If you're a frequent flyer who hates long lines at customs, Global Entry is your new best friend. Let's break down why this program is a game-changer and how you can get in on it.

Why Global Entry Rocks

Global Entry isn't just a fancy name; it comes with some sweet perks:

• Skip the Lines: Forget waiting forever at customs. With Global Entry, you can breeze through a kiosk and be on your way. Perfect for those peak travel times when everyone else is stuck in line.
• TSA PreCheck Included: Yep, you read that right. Global Entry also gets you TSA PreCheck, so you can zip through security without taking off your shoes or belt. Double win for frequent flyers.
• Five Years of Bliss: For just $100, you get five years of these perks. Plus, many travel credit cards will cover this fee for you.

Who Can Join the Club?

Not everyone can get Global Entry, but if you meet the criteria, you're golden. Here's the lowdown:

• US Citizens and Permanent Residents: If you're a US citizen or have a green card, you're eligible.
• Citizens of Select Countries: Folks from 14 countries, like the UK, Germany, and Mexico, can apply. Canadians can also get in on the action through the NEXUS program.

To get approved, you'll need to pass a background check and go through an in-person interview. For more on how to apply, check out our sections on applying for ESTA or the Visa Waiver Program.

So, if you're tired of the hassle at customs and security, Global Entry is your ticket to a smoother travel experience.

Getting Global Entry

How to Apply

Getting into the Global Entry program isn't rocket science, but it does take a few steps. Here's the lowdown:

1. Set Up a TTP Account: First, you need to create an account on the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website. This is your hub for managing the application and getting updates.
2. Fill Out the Application: Log in to your TTP account and complete the Global Entry application. You'll need to provide personal info, travel history, and some background details.
3. Submit and Pay: Once your application is ready, submit it along with a $100 fee. You can pay with a credit card or an electronic bank transfer.
4. Background Check: After you submit, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will do a background check. This can take a few weeks, so sit tight.
5. Schedule an Interview: If you're conditionally approved, you'll get a notification to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Check out our Interview Scheduling section for more details.
6. Go to the Interview: At the interview, a CBP officer will verify your info, take your fingerprints, and ask about your travel history. Make sure to bring the required documents, which you can find in our Required Documentation section.
7. Get Your Membership: If all goes well, you'll get your Global Entry membership, giving you expedited entry at select airports.

Fees and Payment

The Global Entry application fee is $100. Heads up: this fee will jump to $120 in October 2024.

You can pay the fee using:

• Credit Card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are all good.
• Electronic Bank Transfer: This is another option if you prefer.

For info on other visa-related stuff like Canada ETA application, check out our dedicated sections.

By following these steps and knowing the fees, you can breeze through the Global Entry application process. For more on renewals and fee hikes, see our Fee Increase and Renewal section.

Global Entry Interview

So, you’ve got the green light for your Global Entry application—awesome! Now, let’s get you through that interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Here’s the lowdown on booking your interview and what you need to bring along.

Booking Your Interview

Once you get that sweet conditional approval, it’s time to book your interview. Head over to the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website to snag your spot. These slots fill up fast, so don’t dawdle—book it as soon as you can.

If you’re flying into the U.S., you might want to check out the Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) program. This lets you do your interview right when you land at select international terminals. It’s super handy and available at 65 airports around the globe. For more details, check out our Enrollment on Arrival section.

What to Bring

You’ll need to bring some key documents to your interview to prove who you are and that you’re eligible for the program. Here’s what you need:

• Valid Passport: No brainer, you gotta have this.
• Secondary ID: Think driver’s license or an ID card.
• Permanent Resident Card: If you’re a lawful permanent resident, bring your machine-readable card.

If you’re under 18, you’ll need a parent or guardian’s consent to join the program. Don’t worry, they don’t have to be Global Entry members themselves.

For a full rundown on the application process, including fees and payment options, check out our Applying for Global Entry section. And if you’re looking into other visa options like New Zealand eTA, Schengen visa, UK eTA, we’ve got you covered there too.

Heads-Up on Fee Hike and Renewal

Fee Increase and Renewal

Heads up, folks! Starting October 2024, the Global Entry application fee is jumping from $100 to $120. This is the first bump since the program kicked off in 2008. The fee is non-refundable and needs to be paid when you submit your application through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) system.

Your Global Entry membership lasts for five years. Renewing it is pretty similar to signing up the first time, but you might not need another interview. You can start the renewal process up to a year before your membership expires. Since June 2021, there's been a remote interview option, which means you can do it virtually after getting conditional approval. This can speed things up (Chase).

Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) Process

Got conditional approval for Global Entry? You can finish up your interview right when you land in the U.S. at participating international airports. This Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) process saves you from scheduling a separate interview.

When you do EoA, you'll need to show your conditional approval notice and some ID, like your passport. The interview is usually quick—just a few questions about your travel history and background.

Using the EoA process can make joining the Global Entry program a breeze, smoothing out your international travel experiences.