The GPIA Visitor Pass makes it possible for non-travelers to experience Glacier Park International Airport (GPIA) beyond the security checkpoint. With a pass in hand, you can meet up with friends and family at the gate, spend extra time together before departure, or simply explore the restaurants and shops available post-security.
Step 1
Apply Online
Applications can be submitted on the day of your visit or up to seven days in advance. If you’re unable to choose a date or time slot in the online form, it means the program has reached its daily capacity for that period.
When applying, you’ll need to provide your full legal name (as shown on your TSA-approved photo ID), your date of birth, and sex. Once you submit, you’ll receive an email confirming that your request has been received.
REAL ID Reminder: As of May 7, 2025, all travelers and visitors who use a state-issued driver’s license or ID for access must ensure it is REAL ID compliant.If you’re unsure, check with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division at https://mvdmt.gov/real-id/.
Step 2
TSA Review & Approval
Your application will be processed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- Advance applications: Expect an email with your approval status after midnight on the day of your visit.
- Same-day applications: Expect an email with your status within about 15 minutes.
Step 3
Enter with Your GPIA Visitor Pass
Once approved, your GPIA Visitor Pass will be attached to your approval email. When arriving at the TSA checkpoint, have your pass ready, along with your TSA-approved photo ID. Let the TSA officer know you are entering with a GPIA Visitor Pass.
Visitor Pass holders may only enter through the TSA screening checkpoint, which opens two hours before each departing flight and closes once the flight departs. Entry is not permitted outside these hours.
It is not recommended to request a visitor pass for late arriving flights as the security checkpoint will be closed.
Program & Security Information
• Digital or printed passes are accepted.
• All Visitor Pass holders must follow the same TSA security regulations as ticketed passengers, including screening procedures, the 3-1-1 liquids rule, and restrictions on prohibited items.
• Programs like TSA PreCheck cannot be used with a GPIA Visitor Pass.
• Pass availability is limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to TSA approval.
• While the GPIA Visitor Pass Program is designed to be a permanent amenity, Glacier Park International Airport may suspend or adjust the program at any time in response to operational or security needs.
What is the GPIA Visitor Pass Program?
This program allows the public who are not flying that day to visit GPIA and enjoy the amenities on the post-security side of the passenger terminal. The GPIA Visitor Pass program is intended to allow visitors to spend time with their friends and family or shop and dine at the airport.
How Long will the GPIA Visitor Pass Program last?
This is a permanent program with no expected end date. In response to exigent circumstances or operational needs, Glacier Park International Airport reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel the program, cancel approved GPIA Visitor Passes, or modify program rules at any time without prior notice.
What hours may I enter the airport using a GPIA Visitor Pass?
Visitor Pass entry times vary based on airport demand, passenger volumes, and operational needs. To see current availability, please click the Apply Now button at the top of the page.
Your approved pass will list your assigned entry time. You may not enter before that time, so please plan to arrive with enough time to complete TSA screening.
Once inside, you may exit and re-enter the terminal any time during program operating hours on your registered day. However, re-entry requires going back through TSA security, and screening delays are possible, as ticketed passengers receive priority.
Please note that not all shops, restaurants, or amenities may be open during your visit.
Can I use a GPIA Visitor Pass if I am a ticketed passenger?
No, this is strictly prohibited. The GPIA Visitor Pass program is specifically for non-traveling individuals – no exceptions.
Scheduled or ticketed passengers obtaining an GPIA Visitor Pass the same day as their scheduled GPIA flight is a violation of TSA’s 49 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) § 1540.105(a)(2) – Security Responsibilities of Employees and other Persons, which prohibits the following: “(a) No person may: (2) Enter, or be present within, a secured area, AOA, SIDA, or sterile area without complying with the systems, measures, or procedures being applied to control access to, or the presence or movement in, such areas.”
What forms of identification are accepted?
Any non-expired photo identification accepted by TSA may be used to register for a GPIA Visitor Pass, including driver’s licenses from other states, and U.S. and international passports. A state issued driver’s license is the most common form of accepted identification.
Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license, make sure it is REAL ID-compliant.If you’re unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, check with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division at https://mvdmt.gov/real-id/.
Why do you need my identification at the airport?
At the TSA Checkpoint, your photo ID is used to confirm your identity and approved GPIA Visitor Pass authorization.
While within the passenger terminal, visitors must present their GPIA Visitor Pass and photo ID upon request from either the TSA or Airport Officials.
What items can I bring with me?
GPIA Visitor Pass users are subject to the same TSA security regulations as ticketed passengers.
• TSA Prohibited Items applies to GPIA Visitor Pass holders. Bringing any of these prohibited items may lead to confiscation or denial of access.
• No hand-carried luggage is allowed. Visitors are limited to one personal item (laptop bag or purse) and must comply with the same TSA screening and inspection procedures as ticketed passengers.
When can I apply for a visit?
You can apply the same day you want to enter, or up to seven days in advance.
• If applying in advance, you will receive an email with your approval status after midnight on the day of your visit. Your GPIA Visitor Pass is attached to this email notification.
• If applying for same day entrance, you will receive an email with your approval status within 15 minutes. Your GPIA Visitor Pass is attached to this email notification.
• If approved, bring your GPIA Visitor Pass and your TSA approved photo ID to the security checkpoint at the approved start time.
• Please do not arrive with an expectation of entering a passenger terminal unless you have received an approved GPIA Visitor Pass via email.
Where do I apply for a GPIA Visitor Pass?
Subject to availability, you may apply online for the same day and up to seven days in advance.
Why couldn’t I select a specific date using the online tool?
If you’re unable to select a specific date up to seven days before your visit, it means the program availability for that day has already been met.
We hope that you will come for a visit on a different day. Just complete a new application up to seven days before your visit.
Are minors eligible for a GPIA Visitor Pass?
Yes, minors are eligible to participate. Regardless of age, every person participating in the GPIA Visitor Pass program must complete a separate online registration and bring their own GPIA Visitor Pass.
• Visitors under the age of 18 who have a TSA-approved photo ID must complete registration online and bring the same photo ID used for registration.
• Parents or guardians of minors without a photo ID must complete the online registration.
• Every adult visitor must bring their own GPIA Visitor Pass along with the GPIA Visitor Passes for any minors they are supervising.
• Minors under the age of 18 must remain under escort at all times by an approved GPIA Visitor Pass adult participant.
• One adult GPIA Visitor Pass participant can accompany up to five minor participants.
How do we apply for a family or group?
Every non-traveling visitor must complete the online registration form and be approved for entrance, regardless of age. Minors without valid photo IDs must apply and be accompanied by an adult who has also been approved for GPIA Visitor Pass entry.
Can I use a GPIA Visitor Pass with TSA Pre✓®?
At this time, the GPIA Visitor Pass cannot be used with any special access programs.
• GPIA Visitor Pass is not an expedited entry program or eligible for expedited lane use.
• GPIA Visitor Pass is only authorized for general security line entry.
Should a traveling companion be eligible for TSA Pre✓® and use the respective TSA expedited lane, you remain ineligible and must use the general security line. To ensure a conflict free experience, please plan appropriately with this temporary separation in mind.
I’m a badged airport employee, am I eligible for a GPIA Visitor Pass?
Yes, you are eligible to receive a GPIA Visitor Pass when not on official business.
• You are not eligible if you’ve forgotten or lost your badge, still employed at the airport but let your badge expire, or your badge was subject to suspension or revocation.
• During your visit, you’re strictly prohibited from using your badge to access areas of the airport not otherwise open to the general public.
• If you violate these terms, you may be subject to administrative fines, suspension, or revocation of your badge.
What about accessibility and wheelchair assistance?
GPIA wheelchair attendants and wheelchairs may be assigned to ticketed passengers. At GPIA, we strive to make your experience as easy, safe, and comfortable as possible and welcome participants using a personal wheelchair or other mobility aid.
How will you use my personal information?
All visitors should carefully read the Privacy Act Statement below before requesting a GPIA Visitor Pass. For non-traveling visitors to receive a GPIA Visitor Pass to access the passenger terminal, all visitors, including minors (under 18 years of age) entering with an adult visitor, are required to provide personal information used to obtain TSA authorization.
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires us to collect information from you for purposes of watch list screening, under the authority of 49 U.S.C. section 114, and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Providing this information is voluntary; however, if it is not provided, you will be denied an GPIA Visitor Pass.
TSA may share information you provide with law enforcement or intelligence agencies or others under its published system of records notice. For more on TSA Privacy policies, or to view the system of records notice and the privacy impact assessment, please see TSA’s Web site at www.tsa.gov.
How will I know if my visit is approved?
If applying in advance, you will receive an email with your approval status after midnight on the day of your visit. If approved for entry, you’ll receive your GPIA Visitor Pass attached to your approval notification e-mail.
If applying for same day entrance, you will receive an email with your approval status within 15 minutes. If approved for entry, you’ll receive your GPIA Visitor Pass attached to your approval notification e-mail.
If you are approved, bring your GPIA Visitor Pass included in the approval email and your TSA-approved photo ID to the passenger terminal at the approved start time.
Can I leave the airport and come back later in the day?
Yes, the GPIA Visitor Pass allows exit and re-entry only on the day of your approved visit. However, you must re-enter through the TSA screening checkpoint. If you return on a different day, you will have to complete another request for entry through the online registration.
Visitors re-entering the passenger terminal may be delayed at the TSA Checkpoint due to the prioritization of ticketed passengers.
Are non-U.S. citizens eligible for a GPIA Visitor Pass?
Yes, non-US citizens may be issued a GPIA Visitor Pass.
Should I request a GPIA Visitor Pass to meet an unaccompanied minor?
No, arrangements for picking up an unaccompanied minor from a flight should be coordinated directly with the respective airline.