Global Entry: what it is and how to get it

Global Entry is a trusted traveler program run by the U.S. government that grants you entry to the TSA PreCheck security line and expedited re-entry into the United States from abroad.

What’s Global Entry?

Global Entry is a customs and border protection program that grants its members expedited re-entry into the United States at airports and at the Canadian and Mexican borders. In addition to expedited re-entry, the trusted traveler member number given to you as part of Global Entry grants you TSA PreCheck for participating airlines and airports.

Global Entry members head straight to a Global Entry kiosk after deplaning. Some kiosks require you to insert your passport, scan your fingerprints, and answer some questions onscreen. You’ll then get a slip of paper to show the customs agents on the way out the door letting them know whether you have goods to declare. Others airports have more advanced technology and will use facial recognition paired with the passenger manifest to identify you without even inserting your passport.

Both U.S. citizens and certain permanent residents are eligible to apply. (See the CPB website for more details on requirements.) Children under 18 must have their parent or legal guardian consent to enrollment.

Do my kids need Global Entry too?

Yes, every person wanting to use the Global Entry line upon re-entry into the United States must have their own separate Global Entry membership, regardless of age.

Children under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent to participate in the program and will have to do an interview like any other applicant.

How Much Does Global Entry Cost?

Global Entry charges a $100 non-refundable application fee, but once you are accepted into the program the membership is good for 5 years (so it’s effectively $20/year, an amazing deal).

Step-by-Step: How to Get Global Entry for Your Kids (or Yourself)

Every person applying must create a Global Online Enrollment System account, pay a $100 non-refundable application fee, and schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. If you’re applying for your child under the age of 18, you must accompany them to the interview.

(1) Get a Passport

You’ll need the passport information to apply. Parents- once your baby is issued a social security card, they can get a passport, too.

(2) Create a Trusted Traveler Programs Account

A separate account is needed for each person applying, regardless of age. Click on “Get Started” under the Global Entry program description.

image courtesy of CBP - Department of Homeland Security - Trusted Traveler Programs

(3) Log into the Trusted Traveler Programs Account and Apply for Global Entry

Once you’ve created your account, you log in to your account at login.gov

(4) Schedule & Attend an Interview

Shortly after completing the application online and paying the $100 fee, you will be notified if you are conditionally approved. Once you receive this approval, you’re cleared to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the interview, and each person applying must schedule a separate interview slot.

Bring your child’s passport and whatever else is listed on the email from CPB. If your application is approved, the CPB officer will take fingerprints and do the final paperwork. (Very small children might have the fingerprint requirement waived).

(5) Get Your Card & Notify Airlines of Your Trusted Traveler Number

Once you get your Global Entry membership card in the mail, activate it online by following the instructions in the letter that comes with the card.

Take note of your trusted traveler number, as you will need to add this number to your traveler profile for every airline that you fly. This step is crucial. If you do not inform the airlines that you have a trusted traveler number, your name will not get matched up in the system and you will probably not get “TSA PreCheck” printed on your boarding pass.

After activation, put the card in a safe place. You won’t need it to travel internationally unless you are using it as a form of identification to re-enter the U.S. through Canada or Mexico through a SENTRI or NEXUS travel lane.

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