Have you had to stand in a line way too long just to get through security? What about customs on your way back from an international trip? These are just two of the reasons why I signed up for Global Entry.

 

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a program ran by the United States government that allows fast entry into the country at select U.S. airports.  Global Entry automatically gives you TSA PreCheck as well. Win-Win. At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.

In order to be eligible for Global Entry, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident or have one of the following considerations:

  • Citizens of Argentina
  • Citizens of India
  • Citizens of Colombia
  • Citizens of the United Kingdom
  • Citizens of Germany
  • Citizens of Panama
  • Citizens of Singapore
  • Citizens of South Korea
  • Citizens of Switzerland
  • Citizens of Taiwan
  • Mexican nationals

If you are under the age of 18, you must have your parent or legal guardian’s consent.

The Process

The applicant must be pre-approved to be considered for Global Entry after having applied. Once pre-approved, Homeland Security will perform a background check and an in-person interview is conducted for enrollment.

To apply:

  1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. Regardless of your age, you must have your own TTP account.
  2. Log in to your TTP account and complete the application. A $100 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application. (Some travel credit cards offer reimbursement, Chase Sapphire Reserve did for us!)
  3. After accepting your completed application and fee, CBP will review your application. If your application is conditionally approved, then your TTP account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.
  4. You will need to bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine-readable permanent resident card.

Step 3 is tricky. Only certain airports have enrollment centers and appointments are sparse. CLT is the closest airport to Spartanburg that allows enrollment. Unfortunately, CLT was booked for months. I had to book an appointment with ATL since you are only given an allotted time to schedule an appointment. Despite that, you can always try to do a walk-in as we did. While in Charlotte for the day and we stopped by the airport and we did not wait more than an hour to be seen.

Instead, if you are returning from an international trip within a few months, you can try Enrollment on Arrival. This is an option for those who have conditional approval. You complete your interview upon arrival into the United States. You must have a passport, documents providing residency (ex: driver’s license), or a permanent resident card to do Enrollment on Arrival.

Is it worth it?

Global Entry has saved us from taking off our shoes and belts at security thanks to TSA PreCheck. It has also saved us time when returning from international trips. I’ve stood in customs lines for hours previously. In short, thanks to Global Entry, I have not had to stand in line for more than maybe 20 minutes in the last few trips we’ve taken internationally.

For more information on Global Entry, follow this link: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

To learn about other tips and tricks of travel, specifically, flights, check out this blog post.