I vividly remember standing in line at the Dublin airport waiting to go through customs. As I was standing in the slow-moving line, I kept seeing people walk up to a kiosk, scan their passport, walk down a row, and quickly make their way past the custom’s desk without waiting in any lines. When I got back home, I did some research on Global Entry. I discovered what a great program it is and started my application the next day! Here are a few things to know about Global Entry and how to apply:
What Exactly is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a government program that allows low-risk travelers to skip the long lines at customs when returning to the United States. After you exit the plane, you make your way to a kiosk where you scan your passport, fingerprints, and answer a few questions. The kiosk will print a recipe that you take to a officer working the customs desk. There are no lines and the whole process takes less than 10 minutes.
How much does Global Entry cost?
Global Entry costs $100 and is valid for 5 years.
Global Entry includes Pre-TSA check. This will allow you to get through security checks faster. The lines are shorter and an added bonus is that YOU DO NOT NEED TO TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES! With Global Entry you will never has to walk barefoot on the dirty airport floor again.
Global Entry includes a card that allows you to enter the United States through expedited lanes on land. When entering the United Sates from Canada, you are able to use your card in the NEXUS lane and when entering form the south you are able to use the SENTRI lane.
Tip: The TSA Website has a list of credit cards that will reimburse you for the Pre-TSA application fee. Some of these cards will reimburse you for the GLobal Entry fee as well! Check out the list and see which credit card will work best for you. Click here!
How do I apply for Global Entry?
Applying for Global Entry is fairly easy. You will go to the Trusted Traveler Program page and choose to apply for the Global Entry program You will fill out the application and the pay the $100 non-refundable fee.
Your application will need to be conditionally approved before you are able to go for your interview. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. My application took less than two weeks to be approved. After your application is conditionally approved, you will need to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. You will choose your location, date, and time for your interview.
What is the Global Entry Interview?
I was anxious for my interview because I did not know what to expect, but there is no need to be nervous! You will show up to your interview location 15 minutes early with your passport, second form of ID (drivers license), and a printed copy of your conditional approved application. You might be asked a few questions relating to your travels, employment or background, but nothing too in-depth. When I went for my interview at the Pittsburgh Airport, I wasn’t asked any questions regarding my past. There was only polite small talk about where I plan to travel next. Your interview will last maybe 20 minutes. The majority of that time is the TSA Officer processing your information to activate the program. As soon as you leave the interview, you are able to start using your Global Entry!
Be prepared! Your picture will be taken! The TSA officer will take your picture to be put on your Global Entry Card. I did not know this when I went for my interview. Needless to say, I am looking very rough in my ID picture.
Tip: If you want to move up your interview date, (1) Call the Global Entry Enrollment Center and see if they take walk-ins. People will cancel their interview or just not show up, opening up an interview spot. When I went for my interview, the TSA Officer told me it was a slow day because of all the cancellations. (2) If your enrollment center does not take walk-ins, you can see if an earlier appointment becomes available by clicking the “reschedule” option for your appointment on the Trusted Traveler Programs website. (3) Schedule your interview at an airport when you return from an international flight by Enrollment on Arrival.
How do I use Global Entry?
You will receive a Known Travelers Number that you will use when booking flights. You will simply type in your number to activate the Pre-TSA Check for your flight tickets.
Oh no! I forgot to add my Known Travelers Number when booking my flight! Don’t worry. You can add the number to your booking at anytime. I was sitting in the airport about to board my flight, when I realized I forgot to add my number to my next flight that departed in 3 hours. I logged on, added my number to my booking, and it was immediately on the online ticket on my phone.
Tip: If you are traveling with a friend, be the one to book the flights. While it is not guaranteed, there is a good chance your travel companion will receive Pre-TSA Check on their ticket too. However, they will never get to use Global Entry. So far (knock on wood), each time I have booked flights, my friend has gotten the Pre-TSA check on their ticket too!
Global Entry was one of the best purchases I have made to make traveling easier. It is such a relief to go to the airport knowing that I will not be waiting in the never-ending lines for security. Click here to begin your application, you won’t regret it!
Follow me on Instagram & Subscribe!
https://www.instagram.com/__r.a.e_/