If you are a frequent traveler, you know how time-consuming and frustrating the international travel process can be. Fortunately, for Americans traveling back to the United States, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency offers a program called Global Entry.

If you’re an American who frequently travels, you absolutely want to be familiar with Global Entry since it can make your arrival experience on international flights to the U.S. much faster and easier. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know about Global Entry, from eligibility requirements to application procedures.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a program offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Applying for Global Entry is such a huge convenience and time saver when landing back in the United States that it’s probably the best travel hack for any U.S. citizen who frequently travels internationally.

Instead of waiting in long immigration lines, Global Entry allows you to use kiosks and biometric data to have their identity verified usually without any lines. Then, an immigration officer typically clears you based on the receipt to quickly pass immigration without any line and minimal wait.

Benefits of Global Entry

Global Entry provides a number of benefits for travelers. Firstly, it allows for expedited clearance through automated kiosks at select airports, which saves a significant amount of time compared to traditional customs and immigration processes. Additionally, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, which allows for expedited security screening at participating airports in the United States.

Global Entry benefits are valid regardless of which airline you flew into the United States with.

Global Entry Application Cost

The cost of Global Entry is $100 per applicant. This fee covers a five-year membership in the program. The fee is non-refundable and is payable by credit card during the online application process.

For most frequent travelers, the cost of applying for Global Entry will be reimbursed by one of the many that reimburse the application fee for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. These include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Platinum Card from American Express, the Capital X Venture Rewards Credit Card, and others.

Who is Eligible for Global Entry?

Global Entry is available to US citizens and permanent residents. It’s also available to citizens of several other countries, specifically Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

To be eligible for Global Entry, applicants must meet several criteria, including:

• No Criminal Record: Applicants generally cannot have a criminal record or have been convicted of any serious criminal offense.

• No Prior Immigration or Customs Violations: Applicants must not have violated any customs, immigration, or agriculture laws or regulations in any country. Even minor violations may be disqualifying.

• Compliance with CBP Procedures: Applicants must comply with all CBP procedures and regulations regarding the use of the Global Entry program, including the rules and regulations regarding the use of the kiosks.

• Payment of Fees: Applicants must pay the required fees associated with the program.

• Biometric data: Applicants must have a valid passport and be able to provide biometric data including fingerprints and a photograph.

How to Apply for Global Entry

Overall, the application process for Global Entry is relatively straightforward, but it may take several months to complete due to high demand and the need for a background check and interview. The time and effort is definitely worth it, though, if you travel abroad with any frequency.

• Step 1: Create your own Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account on the official CBP website, regardless of your age. You will need to provide personal information such as your full name, date of birth, and citizenship status. Make sure your name is filled in exactly as it is on your passport including your middle name.

• Step 2: Once you have created your TTP account, log in and complete the Global Entry application. This application will ask for information about your travel history, employment, and criminal record, among other things. A non-refundable fee of $100 is required for each application.

• Step 3: After CBP reviews your application and conditionally approves it, you will receive instructions to schedule an interview. You must schedule this interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview. You can also do this interview on arrival at an international airport.

• Step 4: Attend the interview and complete the application process. At your interview, you must bring a valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine-readable permanent resident card. During the interview, a CBP officer will verify your information and ask questions about your travel history and other relevant information.

• Step 5: After completing the application and interview, you will receive a notification about the status of your application. If your application is approved, you will be mailed a Global Entry card which is valid for five years.

Is Global Entry The Same As TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a separate program from Global Entry that provides expedited security screening at participating airports in the United States. While Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, TSA PreCheck does not include Global Entry benefits, such as expedited customs and immigration processing.

Renewing Global Entry

Once an application for Global Entry is approved, it’s valid for five years. Renewal requires a similar process to the initial application, including payment of the fee and submission of a new application through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website.

Renewal applications are typically processed more quickly than initial applications, and in some cases, an interview may not be required. However, applicants should be prepared to attend an interview if requested by the CBP.

It’s important to note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure their Global Entry status is valid before traveling. It’s recommended to start the renewal process at least six months before the expiration date to avoid any potential delays or complications.

Global Entry for Families

Families may apply for Global Entry together, but each family member must complete an individual application and pay the $100 fee. Children under the age of 18 must have parental or legal guardian consent to apply for Global Entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom line

Global Entry is an excellent program that can save frequent travelers a significant amount of time and hassle when traveling internationally. By providing expedited clearance through automated kiosks at select airports, Global Entry streamlines the customs and immigration process, making it a valuable asset for any frequent traveler. To apply for Global Entry, eligible individuals must complete an online application and attend an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. With its many benefits, including TSA PreCheck benefits and expedited clearance, Global Entry is a must-have for any frequent traveler.