Whenever you get off an international flight, the last thing you want to do is be held up for hours in line at the customs and border protection checkpoint. Luckily, for many U.S. travelers (and qualifying international travelers, too), Global Entry can help to drastically speed up the process time it takes to enter the U.S. from abroad.
Are you planning your first international trip? Have you been thinking about signing up, but not sure where or how to get started? Did you have it before but need to renew? Here’s what you absolutely need to know about Global Entry, including how the program works, the benefits of the program and what you need to do to apply or renew.Â
Global EntryÂ
Global Entry is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Programs. It allows pre-approved individuals express entry into the United States from international destinations. Citizens along with lawful permanent residents of the United States and select foreign nationals are eligible to apply for Global Entry. Once approved for the program, your Global Entry is active for five years.Â
How Do You Sign Up For Global Entry?Â
Signing up for Global Entry involves a two-step process:
- Completing an online application: An overview guide of the application process can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.Â
- Once conditional approval of your application is granted, successfully completing a background check, plus an in-person interview at an Enrollment Center or upon arrival to the U.S. at an Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) location. Note that you need to bring a valid passport with you to complete your enrollment.Â
The cost $100 and is due when you submit your application. Some travel rewards credit cards issue a statement credit if you use your card to charge the $100 application fee.
Benefits
Once you’re approved and traveling back into the country, you can head straight to the Global Entry kiosks. There, you scan your fingerprints and passport, and complete a digital customs declaration.Â
Once your declaration form and passport are reviewed by a Customs and Border Protection Officer or via eGates using facial comparison technologies, you can head to baggage claim or the exit, no waiting in line needed. While customs and border protection wait times will vary greatly from place to place, Global Entry removes the uncertainty of how long you’ll wait and replaces it with the confidence that you’ll be through the checkpoint in just minutes.Â
Global Entry kiosks are available at more than 75 airports when returning to the U.S. from abroad. This includes both U.S. and international airports.
Global Entry membership also includes membership to TSA PreCheck another trusted traveler program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows you to quickly move through airport security. Once you’ve been approved as a low-risk traveler, you gain access to an expedited security line where you don’t have to remove or separately scan your laptop, liquids, shoes, or jackets.Â
Renewing
An application for renewal can be completed online. Interviews may or may not be required for renewal, so keep an eye out for any next steps after you’ve submitted your paperwork. All pertinent information regarding your renewal is accessible via your online Trusted Traveler Program account.
You can renew one year prior to expiration. If you submit a renewal application before your membership expires, you will be able to continue to use your Global Entry benefits up to 24 months after your membership expiration date, if your renewal does not get processed in time.
Cost of renewal is also $100.
