If you’ve ever passed through a US customs and border control checkpoint at an international airport, you’ve probably noticed some people getting what looks like VIP treatment. A select few travelers speed past the hordes of people waiting in line to have their passports and documents checked. This fast track through border control lines is for travelers with Global Entry.
At Remitly, we know that many of our customers are global citizens who likely travel internationally pretty frequently. We’re here to help you understand Global Entry, its benefits, and how to apply so that you can decide if this travel upgrade is right for you.
Understanding Global Entry and its cost
If you’re someone who regularly flies into the US from international destinations, Global Entry could help you save time by fast-tracking your customs and border processing. However, Global Entry has associated costs as well as limitations so it might not be worth getting for everybody.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a program run by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that makes entry clearance faster for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the USA. If you’re entering the US with Global Entry, at some airports, you proceed to a special line at the border where your enrollment in Global Entry is checked. After your passport is scanned and your photo is taken at a kiosk, you’ll then receive instructions on the kiosk screen to proceed to a CBP officer for confirmation.
The Global Entry process usually takes about five minutes. According to one US law firm, this saves travelers 40 to 60 minutes on each international trip when compared to a traditional customs processing procedure.
Global Entry processing technology is located in many, but not all, airports. Review the list of participating locations to see if your home airport supports Global Entry benefits.
How much does it cost?
The application fee for Global Entry is $120 USD. It is non-refundable, even in the case that your application is not accepted. If your application is approved, you’ll have Global Entry membership for five years. We’ve done the math for you: it breaks down to $24 USD per year or just $2 USD per month of membership. So if you’re traveling frequently to and from airports that are part of the scheme, it’s probably well worth applying.
Benefits of enrolling in Global Entry
Expedited security and customs processing
The main benefit of Global Entry is passing through customs without any paperwork, processing lines, or extensive waiting times. When you arrive at a participating airport, in theory you’ll breeze through customs in about five minutes.
Everyone approved for Global Entry is also eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits, which we’ll go into below.
Comparison with TSA PreCheck
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are both trusted traveler programs operated by the CBP. While Global Entry makes arriving to the US faster by speeding up customs processing, TSA PreCheck makes your departure smoother. With TSA PreCheck, you’ll have faster security screenings on domestic flights departing from US airports. You won’t have to take off your shoes, belt, or light jacket. Additionally, you won’t have to remove liquids or laptops from your carry-on luggage.
Global Entry includes the benefits of TSA PreCheck. You can consider Global Entry a “bundle” offer on the services.
If you’re not a frequent international traveler, but are still interested in the benefits of TSA PreCheck, you can apply for it on its own. The application fee costs about $78 USD and approval lasts for five years.
How to apply for Global Entry
In order to gain Global Entry status, you have to be pre-approved. The application process involves a rigorous background check and an in-person interview.
Eligibility requirements and enrollment process
In order to be eligible for Global Entry, you must be 18 years of age or older or have a parent or guardian’s legal consent if you’re a minor. You must also be a US citizen, a lawful permanent resident in the US, or a citizen of one of the partnering countries.
There are a few common reasons why applications for Global Entry are denied. Given the cost, it’s worth considering the most common reasons your application might be denied:
- Provide false, inaccurate, or incomplete information during the application process.
- Have been convicted of a criminal offense (including driving under the influence, “DUI”) or have pending criminal charges.
- Have been found in violation of customs in any other country.
- Are the subject of a current law enforcement investigation.
- Have previously been denied the purchase of a firearm.
- Are in violation of US immigration regulations.
- Are not satisfactorily “low-risk” according to CBP standards.
Once you’re ready to apply for Global Entry, you’ll log into your Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account, pay the application fee, and schedule an interview at a participating enrollment center.
Creating a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account
If you don’t already have a TTP account, creating one is the first step to applying for Global Entry. You’ll access your TTP account through the government’s own website, which ensures that your account is safe and secure.
To create an account, you’ll need to provide a current email address. Head to the secure website to start the process. You’ll receive the next steps by email.
The biggest hurdle in applying for Global Entry can be the in-person interview. You’ll schedule your interview at an enrollment center close to you. Be sure to arrive at your interview about 15 minutes early and bring the following documents with you:
- Valid passport
- Permanent resident card (if applicable)
- Proof of residency like a driver’s license, utilities bills, or a mortgage or rental statement
- Court disposition paper for any prior arrests or convictions
Your interview will last about 10 to 15 minutes and will be conducted by a CBP officer. They’ll verify your identity and ensure that the information provided on your application is correct. They’ll review your supporting documents and may ask questions about your travel habits or history. Finally, they’ll take your photo and fingerprints.
Global Entry and credit cards
The application fee for Global Entry is no small sum. Luckily, there are some credit card companies that offer Global Entry benefits.
Credit cards offering statement credits or reimbursement
Credit cards typically offer reimbursement or statement credits to cover the cost of the Global Entry application fee. Sometimes, these benefits take a few billing cycles to reflect on your account.
In order to receive the credit or reimbursement for the Global Entry application fee, you’ll have to pay for your application using the participating card.
Managing annual fees and maximizing travel benefits
Plenty of credit cards offer reimbursement or credits for the fee associated with Global Entry or other travelers’ schemes like TSA PreCheck. Many of them charge an annual fee to users. However, here are a few that have no annual fees, or none for an introductory period, and also offer Global Entry benefits:
- Arvest Visa Signature Credit Card
- American Airlines Credit Union Visa Signature Credit
- Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card
- US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
Additional resources
If you’re ready to get into that VIP line at US customs checkpoints, you can make your Global Entry—or other trusted traveler program—application process a bit smoother with some helpful extra info.
Important contacts: Global Entry enrollment centers
Typically, Global Entry enrollment centers are located in international airports. There are also other locations in government buildings. Click here to find the Global Entry enrollment center closest to you.
Helpful links: US Customs and Border Protection information
All trusted traveler programs in the US, including Global Entry, are governed by US Customs and Border Protection, one of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations. CBP specifically works to keep terrorists and their weapons out of the US by facilitating lawful international travel and trade.
To learn more about CBP and the work they do, you can visit their website.
Further reading: differences between Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS
Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS are all trusted traveler programs that speed up processing at US borders. However, they offer different benefits:
- Global Entry makes entering the US faster for travelers at designated airports.
- SENTRI is more targeted; it offers the benefits of Global Entry plus expedited processing at the US-Mexico land border.
- NEXUS relates specifically to the US-Canada border. It offers the benefits of Global Entry plus expedited processing at the longest land border in the world, and at sea and air checkpoints.
If you’re not sure what program best suits your needs, there’s a handy online calculator tool that will suggest a program based on your travel habits.
To read more about trusted traveler programs, visit the US Customs and Border Protection website.
FAQs:
Does Global Entry cost $100 for five years?
Not anymore, no. Global Entry currently costs $120 USD for a five-year membership. The application fee was raised by twenty bucks in October 2024.
If I pay for Global Entry do I get TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
Where can I find my Global Entry number?
Your Global Entry number might also be referred to as your PASS ID or Known Traveler Number (KTN) and you can find it on the back of your Global Entry card. You can also find this number by logging into your Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account. A Global Entry number is usually a nine-digit number.