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.

Yes, in 2026, every individual family member, regardless of age, must have their own separate Global Entry membership and unexpired "Known Traveler Number" (KTN) to use the expedited lane. This includes infants and children. Unlike TSA PreCheck, where children 17 and under can often "tag along" with an eligible parent, Global Entry is a "one person, one membership" program. Each family member must complete their own online application, pay the $120 application fee (as of the October 2024 price increase), and attend an in-person interview. For children, a parent or legal guardian must be present during the interview. If you arrive at U.S. Customs with your family and only the parents have Global Entry, the children cannot come with you; the entire family will be forced to use the standard line, or the parents must leave the children to wait while they use the kiosk. In 2026, many "travel" credit cards offer multiple credits for authorized users, so check if your card can cover the fees for your spouse or children to ensure the entire family can breeze through customs together.