Global Entry Benefits: Enhance Your International Travel
Getting approved for the Global Entry program can be a lengthy process. The application is quite long and there’s a $100 application fee. Once you finish your application, you might need to wait weeks or months before you know if you're approved. If you are approved, you need to book an interview appointment which are usually booked out for months.
The question the looms then is "Is Global Entry worth the effort?"
I'm here to tell you that after traveling to over 20 countries, Global Entry membership is 100% worth it.
Here's why the Global Entry benefits are worth the time and effort.
Get TSA PreCheck and breeze through security
Good news, if you get approved for Global Entry, that approval also includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
That means you get to go through a separate, shorter TSA PreCheck lane (when available) instead of the usual TSA lane. Sometimes the airport security lines are about the same, but you'll be glad to have TSA PreCheck when you see a really long TSA general lane.
Once you get to the security screening check point, you won't have to take off your shoes or jacket or take out your laptop or liquids when going through most TSA checkpoints.
This could save you at least 30 minutes of not waiting in line. A good thing if you tend to cut it close traveling to the airport.
Breeze through U.S. Customs and Border Protection
If you've ever had to wait in line to get through U.S. Customers and Border Protection, you know the wait times can be at least two hours. The last thing you want to do after you get off an international red-eye flight is wait in line for two hours before you can get a cab home.
That time adds up if you're a frequent international traveler.
Save yourself the stress and anxiety. Get Global Entry so you can fly through customs in minutes.
If you're like me, you might even feel guilty about skipping the entire line.
While others wait in line for hours, Global Entry members can walk straight to the Global Entry kiosks which are available at 75 U.S. airports (and counting).
These kiosks use facial recognition technology to verify your identity without any additional documentation or interviews which expedites clearance procedures.
You walk past the customs line, straight to the Global Entry kiosks, insert your passport into the kiosks, let the facial recognition software work its magic, then go straight to the airport exit.
Keep your information up-to-date
To ensure a smooth experience when using these facilities, it's important to keep your information updated within your Trusted Traveler Programs account on the U.S Customs and Border Protection website.
If any changes occur in your personal details (such as passport number or expiration date), make sure to update them promptly so that there are no delays when accessing these expedited services.
Application Process and Eligibility Criteria
Applying for Global Entry is easy for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents aged 18 years or older.
Create an account on the U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Programs website. Once your account is set up, fill out the Global Entry application form with all the required information.
The application comes with a $100 application fee that covers an background check and in-person interview.
Many travel credit cards like the following offer a statement credit for this fee
The steep annual fee for these credit cards might not be worth it for everyone. Find the right credit card for you.
To ensure eligibility for this expedited travel program, applicants must meet specific criteria such as:
- No criminal convictions or pending charges
- No violations of customs or immigration laws
- A valid passport at the time of application submission
- Not currently under investigation by any federal agency
If your application is accepted provisionally, you will be instructed to book an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. During this interview, CBP officers will verify your identity and review your eligibility before granting final approval.
The Global Entry interview is not challenging but can be intimidating. I recommend preparing for these interviews by having all the necessary documentation ready and be prepared to talk about your international travel history. Remember to bring proper identification documents like passports and driver's licenses during interviews. Otherwise, you might get disqualified from joining Global Entry.
Once you get approval, you'll be mailed a Global Entry card. In my experience, the card isn't needed to go through the Global Entry line, but I keep it with me whenever I travel, just in case.
You’ll be assigned a known traveler number (KTN) that you’ll use each time to book a flight. This ensures your boarding pass will state that you have TSA PreCheck.
Improve your travel experience
Upgrade your travel experience with Global Entry.
- Get through airport security in a breeze with expedited screening with TSA PreCheck
- Have a smoother customs experience using the Global Entry kiosks
- Don't waste time waiting in airport lines
