Is it worth getting Global Entry?

Global Entry can save you time at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Members skip processing lines and access automated kiosks instead. This can mean you spend less time waiting in line to be screened by a CBP officer, getting you on your way faster.



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Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and its benefits but also gives you expedited U.S. customs screening when traveling internationally. Upon returning to the U.S., you can use an airport kiosk that should be far faster than traditional customs inspection lines.

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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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According to a New York Times article, 3 to 5 percent of the 30,000 Global Entry traveler applications submitted each month are rejected. Most common reason? Criminal background checks come up with some sort of red flag that causes the application to be rejected prior to any interview.

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Apply for Global Entry
Global Entry is everything that TSA PreCheck is and more. If you have Global Entry, you'll automatically also get TSA PreCheck and all of its benefits. On top of that, you'll get to avoid the general customs line when returning to the U.S. from abroad.

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Clear and Global Entry are very different programs because Clear saves you time going through security screenings, while Global Entry saves you time at customs and immigration upon arrival in the U.S. after traveling internationally.

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Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration.

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No. To receive TSA PreCheck®, you must include your Known Traveler Number (your CBP PASSID for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI members) in the appropriate field of your airline reservation, and the TSA PreCheck® indicator must be displayed on the boarding pass to access the lanes.

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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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Here are some of the questions you may be asked:
  • Why do you want Global Entry?
  • Who is your employer?
  • What is your job?
  • Have you ever had your fingerprints taken as part of an arrest or incident?
  • Have you ever had issues with customs or border patrol?


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Of course, you'll also need to be arriving from a flight abroad, but at least you can complete the interview without an appointment. It is possible to handle the Global Entry walk-in interview on arrival if you plan.

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If you're approved, at the end of the interview, you'll immediately be enrolled into the program and be given your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Your Global Entry membership card will arrive in the mail anywhere between seven to 10 business days after approval and you have 30 days to activate your card.

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