Tired of long lines at the airport? You might want to consider Global Entry.
This program lets you skip the regular customs lines when you come back to the U.S. from abroad.
It’s part of a bigger group of programs called Trusted Traveler Programs.
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To sign up for Global Entry, you need to fill out an online form and pay a fee. If your form looks good, you’ll get a chance to meet with an officer.
They’ll ask you some questions and take your picture and fingerprints.
If everything checks out, you’re in!
Global Entry is great for people who travel a lot.
It can save you loads of time at the airport.
Plus, it comes with TSA PreCheck, which means faster security lines for domestic flights too.
If you’re planning to travel outside the U.S. soon, you might want to think about applying for Global Entry.
Key Takeaways
- Global Entry lets you bypass regular customs lines when entering the U.S.
- You need to apply online, pay a fee, and have an in-person interview
- The program includes TSA PreCheck for faster domestic security screening
Getting Started with Your Global Entry Application
Applying for Global Entry involves checking your eligibility and filling out an online form.
The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.
Checking Eligibility for Global Entry
Global Entry is for low-risk travelers who want faster entry into the US.
To be eligible, you need a clean record.
This means no criminal convictions or pending charges.
You also can’t have broken customs or immigration laws.
Have a valid passport ready.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can apply.
Some citizens from other countries can too.
Keep in mind, not everyone gets approved.
The government checks your background carefully.
They look at things like your travel history and job.
Completing the Online Application
Start by setting up a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account.
This is where you’ll fill out your Global Entry application.
The form asks for personal info, work history, and travel details.
Be honest and thorough.
Mistakes can slow things down or get you denied.
Double-check everything before you submit.
You’ll need to pay a $120 fee when you apply.
This covers your application for 5 years.
You can pay by credit card or bank transfer.
Some credit cards even offer to cover this fee as a perk.
After you submit, wait for conditional approval.
This can take a few weeks or months.
If approved, you’ll schedule an interview to finish the process.
After Conditional Approval
Once you get conditional approval, you’re almost done! You just need to finish up a few steps to become a Global Entry member.
Let’s look at what comes next.
Scheduling the In-Person Interview
After getting conditionally approved, you need to set up an interview.
You can book an appointment at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
These centers are often at airports.
Pick a time and place that works for you.
Some centers have long wait times.
If that’s the case, try looking for spots at other nearby centers.
You can also use Enrollment on Arrival.
This lets you do your interview when you get back from an international trip.
It’s a great option if you’re in a hurry or can’t find an open slot.
Attending the Interview and Enrollment
On interview day, bring your passport and another form of ID.
The interview is usually quick, about 15 minutes.
An officer will ask about your travel history and why you want Global Entry.
They’ll also take your photo and fingerprints.
Be ready to answer questions honestly.
The officer might check your background again.
If all goes well, you’ll get approved on the spot.
You can start using Global Entry right away.
You don’t need to wait for your card to come in the mail.
Finalizing Your Membership
After your interview, you’re officially a Global Entry member! Your membership lasts for 5 years.
You’ll get a Global Entry card in the mail within a few weeks.
You don’t need the card for air travel.
Just use your passport at Global Entry kiosks.
But keep the card safe – you’ll need it for land and sea crossings.
Remember to keep your info up to date.
If you get a new passport or change your address, update your Trusted Traveler account.
This helps avoid issues when you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Global Entry applicants have many common questions about the program.
Here are answers to some key issues people often wonder about.
What do I need to bring to my Global Entry interview?
Applicants should bring their passport and a second form of ID to the interview.
A driver’s license works well as the second ID.
It’s also smart to bring proof of address, like a utility bill.
Can you explain the steps to renew my Global Entry membership?
To renew Global Entry, members log into their Trusted Traveler Program account.
They submit a new application and pay the fee.
If approved, they may need to schedule an interview.
How do I find the nearest Global Entry Enrollment Center?
The CBP website has a tool to locate Global Entry Enrollment Centers.
Users can search by state, city, or zip code to find the closest center for their interview.
What’s the average time it takes to get approved after applying for Global Entry?
Processing times vary, but it usually takes 2-3 weeks for initial review.
After that, applicants schedule an interview.
The whole process can take 4-6 months from start to finish.
Is it possible to check the status of my Global Entry application online?
Yes, applicants can check their status online.
They log into their Trusted Traveler Program account to see where they are in the process.
What are the differences between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck but offers more benefits.
It allows for faster customs processing when entering the U.S. Meanwhile, TSA PreCheck only speeds up security screening for domestic flights.