Global Entry is a Trustee Traveler program that offers expedited customs clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the US through dedicated security lanes at more than 75 airports.
There have been some recent changes to the Global Entry Program that are a mix of good and bad news.
First, the bad news. Oct. 1, the application fee for a five-year Global Access membership will now cost $120. This marks the first global entry price increase since 2009 – but that 20% fee increase is not a reduction for travelers who use the program.
Related Reading: Global Entry Vs. TSA PreCheck: Which Is More Beneficial?
The good news is that applicants under the age of 18 are now exempt from the application fee if a parent or legal guardian is already a member or they are applying for global admission. Previously, applying for Global Entry would cost a family of four $400 ($100 per person regardless of age). Under the new rule, a family of four that includes two children will pay just $240 to apply for Global Entry ($120 for each adult, $0 for each child under 18).
This isn’t necessarily happy news if you’re applying as an individual or a couple, but families with children can now save hundreds of dollars on application fees. Or you may decide to enroll your children for the first time now that the program is not as cost-prohibitive as it once was.
Like Global Entry, application fees for Nexus and Sentry, two of US Customs and Border Protection’s other trusted traveler programs, are now $120, but children under 18 can apply for free. Nexus is a joint program operated by CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows expedited processing between the US and Canada, while Sentry does the same between the US and Mexico.
To apply for any of the above Trusted Traveler programs, visit US Department of Homeland Security’s website and click on the “Get Started” button for the program you wish to apply for. Then, create or log in to your Trusted Traveler Program account (if you’re a first-time applicant, you’ll need to set up a new account).
You will then complete the online portion of the application process by entering identification information and travel and residence history; completing a criminal background check; and verifying your US citizenship through your passport and driver’s license information. When you submit the online portion of your application, you will pay a $120 application fee.
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You still need to complete a personal interview before your application is fully approved. If you are conditionally approved, you can enter the US. You can complete this process on your return if you arrive at an airport that participates in check-in on arrival. Otherwise, you will need to schedule an appointment Enrollment Center Before Your next international trip if you hope to use expedited entry upon your return. Most of the applications are Approved in two weeksBut CBP says some may take 12 months or longer to process.
Although children under 18 are now free, there are also ways for adults to save money on Global Entry application fees by using an appropriate credit card. You will still need to pay the fee during the application process, but some credit cards will reimburse the fee in the form of a credit statement when you use the card to pay your application fee.
Here are the top credit cards with global entry application fee reimbursement benefits:
The bottom line
Families looking to save money on expedited re-entry into the US are in luck now that children under 18 can apply for free. Looks like it’s time to start your planning The next big family vacation.
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