Global Entry: What Is It and How to Get It

Global Entry is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. It is one of the Trusted Traveler Programs offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, along with TSA PreCheck, SENTRI, NEXUS and FAST. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Global Entry, including its benefits, eligibility, cost, application process, interview and more. 

What are the benefits of Global Entry?

Global Entry has many benefits for frequent international travelers who want to save time and hassle at the airport. Some of the main benefits are:

• No processing lines: You can skip the long queues at immigration and customs and use a self-service kiosk instead.
• No paperwork: You don’t need to fill out a declaration form when you arrive in the U.S.
• Access to expedited entry: You can use the Global Entry lanes at select airports in the U.S. and abroad, as well as the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes when crossing the land borders with Canada and Mexico.
• Reduced wait times: You can clear immigration and customs in a matter of minutes, instead of hours.
• TSA PreCheck included: You automatically get TSA PreCheck membership, which allows you to use the faster security lanes at U.S. airports and keep your shoes, belt and jacket on.
• Valid for 5 years: Your Global Entry membership is valid for 5 years from the date of approval. You can renew it online before it expires.

Who is eligible for Global Entry?

Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and select foreign nationals who meet the following criteria:

• They have a valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card.
• They have no criminal convictions or pending charges.
• They have no violations of customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country.
• They are not under investigation by any federal, state or local law enforcement agency.
• They are not inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration regulations.

The following foreign nationals are eligible for Global Entry:

• Citizens of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada (as NEXUS members), Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (including Greenland and Faroe Islands), Estonia, Finland (including Åland Islands), France (including Monaco), Germany (including Liechtenstein), Greece (including Mount Athos), Hungary, Iceland (including Jan Mayen), India (as TTP members), Ireland (including Northern Ireland), Israel (as TTP members), Italy (including San Marino and Vatican City), Japan (as TTP members), Jordan (as TTP members), Kuwait (as TTP members), Latvia (including Livonia), Liechtenstein (as German citizens), Lithuania (including Samogitia), Luxembourg (including Clervaux), Malta (including Gozo), Mexico (as SENTRI members), Monaco (as French citizens), Netherlands (including Aruba and Curaçao), New Zealand (as TTP members), Norway (including Svalbard and Bouvet Island), Panama (as TTP members), Peru (as TTP members), Poland (as TTP members), Portugal (including Azores and Madeira), Qatar (as TTP members), Romania (as TTP members), San Marino (as Italian citizens), Singapore (as TTP members), Slovakia (including Carpathian Ruthenia), Slovenia (including Prekmurje and Slovene Istria), South Africa (as TTP members), South Korea (as TTP members), Spain (including Canary Islands and Balearic Islands), Sweden (including Gotland), Switzerland (including Campione d’Italia), Taiwan (as TTP members), Turkey (as TTP members), United Arab Emirates (as TTP members), United Kingdom (including Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos Islands).

How much does Global Entry Cost?

Global Entry costs $100 USD for new enrollments and renewals. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online by credit card or electronic bank transfer when you submit your application. Some credit cards and loyalty programs may reimburse you for the fee or offer it as a benefit to their customers. For example, American Express Platinum Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve Card and Capital One Venture Card all cover the Global Entry fee as a statement credit once every four or five years. You can check with your credit card issuer or loyalty program provider to see if they offer this perk and how to claim it.

How to apply for Global Entry?

The application process for Global Entry consists of four steps:

1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account: You need to create an online account on the official Trusted Traveler Program website, where you can apply for Global Entry and other programs. You need to have your own account regardless of your age.
2. Complete the online application: You need to fill out a detailed application form with your personal information, travel history, employment history, contact information and other relevant details. You also need to pay a non-refundable fee of $100 USD by credit card or electronic bank transfer when you submit your application.
3. Wait for conditional approval: After you submit your application, it will be reviewed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This can take from 4 to 6 months, depending on the volume of applications and background checks. You can check your Global Entry application status online by logging into your TTP account. If your application is conditionally approved, you will receive a notification and instructions to schedule an interview.
4. Schedule and attend an interview: You need to schedule an appointment for an in-person interview at one of the Global Entry enrollment centers within 365 days of receiving your conditional approval. You need to bring your valid passport 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 also bring your machine-readable permanent resident card. During the interview, a CBP officer will ask you questions about your application, take your fingerprints and photo, and verify your documents. If you are approved, you will receive your Global Entry card in the mail within two weeks.

Alternatively, you can also participate in the Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) program, which allows you to complete your interview without an appointment when you arrive at certain airports in the U.S. or abroad. You can find a list of participating airports here.

How to renew Global Entry?

Your Global Entry membership is valid for 5 years from the date of approval. You can renew it online up to one year before it expires by logging into your TTP account and submitting a new application with updated information and a $100 USD fee. You may or may not be required to attend another interview, depending on your eligibility and background check results.

You can check your Global Entry renewal status online by logging into your TTP account. If your renewal is approved, you will receive a new Global Entry card in the mail within two weeks.

What is a Global Entry number?

A Global Entry number, also known as a Known Traveler Number (KTN), is a nine-digit number that is assigned to you when you are approved for Global Entry. It is printed on the back of your Global Entry card and can be found in your TTP account.

Your Global Entry number allows you to access the benefits of TSA PreCheck and expedited entry at participating airports. You need to enter your Global Entry number when you book your flight tickets or update your frequent flyer profile with participating airlines. You also need to present your Global Entry card or passport when you use the Global Entry kiosks or lanes.

What is a Global Entry interview?

A Global Entry interview is a mandatory part of the application process that involves an in-person meeting with a CBP officer at a designated enrollment center or airport. The purpose of the interview is to verify your identity, documents, eligibility and suitability for the program.

During the interview, you will be asked questions about your application, travel history, employment history, criminal history and other relevant topics. You will also have your fingerprints and photo taken and scanned into the system.

The interview usually takes about 15 minutes and can be scheduled online through your TTP account after you receive your conditional approval notification. You need to bring your valid passport 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 also bring your machine-readable permanent resident card.

Alternatively, you can also participate in the Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) program, which allows you to complete your interview without an appointment when you arrive at certain airports in the U.S. or abroad. You can find a list of participating airports here.

If you pass the interview, you will receive your Global Entry card in the mail within two weeks. If you are denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason and how to appeal the decision.

What are some common Global Entry interview questions?

The Global Entry interview is not meant to be a stressful or intimidating experience. The CBP officer will ask you some basic questions to verify your identity, eligibility and suitability for the program. Some of the most likely questions your interviewer will focus on will be related to the following issues:

• Your basic biographical information (i.e., name, address, birthdate, etc.);
• Confirmation of information contained in your application;
• The reason(s) you are applying for Global Entry membership;
• Details regarding your employment;
• Your travel history and frequency;
• Your criminal history, if any;
• Your customs and immigration violations, if any;
• Your understanding of the rules and responsibilities of Global Entry.

You should answer all questions honestly and politely. You should also have your documents ready to show to the officer, such as your passport, ID card and permanent resident card (if applicable). You can also prepare for the interview by reviewing the CBP website.

Conclusion

Global Entry is a great program for frequent international travelers who want to save time and hassle at the airport. It offers many benefits, such as expedited clearance, TSA PreCheck and reduced wait times. It is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and select foreign nationals who meet the eligibility criteria. It costs $100 USD for new enrollments and renewals and is valid for 5 years. The application process involves creating a TTP account, completing an online application, waiting for conditional approval and scheduling and attending an interview. The interview is a simple and straightforward process that involves answering some basic questions and verifying your documents. If you are approved, you will receive your Global Entry card in the mail and enjoy the perks of being a trusted traveler.

I hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. If you like this article, you might also check the article that I wrote on "I-94 Travel History: A Helpful Guide for International Travelers".

Thank you for reading!