This Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program — Global Entry — lets preapproved, low-risk travelers skip the standard customs line and clear U.S. arrivals through automated kiosks or facial recognition at more than 75 airports nationwide. A five-year membership costs $120 and automatically includes TSA PreCheck, so members get expedited domestic security screening for the same period. It's built for anyone who travels internationally at least once a year and wants to avoid long reentry lines.
Key takeaways
- What it means: Global Entry is a CBP Trusted Traveler Program that speeds up U.S. customs and immigration clearance for approved members.
- Typical cost: $120 for a five-year membership, which bundles in TSA PreCheck at no extra charge.
- Best use case: frequent international travelers who want to skip long customs lines when reentering the U.S.
- When it’s not worth it: travelers who fly domestically only may get enough value from TSA PreCheck alone.
- Rule of thumb: apply at least six months before an international trip, since processing and interview scheduling can take time.
How does Global Entry work?
Global Entry replaces the standard customs process with a faster, largely automated one. Instead of handing a paper declaration to an officer and waiting in a long line, members head straight to a designated kiosk or facial recognition point.
- Scan your passport or permanent resident card at a Global Entry kiosk, or let a camera verify your identity at facial-recognition-enabled airports.
- Answer a short customs declaration on the screen (or skip this step entirely at paperless locations).
- Receive a printed receipt, or at many airports now, simply proceed — no printout needed.
- Hand your receipt to a CBP officer if requested, then head to baggage claim.
At select airports, members can also use the official Global Entry mobile app to confirm arrival with a selfie before reaching the terminal, which sends a mobile receipt straight to an agent.
What does Global Entry cost, and who's eligible?
Global Entry carries a nonrefundable $120 application fee that covers a five-year membership — and that fee also unlocks TSA PreCheck for the same five years.
| Program | Cost | Duration | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Entry | $120 | 5 years | TSA PreCheck |
| TSA PreCheck alone | ~$77–$85 | 5 years | Domestic screening only |
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible. Citizens of several other countries can also apply through international arrangements, and Canadian citizens qualify through the NEXUS program. Children of all ages can join, but each family member needs a separate membership.
How do you apply for Global Entry?
- Applying starts online and typically wraps up with a short interview.
- Create an account and submit an application through the Trusted Traveler Programs website.
- Pay the $120 fee once your application is submitted.
- Wait for conditional approval, then schedule an interview — either at an enrollment center or through Enrollment on Arrival at a participating airport during an international trip.
- Complete a background check, fingerprinting and photo at your interview.
- Receive your Global Entry card by mail within seven days to eight weeks.
Enrollment on Arrival is often the most convenient option since it folds the interview into a trip you’re already taking.
