Can my wife come with me if I have Global Entry?

My travel companions (children, spouse, or co-travelers) are not Global Entry members; can they come through the Global Entry lane with me? No, only Global Entry members can use the Global Entry lanes.



While your wife can physically travel with you on the same flight, she cannot use the Global Entry kiosk or the dedicated lane unless she has her own individual Global Entry membership. Global Entry is a "trusted traveler" status that is tied to a specific person's biometric data and background check; it does not extend to family members or travel companions. This differs slightly from TSA PreCheck, where children 12 and under can sometimes "tag along" with a parent, but for international re-entry via Global Entry, every person—including infants—must have their own membership. If you have it and she doesn't, you will have to separate at the customs hall: you will head to the kiosks for a 30-second processing, and she will have to wait in the standard passport control line, which can often take much longer.

People Also Ask

My travel companions (children, spouse, or co-travelers) are not Global Entry members; can they come through the Global Entry lane with me? No, only Global Entry members can use the Global Entry lanes.

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To go through the faster, easier TSA PreCheck lane together, you and your spouse must both have a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass. This usually means you need two separate memberships.

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Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass.

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TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.

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If you have legally changed your name, you must provide an original or certified name change document (such as marriage certificates and divorce decrees) in addition to the required documentation. Please bring one of the documents in List A to an application center.

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Global Entry Benefits
  • No processing lines.
  • No paperwork.
  • Access to expedited entry.
  • Available at major U.S. airports.
  • Reduced wait times.


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In summary To use Global Entry kiosks, you just need your passport or permanent resident card. However, if you're planning on traveling to Canada or Mexico, consider adding the NEXUS or SENTRI programs to your membership and remember to bring your card with you!

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Changing your name in your passport. If you have changed your name by marriage or divorce, you may apply for a new passport to be issued in your new name, using form DS-82 or DS-5504. If you have changed your name any other way, you must apply using form DS-11, Click here for instructions.

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Applying for Global Entry is more of a hassle than TSA PreCheck. Here's why: Passport: You must already have a valid passport to apply for Global Entry. Getting a passport comes with its own costs and paperwork.

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TSA PreCheck membership has no influence on a successful enrollment in Global Entry. The programs have distinct benefits and eligibility requirements. Nevertheless, if you've gone through the application and interview for PreCheck, the process is similar for Global Entry.

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If you have Global Entry, it also automatically includes TSA PreCheck membership. Both memberships last for five years before needing to reapply. However, when approved individually for TSA PreCheck, it does not include approval for Global Entry.

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Yes, individuals of all ages need Global Entry membership to use its benefits at U.S. Customs screenings. For applicants under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent for the child to participate in Global Entry. The consenting parent or guardian does not need a Global Entry membership of their own.

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Bonus: If you're 75 or older, TSA usually allows you to go through the security pre-check line, which means you don't have to remove your shoes or separate laptops or liquids from your carry-on.

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There's no TSA PreCheck in Europe (womp womp), but at select Europe airports, travelers can head to the front of the security line, free of charge.

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