The Global Entry Program is a program managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. The program was designed to help streamline the customs and immigration process for frequent international travelers.
Open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain other countries, to participate in the program, individuals must undergo a background check and an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. Once approved, travelers can use Global Entry kiosks at participating airports to scan their passports and fingerprints, answer a few questions, and then proceed to baggage claim and exit the airport.
The program was launched in 2008 as a pilot program at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. It has since expanded to more than 200 airports in the United States, Canada, and several other countries.
The Global Entry program is intended to make the customs and immigration process more efficient for frequent international travelers. It can save travelers time by allowing them to bypass long lines at customs and immigration checkpoints. Additionally, participants in the program are also eligible for the TSA PreCheck screening process, which allows expedited security screening at participating airports.
Features and Benefits of the Global Entry Program
The Global Entry program offers several features and benefits to pre-approved, low-risk travelers who frequently enter the United States.
Global Entry members can use dedicated kiosks at participating airports to scan their passports and fingerprints, answer a few questions, and then proceed to baggage claim and exit the airport. This can save them a lot of waiting time standing in long lines at customs and immigration checkpoints.
Global Entry members are also eligible for the TSA PreCheck screening process, which allows expedited security screening at participating airports. This also means that members can keep their belts, jackets, and shoes on, and carry laptops and liquids in their cabin luggage.
Enrolled members do not have to pay any additional processing fees for TSA PreCheck. The cost of the Global Entry application includes both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. The membership is valid for 5 years, after which travelers must reapply and undergo a new background check and interview.
It is available in more than 200 airports across the United States, Canada, and some other countries. It is a convenient option for frequent international travelers. Members can significantly reduce their wait times at customs and immigration checkpoints, which can be especially beneficial during busy travel seasons.
The program uses advanced biometric technology to verify travelers’ identities, which helps enhance security, and reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft.
Know the Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply for the Global Entry program, an individual must meet the following requirements.
Citizenship: The program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain other countries. To apply, an individual must have a valid passport from their country of citizenship.
Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for Global Entry. Children under the age of 18 may apply for the program with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
Criminal History: Applicants must not have any criminal convictions or pending criminal charges, or have violated any customs or immigration regulations.
Applicants must complete an online application on the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES), pay a Global Entry fee, and attend an in-person interview for their applications to be considered. The steps to apply for the program have been outlined in the section below.
Objectives of the Global Entry Program
The Global Entry program has several objectives that are designed to help streamline the customs and immigration process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers who frequently enter the United States.
Advanced biometric technology verifies travelers’ identities, which helps enhance security and reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. By ensuring that only pre-approved, low-risk travelers are granted access to the program, the Global Entry program enhances overall travel security.
Travelers can use dedicated kiosks at participating airports to scan their passports and fingerprints, answer a few relevant questions regarding their visit to the U.S., and then proceed to baggage claim and exit the airport. The program aims to significantly reduce wait times and improve the overall travel experience.
By pre-screening travelers and collecting their biometric data in advance, the Global Entry program can help reduce the administrative burden on customs and immigration officials. This allows them to focus their resources on high-risk travelers and potential security threats.
The program makes it easier and more efficient for pre-approved, low-risk travelers to enter the United States. This can help promote tourism, business travel, and other types of international travel, which can have economic and cultural benefits.
Steps to Apply for the Program
Here are the steps to apply for the Global Entry Program.
- Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) Account: Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website at www.cbp.gov, and create a TTP account. You will need to provide personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, and passport information.
- Complete the Application: Once you have created a TTP account, log in and complete the Global Entry application. The application will ask for information about your employment history, travel history, and criminal history (if any), among other things.
- Pay the Application Fee: The Global Entry application fee is $100, which is non-refundable. You can pay the fee online using a credit card or any other accepted mode of payment.
- Wait for Approval: After you have submitted your application and paid the fee, you will receive a notification mentioning that your application is under review. If you are approved, you will receive instructions on how to schedule an interview.
- Schedule an Interview: You will need to schedule an interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. You can schedule an interview online through your TTP account. You will need to bring your passport and any other required documents to the interview.
- Attend the Interview: During the interview, a CBP officer will verify your identity, review your application, and take your fingerprints. You may be asked additional questions about your travel history and other personal information.
- Receive your Global Entry Card: After your interview is complete, you will receive a Global Entry card, which you can use to enter the United States at participating airports. You will also receive instructions on how to activate your card.
It is important to note that the application process for Global Entry can take several months, so it is recommended that you apply well in advance of your planned travel dates. If you have any questions, you can call 877-227-5511 or 202-325-8000 (international callers) for help.
