What is Global Entry and how do you get it?

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It helps speed up the customs process for pre-approved travelers when they’re entering the U.S. 

Members can bypass lines at customs by using kiosks available at over 75 U.S. airports. Membership also includes TSA PreCheck® benefits.

This guide explains how Global Entry works, how much it costs, who’s eligible and how to sign up.

What you’ll learn:

• Global Entry is a program designed to help international travelers get through U.S. customs more quickly.

• The application fee for Global Entry is $120 and the membership is valid for five years.

• Eligible individuals can apply by completing an online form and attending an in-person interview.

• Benefits of the program include access to TSA PreCheck® and expedited customs screening.

• Some Capital One credit cards provide a statement credit to cover the Global Entry application fee.

With Global Entry, you could save time when you return from a trip abroad. Instead of standing in a long customs line, kiosk check-ins could help you head home sooner. CBP gives six reasons why people should become a Global Entry member:

1. No processing lines: Bypass traditional customs lines and use an automated kiosk to scan your passport and verify your identity.

2. No paperwork: Avoid filling out a declaration form by using a kiosk.

3. Expedited entry in other countries: Global Entry members can access expedited entry benefits countries with international agreements.

4. Availability at major U.S. airports: Global Entry is currently available at over 75 airports.

5. Reduced wait times: Automated kiosks allow members to bypass typical passport control lines and paperwork.

6. TSA PreCheck® eligibility: Once you qualify for a Global Entry membership, you’re automatically eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits

A Global Entry membership is valid for five years from the date you’re approved. 

You can start the renewal process for Global Entry up to one year before your membership expires.

At a Global Entry kiosk, scan your passport, declare any goods and verify your identity. If everything checks out, you should be cleared to proceed. Otherwise, you may be directed to a CBP officer for further screening.

To qualify for the Global Entry program, you must:

• Be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S. or a citizen of a partner country

• Be 18 or older or have permission from a parent or legal guardian

As of Sept. 15, 2025 the Global Entry application fee is $120. It’s nonrefundable, regardless of whether your application is approved. When it’s time to renew, you’ll need to pay the application fee again.

Some travel credit cards offer a Global Entry statement credit to help cover the application fee. Eligible Capital One cards, including Venture, Venture X, Spark 2X Miles and Venture X Business, provide a $120 credit when you use the card to pay the fee.

Here are the steps to apply for Global Entry:

1. Open a TTP account. Create an account for each person applying, including children.

2. Complete the application. Sign in to your TTP account and fill out the Global Entry application. You’ll pay the nonrefundable $120 fee at this step.

3. Wait for conditional approval. According to CBP, the Global Entry approval process takes about two weeks for most applicants, but sometimes it can take 12 or more months.

4. Schedule an in-person interview. After conditional approval, schedule your interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. 

5. Go to your Global Entry interview. You can either go to an interview you’ve scheduled or complete your interview when you return from an international trip. Whichever process you choose, be sure you have a valid passport, another form of ID showing proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, or a permanent resident card.

Timing for the Global Entry process can vary widely. While most people receive conditional approval within a couple of weeks, the full Global Entry process can take several months or longer. This largely depends on how soon you can complete the interview. Appointments at some locations may be booked out for months.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, most applicants without a criminal history receive their Global Entry membership within 4-6 months after they submit their application.

While each application is processed individually, these tips may help you speed up things:

• Look for new appointments. Enrollment Centers release interview slots on the first Monday of the month at 9 a.m. local time.

• Check for cancellations. Keep checking for last-minute openings.

• Choose a less-crowded airport. Airports that are less busy may have more available interview appointments.

• Try Enrollment on Arrival (EoA). At some airports, you can complete your interview when you return from an international trip.

Whether Global Entry is worth it depends on how often you travel internationally. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends the program for travelers who take four or more international trips a year. And because Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck®, you could also save time during domestic travel.

While Global Entry is an option for frequent international travelers, it’s not the only program that can save you time while traveling. If you travel mostly within the U.S., TSA PreCheck® might be a better option.

For international travelers looking for a no-cost option, Mobile Passport Control is another alternative. This free app lets you submit customs information on your phone, but it’s not available at every airport.

Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions about the Global Entry program:

When traveling abroad, Global Entry can streamline reentry into the U.S. And it also includes TSA PreCheck® benefits. 

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