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Using TSA PreCheck® for international travel

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    Quick insights

    • TSA PreCheck® is a U.S. government-run Trusted Traveler Program (TTP).
    • Travelers taking international flights that depart from the U.S. may be able to use TSA PreCheck security lanes.
    • Several foreign airlines with departing flights from the U.S. participate in the TSA PreCheck program.

    TSA PreCheck is often associated with domestic travel. This is because travelers with TSA PreCheck status can access potentially expedited security screenings at participating U.S. airports. But you may be surprised to learn there are times when TSA PreCheck can be used for international travel departing from the U.S. as well.

    Read on to learn how and when you may be able to use TSA PreCheck for an international flight.

    Understanding TSA PreCheck

    Many passengers enroll in TSA PreCheck with the hope that it will save them time going through airport security checkpoints and screening. TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows enrolled travelers to use designated security lanes at participating U.S. airport checkpoints for domestic and select international flights. Travelers with TSA PreCheck status typically don’t need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets during security checks.

    TSA PreCheck security screening is not available at airports outside of the U.S. You must be on a flight departing from the U.S. to use TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport. Your flight can be domestic or international, but it must be departing from the U.S. to use PreCheck lanes.

    Using TSA PreCheck for international flights

    Not every airport nor every airline has or accepts TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck is primarily for flights in the U.S., and its acceptance for international flights depends on the airline and airport, not necessarily the country that the flight is going to.

    There are many foreign airlines that participate in the TSA PreCheck program and operate international flights from the U.S.

    Even with approved airlines, TSA PreCheck benefits are only applicable for the U.S. leg of your trip. You may want to check your airline’s website or call its customer service number to check if that airline participates in TSA PreCheck.

    A full list of participating airlines can be found on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.

    Using TSA PreCheck in Europe

    TSA PreCheck is not available for flights within or departing from Europe.

    If you’re traveling to a country in Europe, you may be able to get expedited screening via programs run through the county you’re visiting. For example, Germany’s EasyPASS and the Netherlands' Privium programs are similar to TSA PreCheck in the U.S.

    You may want to check that you meet the guidelines for these programs before applying. Not all European TTPs are open to U.S. applicants.

    Can you upgrade TSA PreCheck for international travel?

    TSA PreCheck cannot be upgraded for international use, as it is a U.S.-based program. However, there are other TTPs designed with international travel in mind. They include:

    • Global Entry: A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that includes eligibility for TSA PreCheck benefits and can expedite re-entry into the U.S. after international travel.
    • NEXUS: A program that can expedite travel between the U.S. and Canada. Can include eligibility for use of Global Entry.
    • SENTRI: A program that can expedite travel between the U.S. and Mexico. Can include eligibility for use of Global Entry.

    If you travel internationally, you may find that one of these TTPs is a better fit your traveling needs.

    CLEAR is another security screening program, that is run by a private company, not the U.S. government. CLEAR Plus—its membership program—is limited to verifying your identity and may help you bypass lines at the initial ID verification security checkpoint.

    CLEAR also operates Reserve by CLEAR—a security line reservation system that allows travelers to schedule a security time slot in advance of their arrival at the airport. It has partnered with some airports in North America and Europe to offer this service. CLEAR has an annual membership fee but does not charge extra for Reserve reservations.

    In summary

    Even if you can’t use TSA PreCheck in international airports, you may find it useful for domestic travel and flights departing from the U.S. when the airport and airline allow it.

    Travelers must apply for TSA PreCheck and receive approval before accessing its benefits. The process involves paying an application fee, submitting required documentation, passing a background check and attending an in-person interview with a TSA representative. If approved, your TSA PreCheck status is good for five years.

    Some Chase travel credit cards, such as Chase Sapphire Reserve®, reimburse up to $120 every four years toward application fees for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS. You must use your credit card for the application fee to receive the reimbursement statement credit. Note that these cards usually have an annual fee.

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