For frequent international travelers, the moments after a long flight can often be marred by frustratingly long customs and immigration lines upon arrival in the United States. Thankfully, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers a solution that drastically reduces this wait time: the Global Entry program. As a cornerstone of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP), Global Entry is designed to expedite clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
More than just a convenience, Global Entry is a powerful tool for modern globetrotters, transforming a potentially stressful airport experience into a swift and seamless one. If you find yourself traveling abroad multiple times a year, understanding the benefits and application process for Global Entry is the first step toward reclaiming your time and starting your U.S. trip sooner.
1. What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited Entry into the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Instead of waiting in the general passenger queues for a CBP officer, members use automated kiosks or the CBP mobile app at select airports, speeding up the inspection process considerably.
When you arrive at a participating airport, you proceed to the Global Entry area. You use facial recognition technology or a kiosk to verify your identity and make your customs declaration. In most cases, you are cleared and on your way within a few minutes.
2. Key Benefits of Membership
The advantages of holding a Global Entry membership go beyond just skipping the line. They fundamentally improve the travel experience both internationally and domestically.
- Expedited U.S. Entry: This is the primary and most valuable benefit. Upon arrival in the U.S. from an international trip, you bypass traditional inspection lines, significantly reducing your total processing time.
- Complimentary TSA PreCheck®: A major perk is the inclusion of this benefit. This means you will also enjoy expedited security screening at over 200 U.S. airports for domestic and international departures. With PreCheck, you typically do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets, further simplifying your security experience.
- Expedited Land and Sea Entry: Members receive an RFID-enabled Global Entry card that can be used for Entry into the U.S. via expedited lanes (SENTRI and NEXUS) at land and sea ports of Entry from Canada and Mexico.
3. Eligibility Requirements
To ensure the program maintains its low-risk status, CBP has strict eligibility criteria. The program is open to:
- U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).
- Citizens of certain countries with which CBP has trusted traveler arrangements, which currently include the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Panama, Colombia, and others. Note that citizens of these countries may need to take additional steps required by their home government (e.g., a national background check) before applying to the U.S. program.
- Mexican nationals.
Applicants may be disqualified if they provide false information on their application, have pending criminal charges, have been convicted of any criminal offense, or have violated customs, immigration, or agriculture laws.
4. The Application Process
The application for Global Entry involves several distinct stages and requires diligence on the applicant’s part.
- Online Application and Fee: You must create an account and complete an in-depth online application through the official Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. A non-refundable fee of $120 must be paid now.
- Background Check and Conditional Approval: CBP will review your application and conduct a rigorous background check. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. You will be notified via your TTP account when you receive conditional approval.
- The In-Person Interview: All first-time applicants must complete an in-person interview with a CBP officer. You can schedule an appointment at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, or you can use Enrollment on Arrival (EoA), which allows you to complete your interview when you arrive at a participating U.S. airport after an international flight. You must bring your valid passport and one other form of identification (like a driver’s license or LPR card) to the interview.
- Final Approval: If the interview is successful, final approval is usually granted immediately or shortly thereafter. Your five-year membership will begin, and your physical Global Entry card will be mailed to you.
5. The Cost and Duration
The Global Entry program offers a great return on investment, especially for frequent travelers.
| Detail | Information |
| Application Fee | $120 USD (Non-refundable, even if denied). |
| Membership Duration | 5 years (valid through your next birthday after approval). |
| Minors | Children under 18 must have their own application but the fee is often waived if their parent/guardian is already a member or applying concurrently. |
Many premium travel credit cards offer a statement credit to cover the Global Entry application fee, making the cost effectively zero for cardholders.
6. Why Choose Global Entry over TSA PreCheck®?
While both programs are part of the DHS Trusted Traveler suite, they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Global Entry | TSA PreCheck® |
| Primary Benefit | Expedited U.S. Customs and Immigration clearance (international arrivals). | Expedited security screening (U.S. airport departures). |
| Cost | $120 (includes PreCheck). | $78-$85 (does not include Global Entry). |
| Duration | 5 years. | 5 years. |
| Who Should Apply? | Frequent international travelers. | Frequent domestic travelers with fewer international trips. |
Since Global Entry membership inherently includes TSA PreCheck®, most frequent fliers find the Global Entry application to be the better value, covering both arrival and departure aspects of air travel.
Global Entry is a necessity for anyone who frequently travels internationally. By investing the time and fee into the application process, you gain access to streamlined travel through U.S. borders and airport security checkpoints for the next five years.
