Global Entry

Applying For Global Entry

Global Entry costs a non-refundable $100 to apply for. You'll need to create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account, complete the application, and pay the fee. Once that's done, CBP will review your application.

If your application is conditionally approved, you will be instructed to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center via your TTP account. Depending on the airport, finding interview slots can be challenging as most appointments will be booked out for months. Your best bet is to find a smaller, less buy Global Entry Enrollment Center or to try to do a walk-in if you happen to be traveling through an airport that has an enrollment center. Me and my wife drove 2 hours to an enrollment center that had fairly open availability, so it's worth considering possibility making a day trip to a center that isn't too far away.

Interview

The interview process itself is not anything to be worried about. They'll ask you a few questions, take a picture, a fingerprint, and you're on your way. Me and my wife went did our interviews at different times (like 2 months apart) and we both had the same experience. It was about a 5-minute process that was quick and easy.

Other Info

CBP will perform a rigorus background check on you. Remember that Global Entry is for low-risk travelers. Having a criminal history or other blemishes will more than likely disqualify you from being able to obtain Global Entry.

If you're big on travel and want to sign up multiple people for Global Entry, the The Platinum Card® from American Express is the way to go!

Global Entry Benefits

There's several benefits to Global Entry. The biggest benefit is the expedited access back into the United States. Global Entry has saved me and my wife countless hours of standing in line when returning to the states. If you're at an airport that has Global Entry, you'll see a bunch of signs telling you where you need to go. The whole process takes about 5 minutes (if even that) and you'll be walking towards baggage claim or onward to where you need to be quicker than ever.

Another plus that comes with Global Entry is that you'll automatically be given TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck expedites traveler screening through TSA security checkpoints. Basically this helps speed up the process on getting through security so that you can get to your flight.

Who Is Eligible For Global Entry

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of the following countries are eligible for Global Entry membership:

• Citizens of Argentina
• Citizens of India
• Citizens of Colombia
• Citizens of United Kingdom
• Citizens of Germany
• Citizens of Panama
• Citizens of Singapore
• Citizens of South Korea
• Citizens of Switzerland
• Citizens of Taiwan
• Mexican Nationals
• Canadian Citizens w/ NEXUS

You can visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/eligibility to learn more about eligibility.

Global Entry vs PreCheck vs CLEAR

People often ask which one is better: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or CLEAR? The answer is that they all have their benefits. Global Entry is great for those who want to re-enter the United States quickly, TSA PreCheck is great for speeding up the process of getting through screening (and saving the annoyance of taking off shoes, belts, electronics, etc.), and CLEAR is great for those who want to basically shortcut the TSA PreCheck or normal screening line. As someone who has all three and travel often, I find use in all of them.

Global Entry Info

Below are a few useful shortcuts to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. All links open in a new tab/window.

• Enrollment Centers
• Enrollment On Arrival
• Airports Participating In Global Entry