Need help? Call a SquareMouth Travel Expert 1-800-240-0369 | 8AM to 10PM ET Daily
  1. Home
  2. Travel Advice
  3. General Information
  4. Global Entry: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Global Entry: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Last Updated: — 6 min read

Global Entry: What Is It and How Does It Work?

A snail-paced reentry to the U.S. can put a damper on international travel — no matter how exciting and enjoyable the trip was. That’s where Global Entry comes into play. Global Entry can speed up the customs process without forgoing security measures by helping you avoid long lines and clear customs faster with automated screening tools. We break down what it is and how it works below.

What Is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a pre-screening program designed for international travel that can reduce the time it takes you to clear customs when arriving in the United States. Global Entry benefits can extend to domestic travel as well as entry into the U.S through a land border or sea port.

Global Entry is one of the Trusted Traveler Programs offered through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. It identifies low-risk travelers and streamlines their entry into the United States. Your membership in the program requires a nonrefundable fee, a background check and an in-person interview. Membership is valid for five years.

Consider the Global Entry program if you fly internationally, whether for business or pleasure, and want to save time when you arrive in the United States. Global Entry can also be used to expedite TSA screening when flying domestically and when entering the U.S. by land or through a seaport. The frequency of your travel and your destinations can help you decide if the program is a good fit for you.

How Does Global Entry Work?

Global Entry works similarly to other Trusted Traveler Programs. Because you are designated as a low-risk traveler, you have access to time-saving kiosks and special entry lanes.

Air arrival steps for Global Entry members:

  • Go directly to a designated kiosk to scan your passport.
  • Verify your identity through the kiosk camera and fingerprint scanner.
  • Answer Declaration Form 6059B questions on the kiosk screen.
  • Take your printed paper receipt to a CBP officer to exit the customs area.

Streamlined entry is also available when your travel isn’t by air. Your Global Entry card has a radio frequency identification chip that allows your identity to be confirmed when using NEXUS or SENTRI expedited travel lanes for land border and seaport entry.

Benefits of Global Entry

Global Entry offers you time-saving benefits and convenience when traveling:

  • Eliminates processing lines. You go directly to a Global Entry kiosk in the customs section of the airport.
  • Reduces required paperwork. Customs declaration questions are completed on the kiosk screen instead of a paper form.
  • Includes TSA PreCheck for domestic travel. You can use the express security lane where electronic devices and liquids can stay in your suitcase, and you won’t be asked to remove your shoes, belt or light jacket.
  • Allows expedited entry in other countries. U.S. Citizens can use the program when entering Australia and New Zealand or to access expedited entry programs in the Netherlands, South Korea, Panama, Taiwan, Germany and Mexico.
  • Provides a free app. The Global Entry Mobile Application allows you to skip the kiosk and use your mobile device to clear customs. It’s free and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.
  • Offers a Global Entry card for land and sea port arrivals. You can use the Global Entry card for expedited entry into the U.S. when you aren’t traveling by air.

How to Apply for Global Entry

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is 18 or older to meet basic Global Entry requirements. If you are a minor, you’ll need a parent or guardian’s consent. Global Entry eligibility is extended to citizens of some other countries. Check CBP’s eligibility for Global Entry for a list of additional countries and requirements.

You must satisfy CBP that you are a low-risk traveler to obtain Global Entry approval. Qualifying for Global Entry membership requires a thorough background check of criminal, immigration, terrorist and other databases will be conducted during the application process. You will also need to provide fingerprints and be interviewed by a CBP officer.

Your approval for Global Entry can be complicated if you:

  • Provided false or incomplete information.
  • Violated any customs, immigration or agricultural regulations in any country.
  • Were denied a gun purchase by the FBI.
  • Are being investigated by any federal, state or local law enforcement agency.
  • Have a criminal offense conviction, pending charges or outstanding warrant.
  • Are inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration regulations.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Here are the Global Entry application steps in applying for membership:

  • Create a Trusted Traveler Program account. Go to the Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Programs page, select Global Entry, create an account on Login.gov, and start your application.
  • Complete your application. Provide your passport details, travel history, employment information, prior addresses, and Known Traveler Number, if you have a TSA PreCheck member.
  • Submit the application with payment. A $120 nonrefundable fee is required when you submit your application.
  • Wait for CBP initial review. A conditional approval allows you to move to the interview phase.
  • Schedule an interview. Follow the instructions in your TTP account to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
  • Attend an in-person interview. Bring your valid passport and one other form of identification to the interview.
  • Receive Global Entry membership approval. You’ll be given your PASS ID number and a Global Entry membership card will arrive in the mail in one to eight weeks.

If you are unable to schedule an appointment before your next international trip, Enrollment on Arrival is an option. When you return from your trip, go to an Enrollment on Arrival lane, and a CBP Officer will do a Global Entry interview as part of your re-entry into the U.S. Be sure to have the documents you used for your application with you. There is a similar Enrollment on Departure program, but it is limited to the Miami International Airport and Dulles International Airport.

Required Documentation for Global Entry

The following documents are typically needed when applying for Global Entry:

  • Valid passport(s)
  • Driver’s license or ID card
  • Permanent resident card, if applicable
  • Proof of residency document (mortgage statement, rental payment receipt or utility bill)

Global Entry Application Fees

The Global Entry program requires a $120 fee for each completed application. There is no fee for minors under 18 if you enroll them with you. Membership in the program lasts for five years.

The Global Entry membership fee is nonrefundable, whether you are approved or not. Credit cards and electronic bank transfers are accepted forms of payment.

Global Entry Interview Process

Global Entry interviews are used to verify your identity and the information you provided on your application. The interview is conducted by a CBP officer who will ask you about your personal information and travel plans, and can take as little as 15 minutes.

A list of documents required for your interview is available through your Trusted Traveler Program account. This typically includes the documents you used to complete your application. Also, bring a printed copy of your conditional approval letter with your PASS ID number to the interview.

Arriving a few minutes before the appointment and having your documents organized and ready can speed up the process. Be truthful and direct when talking with the officer and ask for clarification if there is something you don’t understand.

You can be approved at the end of the interview or shortly after.

Global Entry Renewal Process

Your Global Entry membership lasts five years, but you can begin the renewal process as early as one year before your membership expiration date. Submitting a new application before the expiration date allows you to continue to use the program while your renewal is being processed — up to an additional 24 months.

A CPB interview isn’t always required when renewing your membership. If it is, however, you may be able to interview remotely. After you receive Conditional Approval, look for a remote option when scheduling your interview in your TTP account. If you are eligible, it will appear along with the option for an in-person interview.

Here are the basic steps for Global Entry membership renewal:

  • Select the Renew option for your Global Entry after you log in to your TTP account.
  • Follow the instructions given on the Membership Renewal page to update your information, then save and certify your renewal application.
  • Complete the Purchase Summary page and select your payment option for the $120 processing fee.
  • Check your TTP account regularly for updates on your renewal and watch for emails notifying you of membership status changes.

Global Entry FAQs

What is the difference between Global Entry and TSA Pre Check?

Global Entry expedites U.S. customs entry for international travelers while TSA PreCheck streamlines security screening for travelers departing from U.S. airports. Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck benefits, however TSA PreCheck does not include Global Entry.

How long does approval take?

Expect to receive your Global Entry membership within 4-6 months of applying. While conditional approval is often received within two weeks of applying, it can take weeks to months to schedule the in-person CBP interview.

What do I do if I’m denied?

You can complete a Reconsideration Request through your TTP account if your Global Entry membership is denied (or revoked). You’ll be asked to provide the denial letter date and reason(s), explain how the information is inaccurate/incomplete and supply supporting documents.

Written by Lisa Anthony