Travelers who frequently venture overseas may find Us customs service global entry a convenient solution to make customs clearance easier upon arrival in the U.S. after having traveled abroad.
Global Entry works similarly to TSA PreCheck in that it requires applicants to fill out an online application and attend an in-person interview. A five-year membership costs $100.
What is Us Customs Service Global Entry?
When traveling internationally, the last thing you want to do is wait in long immigration lines. This can be especially frustrating if you’re a business traveler. Fortunately, US Customs Service offers Global Entry program which makes immigration faster.
The US Customs Service Global Entry program was created to make it simpler for frequent travelers to bypass Customs lines and enter the country more quickly. Passengers from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Germany, India, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, and Switzerland can take advantage of expedited border clearance through this program.
Global Entry differs from TSA PreCheck in that it requires a $100 fee and an in-person interview (which could take months or even years for first-time applicants). Some credit cards and elite frequent flyer programs reimburse your application fee; however, you still must cover any cost unless you have access to flight-based credit cards.
If you’re applying for Global Entry, there are two ways to do so: online or at an Enrollment Center. Additionally, some airports in the US allow for on-the-spot interviews for those wanting to complete the process upon arrival.
Once approved, you’ll receive a Global Entry ID card that acts as passport-like photo identification for international travel. This card can be used in both SENTRI and NEXUS lanes at land borders from Mexico or Canada as well as through automated kiosks at some airports.
Global Entry also has the advantage of microchipping your ID, just like SENTRI or NEXUS cards do, so there’s no need to bring along your passport on all trips. This is especially helpful when flying internationally or domestically with kids in tow.
If you’re a frequent international traveler, the additional $22 for Global Entry could be well worth the cost if it saves time and stress when entering the US. Comparing it to TSA PreCheck, it’s an affordable price if you travel frequently.
How to Get It
Travelers who wish to bypass the long lines at customs and immigration when returning home after international trips can apply for Global Entry. This program grants pre-approved, low-risk travelers a fast track to clearance once they land in the United States.
Gaining Global Entry can seem like a daunting process, but the rewards are great. Not only does it save travelers a considerable amount of time – especially non-U.S. residents who often travel here on business – but it also allows them to stay safe when traveling internationally.
The application process begins by creating a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and then submitting an online application. The form asks for basic personal data like your residential address and work history. If approved, you’ll be instructed to attend one of many Global Entry enrollment centers located at airports around America for an in-person interview.
Once approved, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will send an email with instructions for scheduling an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. At this appointment, be sure to bring along your passport or other forms of valid identification in order to prove your identity.
Depending on your location, it may be easier to obtain your Global Entry card if you live close enough to an airport. Some cities like Minneapolis-St Paul have plenty of Global Entry enrollment centers while others may not. If willing to drive further, Appointment Scanner can scan Trusted Traveler website for canceled Global Entry interviews and notify you when one becomes available.
After submitting the application, you’ll need to pass through a background check and in-person interview. Those approved for Global Entry will receive a known traveler number that grants them access to TSA PreCheck lanes at airports across America.
Global Entry members typically get to bypass lines at security checkpoints and enter a designated TSA PreCheck lane without having to remove their shoes, liquids (3.4 ounces or less), laptops, or other items from their bags. This is especially convenient for short trips since waiting in long security queues after an extensive flight can be an arduous experience.
Cost
Global Entry requires an application fee of $100, with membership lasting five years. Although some credit cards and elite frequent flyer programs reimburse this fee when applied for, this may not be a cost-effective option for many travelers.
For frequent international travelers, Global Entry could be worth considering. Costing $15 more than TSA PreCheck, it includes all the advantages of TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs clearance when returning to the United States after your journey abroad. However, if you only fly internationally a few times a year, Global Entry may not be worth the expense.
For travelers willing to spend a bit more for speedy airport screenings, two other travel programs exist CLEAR and PriorityPlus. CLEAR is the latest security screening option that requires you to present your eyes or fingertips instead of traditional ID documents. Though more expensive than Global Entry and sometimes difficult to get approved for, this additional expense may be well worth it in the end.
TSA PreCheck, on the other hand, is a reliable traveler program that offers passengers access to an expedited security screening line at over 200 airports and 80 airlines. While not as convenient as Global Entry, TSA PreCheck still saves travelers time and hassle at the airport – plus, when using credit cards with application fee waivers (like some of our top travel credit cards on this list), TSA PreCheck becomes free!
Global Entry, like TSA PreCheck, requires an in-person interview and background check before being granted membership. It’s ideal for those who regularly travel internationally and can make it to a center for the interview.
Travel credit cards often offer reimbursement for the Global Entry application fee, with reimbursement typically occurring once every four or five years. With credits worth up to $100, these can be a useful perk that may help offset some of the cost of Global Entry.
Pros and Cons
A program run by US Customs Service, Global Entry is a time-saving shortcut for frequent travelers. It enables faster customs processing and expedited immigration at select airports across America as well as in some other countries around the world.
The program may have its drawbacks, but if you are a frequent flyer looking for an expeditious path through immigration formalities, this program could come in handy. Not only does it enable you to bypass lines at airports, but it also provides other valuable advantages which you might not have considered on your own.
For example, you get to access a special passport lane at security so you can skip the lengthy ID check and go straight to the x-ray machine without taking off your jacket. Furthermore, if traveling with children or infants, this program ensures they won’t be abandoned by disinterested immigration workers.
Before beginning this endeavor, you must decide if it’s worth the effort. Take into account where and how often you plan on traveling.
Additionally, you should carefully consider how you plan on spending your money. If you’re only traveling internationally for short business trips and vacations, other options might better fit your needs.
One of the best options for this type of travel is signing up for a credit card that offers free Global Entry. Another alternative is using Mobile Passport, an app that helps expedite arrivals at airports around the world.
When making a decision, take into account your individual needs and preferences. That way, you can select an option that accommodates both your lifestyle and travel budget.