How to handle a denied Trusted Traveler application (TSA Precheck, Global Entry, SENTRI).

Interviews, government data, and other systems are used to verify information to grant access to expedited services. Trusted travelers programs require that you provide proof of identity. People may be denied entry or have their status cancelled for a variety of reasons. There are also mistakes. Here’s a list of reasons your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry status could be revoked, and what you can do to fix it.

TSA Precheck

TSA PreCheck provides dedicated airport security lines as well as streamlined screening at approximately 200 U.S. airports for members. This allows travelers to avoid having to remove shoes, jackets, and other electronics while going through security. It also speeds up the process by allowing them not have to take their bags with them.

After approval, members are issued a Known Traveler number that can be used with over 85 participating airlines. Membership is $78 and lasts five years. You can renew your membership for a further five years after this period. Online renewals are available for $70 or in-person at enrollment centers for $78.

TSA PreCheck can be lost if you commit federal security violations or other crimes. These can be done on or off the plane. These can be found on a plane:

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  Interference with flight crew or intimidation.
  

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  Threat of or physical assault on an aircraft.
  

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  Interference in security operations.
  

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  A bomb threat.
  

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  Bring a prohibited item into an airport or onto a plane.
  

Recurrent criminal history screening is done at the airport to ensure that lawful travelers are allowed access. This could include:

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  Reviewing terrorist watchlists.
  

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  Previous criminal convictions.
  

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  Intention for longer than 365 days.
  

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  Illegal possession of a firearm.
  

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  Possession of outstanding warrants or under indictment for any felony.
  

If you are denied, or are considered ineligible, there are several avenues you can take. You can contact the case manager provided in the ineligibility letters, call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673, or submit an online form.

Global Entry

The Department of Homeland Security offers Global Entry to approved low-risk travelers who wish to obtain expedited immigration when they return to the United States.

After paying the $100 application fee, background check and taking an in-person interview, conditionally approved members will be allowed to join. Members will be granted access to the program for five consecutive years after being approved. The best part is that the application fee may be refunded if you have a qualified travel card that includes the fee as one benefit.

Global Entry can deny you entry if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, you can have your status revoked.

Travelers should declare all criminal convictions, past or pending, during the application process. Failure to do so can result in disqualification. For example, a DUI less than 10 years old could be a problem. You may also be ineligible if you have been refused purchase of firearms or received a pardon for a crime from another country.

If the background check reveals that the applicant has not provided all the information required, denial could be a result.

Failure to declare certain items upon your return from international travel could result in you losing Global Entry. It is possible to be shocked at the long list of items that must be declared. This includes:

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  Agricultural products like food, plants and seeds, as well as fruit (yes, that apple you ate from the plane).
  

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  Excludes items beyond the personal exemption limit (a shopping spree can get you in serious trouble).
  

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  Cash in excess of $10,000
  

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  Items containing dog or cat fur.
  

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  Hunting and game trophies.
  

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  Cultural artifacts.
  

Global Entry could be terminated if you violate the rules. Uncooperative members could lose Global Entry.

Was your Global Entry revoked? Was your Global Entry revoked? Or was it denied following conditional approval, or were you declined membership at the beginning? There are several options for recourse. There are a few options for recourse.

Reconsideration requests may take some time if you feel Global Entry was not revoked without cause. These can be submitted through the Trusted Traveler Program website.

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  The date of the denial, and if possible, the reason (many people might not know why they were denied, or their status was revoked).
  

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  Information that clarifies or explains an incident or arrest.
  

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  PDF of court disposition documents showing arrests and convictions, even if they are expunged.
  

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  Additional supporting documentation.
  

If you were declined due to a previous denial of the purchase of a firearm, you can contact the FBI to challenge that denial at https://www.edo.cjis.gov/.

This program expedites travel for people who cross the U.S.-Mexico frontier frequently. SENTRI offers dedicated processing lanes for crossing the southern land frontier. Approval also grants access to Nexus (for Canadian border crossings), and both TSA PreCheck or Global Entry at U.S. airports.

Status can be denied or revoked for those who have:

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  False information provided during the application process.
  

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  Have been convicted of any crime or are awaiting trial.
  

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  Infraction of customs policies.
  

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  Awarded a pardon for a crime from another country.
  

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  Refused to purchase a firearm.
  

You can appeal the denial or revocation of your visa by using the Trusted Traveler Program website.

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  The date of the denial, and if possible, the reason (many people might not know why they were denied, or their status was revoked).
  

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  Information that explains an incident or arrest.
  

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  PDF of court disposition documents for all arrests and convictions, even if they are expunged.
  

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  Additional supporting documentation.
  

Recap

You can request reconsideration if your application is denied. If they are unable to make progress in another way, some may choose to seek legal advice. Trusted traveler programs are helpful, although nothing is certain.

It is crucial to follow the instructions and to be truthful when applying. However, it is also important to be aware of any potential ineligibilities. It is possible to be shocked at the items that need to be declared at customs.