Your Guide to global entry

Are you looking to make international traveling just a little bit easier? If you're tired of waiting in security lines or the customs line and you travel often, then you should probably look into Global Entry. Lucky for you, I've been traveling for over 8 years and I FINALLY went through the process of getting Global Entry this year so I'm here to share with you everything that I've learned along the way.

WHAT IS GLOBAL ENTRY?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection airport program that provides pre-approved clearance for travelers coming home to the United States. This program allows travelers to skip long immigration and custom lines by allowing them to use self-service kiosks during the process. Individuals enrolled in the program also enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits which essentially means faster security lines when flying to domestic destinations.

HOW CAN GLOBAL ENTRY HELP?

The main benefit of getting Global Entry is faster entry back into the United States when arriving at any U.S. based airport. This is possible because each Global Entry member must complete and pass a background check and in-person interview, pre-screening them for reentry into the country. Other benefits of Global Entry include:

HOW MUCH DOES GLOBAL ENTRY COST?

The enrollment fee for global entry is currently $120. This fee covers Global Entry membership for 5 years, making it a great value since it also includes TSA PreCheck! This fee is paid during the online application process using a debit card, credit card, or an electronic funds transfer (EFT). Many credit cards also cover the cost of Global Entry, including Chase Sapphire Reserve, The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Citi® / AAdvantage®'s Executive World Elite Mastercard®, and the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card.

However, if your application is denied, the fee is non-refundable, so it’s important to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying. Applicants with a criminal record are strongly advised not to apply, as they are likely to be disqualified.

HOW TO APPLY FOR GLOBAL ENTRY

In order to apply for Global Entry, applicants must first navigate to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. From there, individuals must create a Trusted Traveler Programs account and choose the program they are looking to enroll in. In this case, you are going to be enrolling in Global Entry which will give you both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. Once your account is made, the application is filled out, and the $120 fee is paid, you will be able to choose a site for your in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center (many of which are at airports). Applicants must bring valid passport, one other form of identification (such as a driver’s license or ID card), and a piece of mail addressed to them that was received at their main address. During the interview, you may be asked about past trips you've taken out of the country, where you live, your occupation, and more. Once the interview is complete, you should hear back within a few days whether or not you were approved.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY GLOBAL ENTRY INTERVIEW?

Global Entry applicants are expected to bring a valid passport, one other form of identification (such as a driver’s license or ID card) and a piece of mail to the scheduled interview at their chosen Global Entry Enrollment Center, If you also need to bring your luggage to the interview itself (which happened to me, since I scheduled my interview for the day I was leaving for France), you may. You may bring a cell phone to your interview, but are not permitted to be on your cell phone during any step of the interview process.

HOW LONG DOES THE GLOBAL ENTRY INTERVIEW TAKE?

The Global Entry interview itself typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes but the entire process can take longer. There may be people ahead of you at the same interview time, so plan to be at the Global Entry Enrollment Center for about an hour. During this appointment, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will take all your forms of identification, review your application, and ask questions based on your application answers. You can expect to be asked about everything from your main address and occupation to your travel history. The officer will then take fingerprints and a photo of you, and they will send you on your way.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET APPROVED BY GLOBAL ENTRY?

After getting interviewed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, the officer may tell you right away whether or not you will be approved. If they don't tell you by the end of the in-person interview, you may ask them how long they expect it to take. Many applicants can expect to get their results within the next few hours, but the maximum time it may take is up to 3 or 4 days. The results will be sent via email.

Global Entry membership lasts exactly 5 years from the date of your application approval. You can renew your membership up to one year before it expires, and if you renew before expiration, you can continue using your benefits during the renewal process. If you do not renew your membership in time, you will not be permitted to take advantage of your benefits until your membership is once again valid and active.

DOES GLOBAL ENTRY INCLUDE TSA PRECHECK?

Yes, Global Entry does include TSA PreCheck! This means you will not only be able to skip the customs line when coming back into the United States, but you will also be allowed access to faster security lines and streamlined screenings. I personally consider this to be a great deal because TSA PreCheck alone is currently $77.95, so it's like getting access to two great airport benefits at one time.

WHAT CREDIT CARDS COVER THE COST OF GLOBAL ENTRY?

Many premium credit cards offer benefits that include coverage of the cost of Global Entry. A few notable cards that do this include:

HOW DO I RENEW MY GLOBAL ENTRY?

The process to renew your Global Entry membership is simple. Start by logging in to your Trusted Traveler Program account and navigating to the option that says "renew" under your Global Entry membership. From there you will follow the prompts, update your personal information, and pay the renewal fee of $120. If you have a credit card that offers to cover the cost of Global Entry, you will want to use that credit card so you can use that credit card benefit. Once that's done, you should be all set. However, in some instances additional verification may be necessary which means you'll likely need to schedule another in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. After you are officially re-approved for Global Entry you should be able to use your old card just like before! No new cards necessary.

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Traveling has a reputation for being a hassle, especially in airports-but it doesn't have to be! With Global Entry (which also includes TSA PreCheck) you can travel with ease, skipping all the annoying lines so you can get to your destination or get home as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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