Oct 24, 2025

What is Global Entry?

By

Shanelle Miller

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If you’ve ever stood in a lengthy customs line after a long-haul flight, you’ll know it’s the last place you want to be. That’s where Global Entry comes in. Designed to help pre-approved travelers skip the lengthy lines at U.S. Customs, it’s a trusted program that gives you a smoother, faster route back into the country — and includes TSA PreCheck for your domestic departures, too.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything there is to know about Global Entry, including how it works, how to apply, and what it costs.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It’s designed for pre-approved, low-risk travelers who frequently fly internationally and want to save time at immigration.

Once you’re approved, you’ll be able to use dedicated Global Entry lanes at select airports, where automated kiosks or facial recognition scanners replace the traditional passport inspection line. The process is quick: you scan your passport or U.S. permanent resident card, verify your fingerprints or face, and complete your customs declaration digitally. In most cases, you’ll be through immigration in just a few minutes.

Essentially, you won’t need to remove your shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids, which makes for a much calmer airport experience — whether you’re coming and going.

Who can get Global Entry?

Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select partner countries that have reciprocal agreements with the U.S. These include:

  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • India
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Switzerland
  • The Netherlands

There’s no minimum age requirement to apply, but applicants under 18 must have parental or guardian consent. Each person — even infants — must have their own membership, which means every traveler in your family will need to apply separately.

How does Global Entry work?

Using Global Entry is actually quite simple. After landing in the U.S. from an international trip, you’ll follow signs for the Global Entry kiosks or eGates at participating airports. Instead of queuing for a customs officer, you’ll scan your passport or permanent resident card, verify your identity via fingerprint or facial recognition, and confirm your customs declaration digitally.

If it’s all in order, the kiosk or eGate will display a confirmation screen or print a receipt, allowing you to head straight to baggage claim and then exit. No long lines, no stamping, no stress.

The program also includes TSA PreCheck, which means faster security screening when you’re flying within the U.S. or departing for international destinations. Simply add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — provided when you’re approved — to your airline reservations and frequent flyer profiles. Your boarding pass will then show the TSA PreCheck logo, letting you breeze through dedicated lanes.

What are the benefits of Global Entry?

Global Entry’s perks go far beyond skipping a line. It’s a program dedicated to making your travel experience calmer, faster, and more consistent, no matter where you’re flying from.

1. Faster entry into the U.S.

When you return from an international trip, you’ll skip the long customs line and head straight for the Global Entry lanes. At many airports, you’ll be through immigration in a matter of minutes, even when flights from around the world are landing at once.

2. TSA PreCheck included

Your Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck, which can be used at more than 200 airports across the U.S. This gives you access to shorter security lines and a simpler screening process where you won’t need to remove shoes, laptops, or light jackets.

3. Saves time in the airport

Between expedited arrivals and faster security for departures, Global Entry can save you hours over the course of a year if you’re a frequent flyer. That adds up to more time for a coffee, a nap, or just catching your breath between flights.

4. Reduces stress for frequent travelers

Travel can be stressful and unpredictable at the best times, but knowing you have priority processing on both sides of your trip helps reduce the chaos. No more racing through terminals or worrying about long queues, just smooth transitions and more time to rest.

5. Adds value to every trip

Even if you only take one or two international trips a year, the time savings and convenience often make the $120 fee worth it. When you think about the comfort and peace of mind it provides, it’s a small investment for five years of easier travel.

How much does Global Entry cost?

Global Entry costs $120 for a five-year membership. The fee covers both the background check and TSA PreCheck inclusion, and it’s non-refundable, even if your application isn’t approved.

When you break it down, that’s just $24 a year for faster customs clearance and PreCheck — not a bad deal for travelers who value time and convenience.

Can you get Global Entry for free?

Yes, if you have the right travel rewards credit card, you might not need to pay the fee at all. Many premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, or Amex Platinum, offer a statement credit of up to $120 every four or five years when you use the card to pay your Global Entry fee.

How to apply for Global Entry

Applying for Global Entry is straightforward, though the process does involve a few steps. Once you’ve created your TTP account and submitted your application, the main hurdle is waiting for conditional approval and completing your in-person interview.

  1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account — Head to the official Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website. Create an account with your email address, and keep your login details safe — you’ll use this account for your application, renewal, and membership management.

  2. Complete the online application — You’ll need to provide personal information, a five-year address history, employment history, and details of any international trips from the past five years. Be accurate and thorough; any inconsistencies can slow your approval process.

  3. Pay the application fee — You’ll then be asked to submit your non-refundable $120 fee through your TTP account. This payment covers the background checks and the TSA PreCheck benefits.

  4. Wait for conditional approval — After submitting your application, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review your information and run a background check. Processing times can vary — sometimes two weeks, sometimes a few months — depending on the volume of applications and your personal record.

  5. Schedule your Global Entry interview — Once you receive conditional approval, you’ll be invited to book an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, usually located in most major U.S. airports.

  6. Attend the interview and provide biometrics — Bring your passport or LPR card, a second form of ID, and proof of address like a utility bill or rental agreement. During the interview, a CBP officer will verify your details, take your fingerprints, and ask a few simple questions about your travel history. Most interviews usually last around 10-15 minutes.

  7. Receive your final approval and Global Entry card — If you’re approved, you’ll get your Known Traveler Number (KTN) right away in your TTP account. Your Global Entry card will arrive by mail within a few weeks and needs to be activated online. You’ll only need the card for land or sea crossing; for flights, your passport and KTN are all you need.

How long does Global Entry last?

Your membership is valid for five years from the date of approval, and you can start renewing one year before your expiration date.

If you submit your renewal before your membership expires, CBP allows you to continue using your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits for up to 24 months while your renewal is processed.

Do you need to do an interview?

Yes, all first-time applicants must attend an in-person interview. For renewing members, CBP sometimes waives the interview if your information hasn’t changed that much. If an interview is required, you’ll be notified during the renewal process.

If you’re conditionally approved, you can also take advantage of Enrolment on Arrival (after an international flight) or Departure (currently at Dulles Airport, CA), where you can complete your interview without scheduling ahead.

What information do you need to bring to the interview?

Make sure you arrive prepared with:

  • A valid passport (or passports, if you have dual citizenship)
  • A second form of ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID
  • Proof of residency, like a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement
  • Your conditional approval letter
  • Any court documentation if you’ve ever had an arrest or conviction (even if expunged)

If you’re doing Enrolment on Departure, bring your international flight ticket, too. Organizing everything helps your interview go smoothly and minimizes time with the officer.

How to renew Global Entry

Renewing your Global Entry is quick and can usually be done entirely online. You can start the process one year before your membership expires, and most people find that renewals are processed faster than their original application.

Here's how to renew:

  1. Log in to your TTP account — Use the same account you used for your first application and log in.

  2. Check your membership status and renewal window — You’ll see an option to ‘Renew Membership’ when you’re eligible.

  3. Complete the renewal application online — Update your personal details, address, employment, and travel history from the past five years.

  4. Pay the renewal fee — It’s the same non-refundable $120 fee as your first application.

  5. Wait for conditional approval — Most renewals are processed in a few weeks, but like always, this can vary.

  6. If needed, schedule an interview — Some renewals are approved without one, but if CBP requests an interview, you can again use Enrollment on Arrival or Departure for ease.

  7. Receive confirmation of your renewed membership — Once approved, your Known Traveler Number (KTN) remains the same, and your benefits continue for another five years.

Top tip: Apply for renewal as soon as you’re eligible, even if your membership is still active, so you don’t lose access to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry during processing.

What is a Global Entry card?

Your Global Entry card is a physical ID issued by CBP after you’ve been approved. While you don’t need it to use the Global Entry kiosks at airports, you do need it for land and sea border crossings, such as road trips to Canada or Mexico.

The card arrives by mail, usually within two weeks of approval, and you’ll then need to activate it online in your TTP account within 30 days of receiving it.

Does Global Entry work in Europe?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program, so it’s focused on speeding up re-entry into the United States, not entry into Europe.

Several countries have reciprocal agreements that may allow Global Entry members to apply for similar programs abroad. For example, the U.K.’s Registered Traveller program offers expedited entry for eligible U.S. citizens.

Get Global Entry today

Travel doesn’t have to be stressful — and with Global Entry, getting through customs certainly doesn’t have to be slow. With faster arrivals, TSA PreCheck for departures, and a five-year membership that can save you hours every trip, it’s one of the best travel investments you can make. Once you’ve experienced the ease of skipping the customs line, you’ll never want to go back.

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