Of all the Trusted Traveler programs, Global Entry is probably the least known.
If you’re unfamiliar with Global Entry, it grants pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited approval upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad through automated kiosks at more than 75 airports.
How Global Access Works
Global Entry is most useful for frequent international travelers because it allows expedited approval for those entering the US from abroad.
Instead of waiting in the regular customs line with everyone coming into the U.S., Global Entry members can enter here through an automated kiosk. 77 Airports.
Airports use paperless kiosks with facial recognition technology to identify passengers and verify their membership after scanning a machine-readable passport or US permanent resident card. Once your photo is taken, you will receive on-screen instructions that will direct you to a US Customs and Border Protection officer who will confirm that you have completed the process.
Apply 6 months in advance for Global Entry
As of December, CBP says 80% of global entry applications are approved within two weeks. However, it notes that applications can take 12 months or more to process.
We recommend that you apply at least six months before international travel to avoid any problems with your application being processed before your departure date.
Once your application is approved, you may want to consider additional time to schedule an interview, which is required as part of the application process.
There are multiple steps in the application process
The online application is very easy, but it should take at least 30 minutes to complete as you will have to submit significant information. You can start, save and start again if you need to come back to your application.
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To get started, go to US Department of Homeland Security website And click on “Start” button for Global Entry Application. Then, log in to your Trusted Traveler Program account. If you are applying for the Trusted Traveler program for the first time, you will need to set up a new account.
After a few processing steps, start the nine-step application process by entering basic identification information, including your full name (as it appears on your passport and driver’s license), height and eye color.
From there, you’ll need to verify that you’re a US citizen through your passport and driver’s license information. If you are planning to use Global Entry to drive into the US through a land border, you will also register your vehicle at this time.
The application doesn’t take much time until steps five and six, which ask you to verify every address and job you’ve held since August 2017.
Fortunately, I’ve had to enter this information for other apps, including TSA PreCheck, so I stored it in the Notes app on my phone. If this is your first time entering this information online, I recommend compiling and saving it for future reference.
Once you have completed these steps, you will need to specify which countries you have traveled to since August 2017, excluding the US, Canada and Mexico. If you have traveled frequently outside of those countries since then, it may take a few minutes to remember your trips.
After completing the first eight steps, you must disclose information regarding your criminal background (if applicable) before your application can be reviewed. Although you may be eager to submit everything at this point, I recommend taking at least a few minutes to verify all the information as any mistakes can result in delays.
After you submit your application, you have to pay the application fee.
Register on arrival if you can
Once you are approved for Global Entry, the next step is to complete an interview. Conditionally approved applicants may complete an interview on arrival through a process called Enrollment.
Registration on arrival allows travelers re-entering the US from abroad to complete the interview process while passing through customs, including those entering through a designated CBP preclearance location.
The service is currently available at more than 45 airports globally. Make sure your desired airport participates and check if it will be open at the time of your arrival.
In addition to your US passport (which you may already have upon your return to the US from abroad), verify ahead of time if any other proof of residency is required for verification. Examples are mortgage statements and rent stubs, but you can find a whole list of supporting documents on the CBP website.
For travelers departing the US on international flights, there is also an option to check-in at Dulles International Airport (IAD) upon departure.
If registration on arrival or departure is not an option, you must a. Have to interview at Global Admissions Registration Center. Timing depends on availability of interview appointment in your city or state.
Remember that Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck membership
Global Entry membership also includes TSA PreCheck membership. If you are not already a TSA PreCheck member, we recommend applying for Global Entry first to save money on both.
A five-year membership to TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85, depending on the enrollment provider. It costs $78 to apply through it Idemia and by $85 Telos. Online renewal through any provider costs $70. Global access costs $120 for five years. Essentially, you get the benefits of both programs for an additional $42.
If you have no international travel plans but domestic flights in the next six months, TSA PreCheck applications are usually approved in three to five days, According to the Transportation Security Administration.
However, be aware that doing so will require paying an $85 TSA PreCheck fee and a $120 Global Entry fee. Also, you will not be reimbursed for TSA PreCheck after your Global Entry membership is approved (unless you have a specific credit card).
Some credit cards offer free global access
Some co-branded airlines, hotels and others Credit cards offer up to $120 in statement credit reimbursement for application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is usually available every four to five years, but you should check the terms of your specific card for the exact frequency.
Some cards that offer free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry membership are:
See the TSA website for that Complete list of credit cards which offers a discount for TSA PreCheck.
The bottom line
In my experience, both the Global Entry application and Enrollment on Arrival processes were extremely straightforward.
Once you complete the application process, you should receive a physical Global Admit Card by mail within 10 working days.
If you’re a frequent international traveler, Global Entry is a no-brainer.
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