People who frequently travel abroad would do well to sign up for Global Entry, which can save you some time and the headache of dealing with long lines to get back into the country.
But is Global Entry worth it for those that don’t travel as frequently? And how much does it cost?
In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about Global Entry. I’ll also walk you through a Global Entry application step-by-step so you can apply and get approved for membership like I did.
Table of Contents: Global Entry
- What Is Global Entry and How Does It Work?
- How Much Does Global Entry Cost?
- How Long Is Global Entry Good for?
- How To Apply for Global Entry?
- How To Renew Global Entry
What Is Global Entry and How Does It Work?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows travelers who’ve been pre-approved and considered low risk to speed through checkpoints at select U.S. and international airports.
Global Entry is part of the Trusted Traveler Programs that allow for expedited entry back into the United States after you’ve been traveling. Some others are Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck, NEXUS (for Canadian travel), SENTRI (Mexico) and FAST (focused on commercial truck drivers traveling in North America).
Global Entry includes TSA pre-check, allows you to pass through security without removing your shoes, belt and items from your carry-on bag. So, in addition to getting back into the country (and into other select countries) faster, you gain access to shorter security lines and streamlined screening before your flight.
You sign up for Global Entry on the CBP’s website, which then forwards you to an online portal.
Screenshot via cbp.gov
After you fill out the online Global Entry application, you have to pass a background check and be interviewed by a CBP officer at a local Global Entry Enrollment Center.
Who Is Eligible for Global Entry?
Americans as well as citizens from the following nations and territories are eligible for Global Entry:
Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, India, Germany, Mexican nationals, Netherlands, Panamanians, Singapore, South Koreans, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
Canadian citizens and residents are eligible for Global Entry benefits through membership in their country’s NEXUS program.
If you have been convicted of a crime, or have criminal charges pending or are under investigation, you may not be eligible for Global Entry.
If you are denied for the program and you feel the decision was in error, you can provide additional documentation to the CBP Trusted Traveler Ombudsman to request reconsideration. Just send an email to the CBP Trusted Traveler Ombudsman at: [email protected] — “Attention: CBP Ombudsman.”
How Much Does Global Entry Cost?
Global Entry costs $100, which must be paid when you submit your application through the TTP system. But you’d better hurry if you want to pay that price. On October 1, 2024, the fee for a five-year membership will increase to $120, the first price hike in 15 years.
The one-time fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied.
The fee can be paid via credit card or electronic bank transfer on the TTP website.
How Long Is Global Entry Good for?
Global Entry membership lasts for five years and expires on the fifth anniversary of the date you signed up for it. The good thing is that you can begin the renewal process one year before expiration.
How To Apply for Global Entry
Getting approved for Global Entry is a three-part process that includes setting up an online account, filling out an application and scheduling an interview with Customs officials. All in all, the Global Entry application is nine steps.
Screenshot via secure.login.gov
To apply, visit the Trusted Traveler Programs website at ttp.dhs.gov and click on the “Get Started” button under the Global Entry column.
You’ll then be forwarded to a Department of Homeland Security website, where you’ll need to register with a username and password.
Screenshot via secure.login.gov
You’ll need to verify your identity by downloading an authenticator app or agreeing to verify via text message. I chose to scan a QR code in an authenticator app I have on my smartphone.
- Fill out your account profile, which includes giving your name, date of birth, city and country of birth and more
- Next you’ll have to confirm whether you’ve applied for any of the other Trusted Traveler Programs.
- Declare your citizenship.
- From a list of Trusted Traveler Programs, select Global Entry and confirm whether you have a flight coming up in the next six months.
- You then have to acknowledge the notice of a background check, which must take place before you schedule an interview.
You’ll also have to fill in information on your gender, eye color and height.
Add a Document To Verify ID
You’ll need to prove that you’re a U.S. citizen by uploading some identifying document. Enter the information EXACTLY as it appears on your Passport. If you are required to come in for an interview, you will need to bring this document with you.
Add Your Driver’s License
Next, you’ll need to enter your driver’s license including the following information:
- Driver’s license number
- State of issuance
- Expiration date
Add Vehicle Information
You’ll only need to add vehicle information if you’re driving into America from either of its Northern or Southern borders. Not driving? You’ll be prompted to skip this step.
Add Address Information
As you add your address information in the application, make sure when you’re called in for an interview that you bring proof that you reside at that address.
Employment Information
Next, it will ask you to enter all the places you’ve worked in the last five years including the following information:
- Current employer
- Employer’s address
- Employer’s phone number
Travel History
Fill out your travel history, including whether you’ve traveled to countries other than the United States, Canada, and Mexico in the last five years.
Background Questions
Then, you’ll be asked whether you’ve ever been convicted of a criminal offense or ever run afoul of Customs or Immigration laws.
Final Review
Once you answer all the questions, you’ll get an opportunity to do a final review before submitting it. Once you hit Confirm and Continue for each section, you’ll be able to certify and pay.
How To Pay
To pay, you’ll be redirected to the CBP payment website where you can enter your payment information. After your payment is processed, you’ll be redirected to a page that says that your application is “in progress.”
Screenshot via secure.login.gov
Next Steps
If you’re conditionally approved, Customs says you may proceed with your travel plans and be interviewed as part of the Enrollment Upon Arrival process.
That’s what I did (Customs actually called my phone to schedule the interview, but I missed the call). When I took my international trip and arrived back into the States, I was directed to Customs and interviewed in the airport. That whole process took about 10 minutes and included me showing the Customs official my passport and driver’s license.
After the interview, the Customs official told me that I was approved and that my Global Entry card would be sent to me via mail.
If you arrange to schedule an interview with Customs before your trip, you may be wondering what sort of documents you’ll need.
What Should I Bring To My Global Entry Interview?
Two things you’ll need to bring to the interview are 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 (green card).
How Long Will It Take for Me To Receive My Global Entry Card?
According to a CBP frequently asked questions page, new members will receive their Global Entry card in two to four weeks after approval for Global Entry.
In my case, it took two and a half weeks for me to receive my Global Entry card, which you must activate at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov for it to become valid.
The card comes with a protective sleeve that you can keep it in so that the RFID chip can’t be read by an unauthorized person while you’re traveling.
While the cards are good to carry on your trip, Customs can process you without one, as they did in my case, as long as you have your ID and other travel information. For SENTRI and NEXUS lanes, you may need to show your Global Entry card, per CBP.
How To Renew Your Global Entry Membership
To renew your Global Entry membership, you’ll just need to log into your TTP account and select the Renew button on your dashboard. You’ll need to declare your citizenship, but you may not need to be interviewed again, according to Customs.
Final Thoughts
Global Entry is an optional membership program for the traveler that is weary of long wait times. money expert Clark Howard says that even if you travel internationally just twice a year — or many times, like him — Global Entry may be worth the one-time fee for five years.
Although some Global Entry processing times can take a while, the program can be a huge timesaver when navigating through large, crowded international airports.
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