, look for a star or flag in the upper right-hand corner of your ID.

Global Entry cards and Real ID requirements

Global Entry is a program that facilitates the expedited entry of pre-approved travellers into the United States. Global Entry cards are issued to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals.

Global Entry cards are accepted at land and sea ports of entry into the US, as well as at SENTRI and NEXUS expedited travel lanes. They are not accepted at Canadian NEXUS lanes and kiosks, nor at Global Entry kiosks, which require passports or US lawful permanent resident cards.

As of May 7, 2025, all US residents will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or other approved identification to pass through airport security. A Global Entry card is considered Real ID-compliant and can be used as identification at airports.

Global Entry cards and expedited entry

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler program designed to make re-entering the U.S. faster after international trips. Administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the program allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon their return to the U.S.

Global Entry members can utilise expedited immigration lanes when re-entering the U.S. from abroad. Members enter the U.S. by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports. At the airport, program members proceed to the Global Entry lanes, where processing technology is used to capture a photo to verify their membership. Once the photo has been captured, the member will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm that they have successfully completed the process.

Global Entry is a risk-based approach to facilitate the entry of pre-approved travellers. Applicants may not qualify for Global Entry participation if they have been convicted of any criminal offence, have been denied the purchase of a firearm, or are inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration regulations.

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 enrolment interviews may apply.

Global Entry membership costs $120 for a five-year membership as of 2024. While the price has increased, the benefits often outweigh the costs, particularly for frequent travellers. Additionally, members automatically get TSA PreCheck, which costs up to $85, so the Global Entry fee does double duty for the cost.

Global Entry cards and travel to Canada

Global Entry is a program that facilitates the entry of pre-approved travellers who are deemed low-risk. It is a US government program, and only US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals are issued Global Entry cards.

Global Entry cards are accepted at land and sea US ports of entry. They can be used at SENTRI and NEXUS expedited travel lanes when entering the US. However, Global Entry cards are not valid for entry into Canada via NEXUS lanes and kiosks. Travellers must apply separately for NEXUS to enter Canada.

NEXUS is a program that allows pre-screened travellers expedited processing when entering the US and Canada. Members can use NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air and Global Entry kiosks when entering the US via Canadian Preclearance airports.

To enter Canada using a NEXUS card, travellers must:

• Use the designated NEXUS lane.
• Hold their membership card in front of the proximity card reader.
• Proceed to the inspection booth for a visual inspection. The border officer will indicate whether the traveller can enter Canada or needs to proceed to the inspection area.

Frequently asked questions