Who Can Apply For Clear? Americans And Travelers From These Countries

Who can apply for Clear? Americans and travelers from these countries

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CLEAR Membership Eligibility for Americans and International Travelers


CLEAR Plus, a private biometric security program for expedited airport screening, has specific eligibility requirements. According to CLEAR’s official guidelines, the program is primarily designed for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, but certain non-U.S. citizens may also qualify under specific conditions. Below is a detailed breakdown based on available information:

CLEAR Plus Membership Eligibility

  • U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents:
  • Individuals aged 18 and older who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (e.g., Green Card holders) are eligible to enroll in CLEAR Plus.
  • Required identification includes a valid, unexpired, and unamended U.S. passport, U.S. driver’s license, or state-issued ID (must be REAL ID-compliant).
  • No background check is required, unlike TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, as CLEAR focuses solely on identity verification using biometrics (e.g., fingerprints, iris scans).
  • Non-U.S. Citizens:
  • Non-U.S. citizens are generally ineligible for CLEAR Plus unless they are lawful permanent residents of the U.S. with appropriate documentation, such as a Green Card.
  • However, there are limited exceptions for non-citizens with specific U.S.-issued IDs. CLEAR has indicated that anyone with a valid U.S. state-issued ID or U.S. passport may enroll, which could include non-citizens legally residing in the U.S. (e.g., those on work or student visas with a U.S. driver’s license).
  • Required documentation for non-citizens includes:
    • Valid passport (from their country of origin).
    • Proof of lawful U.S. presence, such as a Green Card, visa, or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
  • Non-citizens must complete in-person biometric verification (fingerprints and iris scans) at a CLEAR enrollment center, typically located at participating airports.
  • Specific Notes on International Travelers:
  • CLEAR is primarily U.S.-focused, operating at over 70 airports and venues in the United States. It does not explicitly extend eligibility to citizens of specific foreign countries unless they meet the U.S. residency or ID requirements.
  • Unlike Global Entry, which allows citizens from certain countries (e.g., Argentina, Brazil, Germany, India, Mexico, etc.) to apply, CLEAR does not have reciprocal agreements with other nations for membership.
  • International travelers without U.S. residency or valid U.S.-issued IDs are generally not eligible, as the program is designed for domestic security screening and select venue access (e.g., stadiums).
  • Age Restrictions:
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Children under 18 can use CLEAR lanes for free when accompanied by a CLEAR Plus member (e.g., a parent), without needing to enroll separately.
  • Enrollment Process:
  • Applicants begin online at clearme.com, providing personal information and payment details.
  • In-person verification at a CLEAR location (e.g., an airport kiosk) is required to complete enrollment, where biometrics are collected and IDs are verified.
  • Cost is $209 annually for standard membership, with discounts for certain groups (e.g., Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus members) or credit card holders (e.g., American Express Platinum). Family members can be added for $125 each per year.

Clarifications and Misconceptions

  • Misinformation in Sources: Some sources, like, incorrectly suggest that non-U.S. citizens can broadly enroll in CLEAR with just a valid passport. CLEAR’s official stance clarifies that only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with specific U.S.-issued IDs qualify, though exceptions exist for those with U.S. state-issued IDs.
  • Comparison to Other Programs: Unlike TSA PreCheck (exclusive to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents) or Global Entry (open to citizens of select countries like Australia, Germany, and Mexico), CLEAR’s eligibility is narrower for international travelers.
  • Practical Use for International Travelers: While CLEAR can expedite identity verification at U.S. airports, it does not bypass TSA screening or customs processes, making it less useful for non-residents who primarily travel internationally. Global Entry is often recommended for such travelers.

Countries Explicitly Mentioned for Other Programs (Not CLEAR)

For context, Global Entry allows citizens from the following countries to apply, which may be relevant for international travelers seeking expedited travel options: Argentina, Australia (phased rollout starting January 2025), Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. CLEAR, however, does not have such international agreements, limiting its applicability for non-U.S. residents.

Critical Perspective

The eligibility restrictions for CLEAR reflect its focus on U.S. domestic security and convenience, which may limit its appeal for international travelers unless they reside in the U.S. with proper documentation. The program’s high cost ($209/year) and lack of global reciprocity make it less attractive compared to Global Entry ($100 for 5 years, including TSA PreCheck) for non-U.S. citizens. Additionally, the requirement for U.S.-issued IDs can create hurdles for non-citizens, even those legally in the U.S., as not all visa holders have such IDs. CLEAR’s reliance on biometrics also raises privacy concerns, which may deter some eligible applicants, regardless of nationality.

If you’re an international traveler considering CLEAR, verify your U.S. residency status and ID eligibility on clearme.com, as requirements can be stringent. For most non-U.S. residents, Global Entry or other programs may offer broader benefits.

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