#TravelTips #GlobalEntry #InternationalTravel #USAirport
Are you a frequent traveler who often finds themselves stressed out by long lines at the airport? If you travel internationally and are based in the US, applying for Global Entry may just be the solution to all your airport-related worries. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of what Global Entry is, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for frequent flyers like yourself. So sit back, relax, and let’s make your future travels a breeze! ✈️
## What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to receive expedited clearance upon arrival in the United States. This means that instead of waiting in long immigration and customs lines, you can breeze through a much shorter line and be on your way in no time.
## How Does it Work?
When you apply for Global Entry, you’ll need to fill out an online application and pay a one-time fee of $100. After your application is reviewed and conditionally approved, you’ll be required to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. During the interview, a CBP officer will ask you a series of questions to verify your identity and ask about your travel habits. Once approved, you’ll receive a Global Entry card which you can use at kiosks when entering the United States.
## The Benefits of Global Entry
Now that you understand the basics of how Global Entry works, let’s dive into the numerous benefits of this program:
1. Expedited Clearance: As mentioned earlier, the main perk of Global Entry is skipping those long immigration and customs lines. This is especially valuable if you’re on a tight layover or connection time and need to make it to your next flight hassle-free.
2. TSA Precheck: Global Entry also includes TSA Precheck, which allows for expedited security screening at participating US airports. This means no more removing your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets – saving you time and stress.
3. Global Entry for International Travel: In addition to expedited entry into the US, Global Entry can also be used at select international airports when returning from abroad. This means you can bypass long lines at customs and immigration in other countries too.
4. NEXUS and SENTRI Benefits: If you travel frequently to Canada or Mexico, Global Entry also includes benefits of the NEXUS and SENTRI programs, which can speed up your border crossings into these countries.
## Who is Eligible?
Not everyone is eligible for Global Entry. To qualify for this program, you must meet the following requirements:
– Be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or citizen of a few select countries.
– Have no criminal convictions or pending criminal charges.
– Pass a comprehensive background check and in-person interview.
## How to Apply for Global Entry?
Ready to take the plunge and make your future travels a breeze with Global Entry? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for this program:
1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account on the CBP website.
2. Complete the online application and pay the $100 fee, which is non-refundable.
3. After conditional approval, schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
4. Attend the interview and bring the required documents such as a valid passport, permanent residency card, or other evidence of citizenship.
## Tips for a Successful Application Process
To ensure a smooth application process and get approved for Global Entry, consider these tips:
– Double-check all the information you provide on your application for accuracy and completeness.
– Disclose any relevant information about your travel history, criminal record, or other factors that may affect your eligibility.
– Arrive on time and well-prepared for your in-person interview to demonstrate your trustworthiness and preparedness for this program.
## Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you’re a frequent international traveler based in the US, applying for Global Entry can be a game-changer for your airport experience. With expedited clearance, TSA Precheck benefits, and the ability to skip long lines at customs and immigration, this program can save you time, stress, and worry on your future travels. So take the leap, apply for Global Entry, and enjoy the perks of hassle-free airport experiences. Safe travels! 🌍
That’s an awesome tip! Didn’t realize it was a one time fee. Thank you!!
And several credit cards cover the cost. It also gives you TSA Precheck.
Global entry is the best, came back from a boys trip with a layover in Dallas, got through the line in about 45 second, my friends without it waited 45 minutes standing in line while i ate BBQ and had a beer
It’s only good for 5 years, then you have to renew for another $100 (or whatever that fee will be in 5 years).
Still, it’s a valuable asset for anyone who travels regularly. The TSA Pre (included with Global Entry) is worth it just to not get groped and assaulted by TSA cops, and avoiding the long lines at pre-boarding screening.
I see someone wants to trade internet points for longer TSA lines
Shhhh. The more people know the longer the lines
Applying isn’t the hard part. Finding an available interview appointment is. You pretty much need to use one of the monitoring bots to notify you if an appointment opens up.
And get a credit card that pays for it so it’s free.
As a note, you don’t have to be exclusively based in the US.
I’m a Brit who travels frequently to the US (and many other countries) and recently got Global Entry. Had to wait so long for my interview though, but it got approved before I even got home from the airport after interviewing. Just waiting for the card to arrive in my home country now.
Some other countries also offer Global Entry (Ireland, Dubai and more but I can’t remember and they’re not countries that benefit me).
Currently need to apply like a year in advance of travel. Applied back in February (2023) and still waiting to get approval for the interview.
[https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1885?language=en_US](https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1885?language=en_US)
If you live near the Canadian border, Nexus is a good alternative. Allows for Canadian crossing, has same benefits as Global entry and works in Canadian airports.
DONT do this if you have had any customs violations in the last decade…….
Arrrggggh!!! Do NOT tell people about this you are supposed to keep it secret so not too many clog the system!! 😀
If you drive across the border frequently, it can really save you a lot of time at high-traffic times (weekends, holidays esp). The other day there was a 60 minute delay at two crossings I use, and the line for nexus/global entry was 0 cars long.
Global access lasts 4 years it’s not a one time fee
I passionately hate global entry at the moment lol. Took me 3 years to even find an interview appointment. I was going to go and do a walkup interview at the Atlanta airport after a flight back from Barcelona but by the time I came through customs and tried to make my way over for the appointment it was too close to the boarding time for my connecting flight.
Finally got an interview, and they brought up some old court cases. Didn’t give me a print out of dates or anything just told me they were showing some in the system. In my mind it would make so much more sense to present us with that information far before the interview during the pre-approval. Or that with them being the government they’d just be able to make a call to the courthouses themselves to see the standing on these cases. Instead I was given 15 days to track down this information or was told my request would be rejected.
I realized one of them I wasn’t sure which courthouse, but the Charlotte office has no direct way to contact them so had to call the overall Department of Homeland Security office. After a 30 minute wait I was told by them that they do not have access to that information and that I’ll have to submit a form on their website to request the info. I go to the site the woman told me, she left out that there were like 10 different departments who all had their long list of different forms so I had no idea what form needed filling out.
I finally track down the old cases. Of course none of the courthouses will just submit the documents to me electronically. They all had to send them through the mail. I get them and submit them. I was informed of a missing case and given a 10 day extension. I track that down and reply to the worker with the case info who never replies back to me. So then I send it to the original email address they gave me. I finally get a rejection email a week later due to having too many old misdemeanors.
I had 3 misdemeanors from over 15 years ago. One for leaving the scene of an accident. One for an unpaid speeding ticket that the police station wrote a warrant for. And one for a DWI. For some reason these infractions from over 15 years ago prevent me from getting Global Entry despite the fact that I have not gotten in trouble since and have taken a good 10 trips out of the country without any issues.
Sorry had to get that vent out of my system.
Shh don’t give away our secrets
The real pro tip, if you can get to the Canadian border for your interview, is to apply for NEXUS instead. It’s half the price of Global Entry and includes all the same benefits when traveling in and entering the US, plus additional benefits for entering Canada.
If you travel once a year internationally it’s the best $100 you can spend. Nothing like landing after an 8 hour flight at JFK or MIA and walking past the 3000 people standing in line, scan your prints, hand the guy a slip of paper and go.
I try to direct flight even if it’s $500-$600 extra if I can because fuck it.
I have a motherfucking passport (two actually), THAT is my global entry.
Or instead go for the free option – Mobile Passport Control. CBP MPC App on app stores. Works on major airports.
In addition, look into Mobile Passport. It’s an app from the TSA that’s available at most airports where you have a separate queue and and is frequently faster than using Global Entry in my experience.
You prefill your info while you taxiing to the gate and everything is a breeze. The government rarely gets things right, but this works and doesn’t require an interview or money.
If everyone does this does my line get better?
You can also use Mobile Passport. It’s free.
and NEXUS if you are based in Canada
It’s not a one time fee