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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
How to apply for Global Entry: Tips for first-timers
A classically trained journalist, Caroline Tanner covers news and travel for TPG. She is a dual-journalism graduate of Mizzou and Northwestern.
December 27, 2024 • 7 min read
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Quick summary
Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program offering expedited U.S. customs clearance for preapproved, low-risk travelers at over 75 airports.
The application process involves a detailed online form, background check and an in-person interview, which can be completed upon arrival at select airports.
Processing times for approval can vary widely, so applying at least six months before international travel is recommended.
Membership in Global Entry also includes access to expedited security screening through another program for domestic flights.
What to consider
Application approval may take anywhere from two weeks to over a year, depending on processing times and interview availability.
Applicants must provide comprehensive travel, address and employment history since August 2017, as well as undergo a background check.
Several travel-focused credit cards offer statement credits that can offset the application fee, but terms and eligibility vary by card.
What you'll miss from the article
Step-by-step guidance on the application process, tips for compiling required information and advice on maximizing enrollment options.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
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
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
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
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
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.
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
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
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.
Global Entry enrollment on arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
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
Global Entry enrollment on arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
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)
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
