Key Highlights
Planning to travel abroad? Does the thought of long custom queues make you feel dejected already? Well, have you heard of GEP in people’s passports? It would be worth a read of how important the GEP full form in passport is, for your future travel planning! Global Entry Program, also referred to as GEP, is a trusted travel program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that simplifies and speeds up the customs process. With recent renewal of the bilateral agreement between India and the U.S. for GEP has streamlined the process for Indian citizens. Discover how the Global Entry Program can elevate your international travel experience and why the GEP full form in your passport is important for your application process.
What is GEP in a Passport?
GEP full form in passport stands for Global Entry Program, it is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Travel Trusted Program that allows expedited clearance, reduced waiting time and enhanced security measures. It is specifically designed to allow pre-approved, low-risk travelers a less stressful and hassle-free entry into U.S. international borders. Furthermore, with the latest updates in this program, it has expanded to include citizens from over 15 countries. There are various benefits of GEP, which makes it a popular choice amongst frequent international travelers.
Benefits of the Global Entry Program
• Expedited entry process at all U.S. airports.
• Access to dedicated automatic GEP kiosks.
• No paperwork upon arrival.
• Reduced wait times at customs and immigration.
• Multi-year membership (validity for 5 years)
The countries under GEP full form in passport as Global Entry Program as of 2025 update are – Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdoms.
How to apply for GEP Background Verification?
Did you get hooked on applying for the program? Well, we've got you covered! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for GEP full form in passport process.
STEP 1 - For Indian citizens, you must first register on the Passport Seva Portal.
STEP 2 – Log in to your profile on the Passport Seva Portal. For easier access, you can click here.
STEP 3 – Click on “Apply for Background verification for GEP”
STEP 4 – Fill out the online application form.
STEP 5 – Pay the required fee and schedule an appointment at Passport Seva Kendra. (PSK)
That’s all! It’s that simple. For verification at PSK, you must carry all important documents along with you.
Also Read: Do We Need Passport for Andaman? Latest Guide
Required documents for GEP verification
The documents you need are mentioned below:
1. Original passport with self-attested photocopies of relevant pages.
2. Proof of current address (if it is different from passport address)
3. PASS ID from the TTP system (previously known as GOES ID from the U.S. CBP Global Online Enrollment System)
Don’t know what’s PASS ID? It is a unique code by the CBP platform to manage Trusted Travel Programs. Applicants register on TTP and are assigned a PASSID, which serves a similar purpose to the former GOES ID. To access your Trusted Traveler Programs for GEP full form in passport account and information, visit the TTP website.
GEP Application Process for Indian Citizens
GEP full form in passport as Global Entry Program has opened gateway for Indian citizens to reduced waiting and upgraded travel experience. The GEP application process for Indian Citizens has two main stages –
|
U.S. CBP Application |
Indian Background Verification |
|
• Create an account on the TTP system. ( earlier known as the GOES website ) • Complete the online application • Pay the non-refundable application fee • Wait for conditional approval • Receive your unique PASS ID. ( previously known as GOES ID ) • Scheduling an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center • Final approval |
• Apply for background verification on the Passport Seva Portal. • Visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) with the required documents • Undergo the verification process |
GEP Fees And Processing Time
The GEP full form in passport as Global Entry Program involves different fees in accordance with its processing time. The overall procedure, from application submission to final approval, can take roughly 4 to 6 months. This duration might differ according to application volume and individual circumstances.
- For a U.S. CBP Application, the fee is 125 dollars (validity for 5 years) with a processing time of 4-6 weeks at minimum.
- For Indian background verification, the fee is Rupees 500, which requires an additional time apart from the U.S. verification system.
A point to remember: All fees paid are non-refundable and are one-time only.
Also Read: What is File Number in Passport? Latest Experts Guide
GEP vs Other Trusted Traveler Programs
Travel programs are a must for people who want to travel internationally. A smooth overseas journey is the ultimate goal. Many people search for GEP full form in passport applications to understand its significance. Here is a summarized version of all the crucial points between currently famous travel programs for you to choose what’s best for you:
|
FEATURE/ BENEFIT |
WHAT GEP OFFERS? |
|
TSA PreCheck Access |
GEP includes TSA PreCheck, so members enjoy expedited security with biometric facial recognition for enhancement. The screening includes domestic and inbound flights. |
|
Expedited U.S. Customs |
It provides faster reentry in the U.S. from any international destination than other programs like NEXUS (only limited to U.S. and Canada) or TSA PreCheck (no custom benefits) |
|
Global Coverage |
Works for frequent travelers who are returning to the U.S. from any country, making it an ideal choice, whereas TSA PreCheck is domestic-based and NEXUS is U.S. and Canada-specific. |
|
Eligibility |
It is open to citizens of over 15 countries (as updated at the latest in JAN 2025), while the other two are limited to U.S. and Canadian residents only. |
|
Airport Availability |
GEP full form in passport as Global Entry Program has dedicated kiosks that are widely available in almost all major U.S. airports, unlike NEXUS, which is U.S. and Canada-based only with selected airports. |
|
Comprehensive benefits |
GEP provides benefits of both TSA PreCheck (security screening) and NEXUS (expedited customs and screening), thus making it a popular and smart choice, as travellers have noted. |
This clearly indicates how GEP full form in passport as Global Entry Program has superior global coverage, broader eligibility and combined features of other trusted travel programs. Furthermore, Global Entry, also known as GEP full form in passport has automated kiosks at major airports such as –
• John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
• Los Angeles International Airport, California
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Illinois
• Miami International Airport, Florida
• San Francisco International Airport, California
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Virginia
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – Washington
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – Massachusetts
• Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) – Georgia
Therefore, GEP full form in the passport as Global Entry Program is the best choice for frequent international travellers. For further updates and information, you can also visit this website.
Also Read: Difference Between a Visa and a Passport: Complete Guide
Tips for a Successful GEP Application
There are always some tips and tricks which help us score the best deal with minimal effort, so here are the best-handpicked tips and tricks for you to remember. How to grab your Global Entry Program membership as GEP full form in passport with ease? This will make your travel plans hassle-free and joyous!
• Fill out the information carefully and accurately. Make sure to double-check before submitting. Ensure all details match your passport, driver’s license and other identification documents.
• Gather all required documents well in advance to avoid any delays at a later stage. It is recommended to make sure that your passport is not expired and that you carry visa or permanent residency proof (if applicable)
• Pay the fee with a credit card offering reimbursement. Many credit cards offer reimbursement on the application fee. Make sure to check this benefit and save some money!
• Choose the location of the interview and document verification strategically. If interviews are unavailable, use the Enrollment on Arrival option upon re-entering the U.S.
• Use the Mobile Passport APP for expedited customs if your GEP application is pending. However, it is only a temporary solution.
• Maintain a clean travel history and criminal record.
Such tips and tricks can help you make this process a streamlined, enjoyable ride before the actual experience begins!
Additional Tips for Applicants
• Ensure that your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays or denials.
• Be prepared for a thorough background check and an in-person interview to confirm your eligibility.
• Keep track of your membership expiration date to renew on time and avoid service interruptions.
Knowing the GEP full form in passport can help you expedite your immigration process at airports. So by addressing these common concerns, travellers can better understand the Global Entry Program and make informed decisions about applying abroad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, GEP has proven to be an invaluable resource for frequent international travellers. People often misunderstand GEP full form in passport but simply put its their participation in Global Entry Program. The GEP full form in passport as Global Entry Program is the best choice out there for frequent travelers at the moment. This initiative offers expedited customs clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. Designed to save time and give people a seamless and curated travel experience, it has several benefits with a long 5-year membership validity.
Whether you’re travelling for business, leisure, or any other reason, the Global Entry Program provides the peace of mind and efficiency that modern travellers need. Terratern can help simplify this process by providing guidance on GEP program, its requirements, assisting with document preparation, and offering support throughout the application process. With Terratern's assistance, you can embark on your journey in the US with confidence and ease.
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