Global Entry and other Trusted Traveler Programs reach 10 million members

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is marking a milestone when it comes to its programs like Global Entry. The agency said its Trusted Traveler Programs recently topped 10 million members and is expecting a record number of applications this year.

CBP made the announcement Friday, noting that about 8 million of its Trusted Traveler Program members – around 80% -- are part of the Global Entry program.

Global Entry allows expedited entry into the U.S. after traveling abroad. For a $100 enrollment fee that's good for five years, members also become TSA PreCheck members.

Other Trusted Traveler programs include Nexus, Sentri and FAST. Nexus helps expedite entry into the U.S. from Canada, while Sentri speeds entry into the U.S. from both Canada and Mexico. FAST is for truck drivers entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico.

The 10 million member milestone CBP reached in March comes as the department expects 3.5 million new applicants this year. Processing that many applicants is not an easy task: TPG has reported on delays CBP has run into during the COVID-19 pandemic, all following a five-month shutdown of processing in spring 2020.

Related: How to avoid waiting for a Global Entry interview and TSA PreCheck on your next boarding pass

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CBP said in a statement that it "continues to address the backlog of applicants," but did not share specifics on how long Global Entry applicants can expect to wait for an interview.

"We have had a large demand for TTP enrollment, especially over the past several months, and we've identified different solutions to try to address this," said Michael Millich director of the CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs.

CBP continues to conduct in-person interviews for applicants, and is also offering remote options for select renewal applicants as part of a pilot program.

If you are trying to enroll in Global Entry, but are becoming concerned you might not get your interview before your next international trip, there's another option. Global Entry applicants who have been conditionally accepted can enjoy some of the program's benefits and have their interview conducted upon arrival into the U.S. from abroad as part of the Enrollment on Arrival option, which is offered at 65 airports.

Today, 61 U.S. airports offer Global Entry, along with 15 international preclearance locations, where travelers go through customs before their flight back to the U.S. You can find more information here on how to apply for Global Entry.