How to apply for Global Entry: Tips for first-timers

Of all the Trusted Traveler Programs, Global Entry is perhaps the least well known.

If you are unfamiliar with Global Entry, it gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad through automated kiosks at more than 75 airports.

How Global Entry works

Global Entry is most useful for frequent international travelers since it gives expedited clearance to those entering the U.S. from abroad.

Rather than waiting in the regular customs line with everyone else coming into the U.S., Global Entry members can enter through automated kiosks at 77 airports.

Airports use paperless kiosks with facial recognition technology to identify travelers and verify their membership after scanning a machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card. Once your photo is taken, you'll receive on-screen instructions directing you to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer who will confirm you've completed the process.

Apply for Global Entry 6 months in advance

As of December, CBP says 80% of Global Entry applications are approved within two weeks. Still, it notes that applications can take 12 months or longer to process.

We recommend applying at least six months ahead of international travel to avoid any issues with your application being processed before your departure date.

Once your application is approved, you'll want to factor in additional time to schedule an interview, which is required as part of the application process.

The application process has multiple steps

The online application is very straightforward, but it should take at least 30 minutes to complete as you must submit substantial information. You can start, save and resume your application if you need to come back to it.

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To begin, head to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website and click on the "Get Started" button for the Global Entry application. Then, log in to your Trusted Traveler Program account. If you are applying for a Trusted Traveler Program for the first time, you'll have to set up a new account.

After a few processing steps, start the nine-step application process by entering basic identifying information, including your full name (as it appears on your passport and driver's license), height and eye color.

From there, you'll need to verify that you are a U.S. citizen via your passport and driver's license information. If you are planning on using Global Entry to drive into the U.S. via a land border, you would also register your vehicle at this point.

The application doesn't take much time until steps five and six, which ask you to verify each address and job you've held since August 2017.

Fortunately, I've had to enter this information for other applications, including TSA PreCheck, so I stored it in the Notes app on my phone. If this is your first time entering this information online, I recommend compiling and saving it for future use.

Once you complete these steps, you'll then need to specify the countries you have traveled to since August 2017, excluding the U.S., Canada and Mexico. If you've frequently traveled outside those countries since then, remembering your trips may take a few minutes.

After completing the first eight steps, you must disclose information regarding your criminal background (if applicable) before reviewing your application. Although you may be eager to submit everything at this point, I recommend taking at least a few minutes to verify all of the information since any errors could result in a delay.

After you submit your application, you must pay the application fee.

Enroll on arrival if you can

Once you are approved for Global Entry, the next step is to complete an interview. Conditionally approved applicants can complete the interview via a process called Enrollment on Arrival.

Enrollment on Arrival allows travelers to complete the interview process upon reentering the U.S. from abroad when passing through customs, including those entering via a designated CBP preclearance location.

This service is currently available at more than 45 airports globally. Be sure to verify that your desired airport participates and check if it will be open during your arrival time.

In addition to your U.S. passport (which you would presumably already have if returning to the U.S. from abroad), verify ahead of time if any other proof-of-residency documents are necessary for verification. Examples are mortgage statements and rent stubs, but you can find a full list of support documents on the CBP website.

For travelers departing the U.S. on international flights, there's also the option to enroll upon departure at Dulles International Airport (IAD).

If enrollment on arrival or departure is not an option, you'll have to interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. Timing depends on the availability of interview appointments in your city or state.

Remember that Global Entry includes a TSA PreCheck membership

A Global Entry membership also includes a TSA PreCheck membership. If you are not already a TSA PreCheck member, we recommend applying for Global Entry first to save money on both.

A five-year membership to TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85, depending on the enrollment provider. It costs $78 to apply through Idemia and $85 through Telos. Online renewal costs $70 through either provider. Five years of Global Entry costs $120. Essentially, you reap the benefits of both programs for an extra $42.

If you don't have any international travel plans but have domestic flights in the next six months, TSA PreCheck applications are typically approved within three to five days, per the Transportation Security Administration.

However, know that doing this will require paying the $85 TSA PreCheck fee and the $120 Global Entry fee. Also, you won't be reimbursed for TSA PreCheck after your Global Entry membership is approved (unless you have certain credit cards).

Certain credit cards give Global Entry for free

Several cobranded airline, hotel and other credit cards offer up to $120 in statement credit reimbursement for the application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is typically available every four to five years, but you should check the terms for your specific card for the exact frequency.

Some of the cards conveying free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry memberships are:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees)
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees)

See the TSA's website for a full list of credit cards that offer a discount for TSA PreCheck.

Bottom line

In my experience, the Global Entry application and Enrollment on Arrival processes were both extremely straightforward.

Once you complete the application process, you should receive a physical Global Entry card within 10 business days by mail.

If you are a frequent international traveler, Global Entry is a no-brainer.

Related reading:

• 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
• 14 things to know about Global Entry
• This service can help you find Global Entry appointments
• Global Entry is now free for kids — here's how to register
• Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is more beneficial?