Are Global Entry LPR members obligated to carry a passport when flying into the US?

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Accepted answer

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/frequently-asked-questions

As a U.S. lawful permanent resident, which document do I use at the Global Entry kiosk?

U.S. lawful permanent residents must use their I-551 permanent resident card at the Global Entry kiosk.

I have never seen any indication that permanent residents would need their foreign passport to use Global Entry. I expect the application asks for it simply as a way to confirm your identity and broaden the background check.

Note that you don't need the Global Entry card either. That card is only useful when entering the US by land or sea, or as a form of identification at airport security.

In any case, using Global Entry is always optional. It doesn't impose any extra documentation requirements solely on the basis of being a member. If you don't meet the requirements to use Global Entry on any given trip, you are always free to go through the normal immigration and customs process, following its normal requirements.

Upvote:1

You only need your I-551 (green card) to re-enter the US. If the green card is expired but you are still in the US legally, there is other documentation that you'll need to provide.

You should look entry requirements in Timatic, the IATA's system for documenting entry requirements. United Airlines has a nice free interface to Timatic. Make sure you specify USA for resident country/region and Alien Residents for passenger type. The Timatic results are all specific to the data you enter.

Since you mentioned situations where you may not need a passport to enter a country, in particular Canada, I looked up the entry requirements for a citizen of the last country in the list (as you must specify a nationality and I don't know yours) and the only exemption for having a passport is:

Passengers with a Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327) issued by the USA.

Having a I-551 (green card) simply gives you a visa exemption:

Passengers with a Permanent Resident/Resident Alien Card (Form I-551) issued by the USA and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). They are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 6 months.

Also, Canada indicates that a passport is required.

your valid passport that you used to apply for your eTA.

Regardless of what documents are requested when you actually enter Canada, or any other country, the airline should go by Timatic. If you have any trouble with airline personnel at check-in, you'll want to be able to show what the entry requirements are and that you have the appropriate documents. In this particular case, it shows that a passport is required.

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