U.S. Trusted Traveler programs
U.S.-based Trusted Traveler programs are restricted when promoted in any country. We handle certification and compliant messaging.
If your business helps travelers apply for or renew U.S. Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, SENTRI, NEXUS, or FAST, you have likely seen your Google Ads disapproved or your account flagged without a clear path forward. Google restricts advertising in this category because these programs are official U.S. government services, and the platform tightly controls who can promote acquisition of them.
Under Google's Government Documents and Services (GODOS) policy, only certified governments and authorized providers may run ads that promote direct acquisition of these enrollment services. Every other advertiser must apply for Google certification and complete Google's advertiser verification program before their ads can serve. Google also automatically appends a "Not a government website" disclosure to Search ads in this category unless you are a certified government provider.
The opportunity is real: travel-assistance businesses, enrollment facilitators, and application-support services can legitimately advertise once they are certified to advertise. Getting GODOS certification in order means your ads can run consistently, your account stays in good standing, and you compete transparently for high-intent travelers searching for help with expedited screening and border-crossing programs.
What’s restricted
- Global Entry
- TSA PreCheck®
- SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST
Why Google restricts u.s. trusted traveler programs ads
Trusted Traveler programs are prime targets for deceptive advertising. Consumers pay real government fees for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST, and bad actors have historically set up look-alike sites that charge inflated "processing" fees, collect sensitive personal data, or imply official affiliation they do not have. Google restricts the category to protect users from fraud, phishing, and confusion about who they are actually paying.
Because enrollment requires passing background checks and submitting personal identifiers, the risk of harm from a misleading ad is high. Google's response is to limit advertising to certified governments and authorized providers, require verification of everyone else, and force a clear disclosure so travelers always know when they are dealing with a private business rather than an official government portal.
Who needs GODOS certification
- Third-party application-assistance services that help travelers prepare and submit Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollments
- Travel agencies and concierge businesses that offer Trusted Traveler enrollment support as part of their services
- Membership or subscription platforms that guide members through NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST applications and renewals
- Corporate travel and mobility providers assisting employees with expedited border-crossing programs
- Any private business whose landing pages or ads reference Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, SENTRI, NEXUS, or FAST as a promoted service
How to get certified: step by step
- 1
Confirm your business model qualifies
Review how you present Trusted Traveler services. Google expects clarity that you are a private assistance provider, not the government. Businesses that mislead about official status or fees will not pass certification, so align your offering before applying.
- 2
Fix your website and ad disclosures
Ensure your landing pages clearly state you are not affiliated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the TSA, or any government agency, and that official enrollment fees are set by the government. Prominently disclose your own service fees separately from government charges.
- 3
Complete Google advertiser verification
Work through Google's advertiser identity and business verification program. This confirms who is behind the account and is a prerequisite for GODOS certification in this category.
- 4
Submit the GODOS certification application
Apply for certification for U.S. Trusted Traveler programs through the correct Google form, providing accurate business details and documentation about how you operate and how you handle applicant data.
- 5
Prepare for the 'Not a government website' disclosure
Unless you are a certified government provider, expect Google to add the automatic disclosure to your Search ads. Structure your ad copy and site so this disclosure fits naturally and does not conflict with your messaging.
- 6
Monitor, respond, and maintain compliance
After approval, keep ads and landing pages consistent with policy. If Google issues a warning, you generally have at least 7 days before suspension to resolve issues, so act quickly on any notice.
Common mistakes that get ads disapproved
- Using official-looking government logos, seals, or domain names that imply affiliation with CBP or the TSA
- Bundling government enrollment fees with service fees so travelers cannot tell what goes to the government versus the business
- Running ads before completing both advertiser verification and GODOS certification, then getting disapproved or suspended
- Omitting a clear "we are not a government agency" disclosure on landing pages and in ad copy
- Making exaggerated claims like guaranteed approval or guaranteed faster processing of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications
- Driving traffic to pages that collect sensitive personal data without transparent privacy and fee disclosures
How we help
We guide Trusted Traveler assistance businesses through the full GODOS certification process from end to end. That includes auditing your website and ad copy against Google's requirements, correcting disclosure and fee-transparency issues, preparing your advertiser verification documentation, and assembling a certification application that accurately represents how you help travelers with Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST enrollments.
We work with advertisers worldwide and understand the specific sensitivities of this category. While we are not affiliated with Google and cannot guarantee approval — those decisions rest solely with Google — we help you avoid the mistakes that trigger disapprovals and suspensions, respond effectively to policy warnings, and build an advertising setup that stays compliant so you can run Google Ads with confidence.
Related services
Google Ads Policy Audit
A full review of your account, ads, and landing pages against the GODOS policy, with a prioritized fix list.
Ad Copy Compliance
We rewrite ad copy and extensions to meet policy requirements without losing performance.
Landing Page Optimization
Compliant, high-converting landing pages with the correct disclaimers and disclosures.
Google & Government Verification
Guidance through Google certification and the advertiser verification program, step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Can a private business advertise Global Entry or TSA PreCheck services on Google? +
Yes, but only after completing Google's advertiser verification and obtaining GODOS certification for this category. You must also clearly present yourself as a private assistance provider, not an official government portal. Ads that run without certification are typically disapproved or lead to account suspension.
Why does Google add a 'Not a government website' label to my ads? +
Google automatically appends this disclosure to Search ads in the Trusted Traveler category unless the advertiser is a certified government provider. It protects travelers from confusion about whether they are dealing with the government or a private business. Certified private providers should design their messaging to accommodate this disclosure.
What is the difference between advertiser verification and GODOS certification? +
Advertiser verification confirms your identity and business legitimacy across Google Ads generally. GODOS certification is a category-specific approval required to promote acquisition of restricted government documents and services like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST. You typically need both to advertise in this category.
Will I get suspended immediately if my ad violates the policy? +
Google generally issues a warning at least 7 days before suspending an account for GODOS violations, giving you time to correct the issue. However, repeated or severe violations can still lead to suspension, so it is best to be compliant before launching and to act fast on any warning.
What must my landing page include to pass certification? +
Your page should clearly state that you are not affiliated with CBP, the TSA, or any government agency, disclose your own service fees separately from official government fees, avoid government seals or misleading branding, and be transparent about how you handle applicants' personal information.
Can you guarantee my Trusted Traveler ads will be approved? +
No. We are an independent consultancy and are not affiliated with Google, and all certification and approval decisions rest solely with Google. What we can do is prepare your business, website, and application to meet Google's requirements as closely as possible, which significantly reduces avoidable rejections.