If you read my article titled: Global Entry Magic, then you know I am a holder of the golden travel ticket for US Citizens who travel internationally, Global Entry. That article explained my reasoning for obtaining a Global Entry ID and how I did it in less than 7 days (Pretty impressive!).
Today we’re going to talk about the process of obtaining Global Entry. As of June 13th, 2024, this is the most recent information. Always check with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) department here for the most up to date information.
This article covers :
What is the Global Entry Program
The Skim on How to Apply (For This Of Us In A Hurry)
The Deep Dive on How To Apply (For Those of Us Who Have The Luxury Of Time Or Need More Details)
Let’s dive in!
🌎 Global Entry: A Trusted Traveler Program
This program is great for anyone who travels internationally to and from the United States at least a few times a year. It’s a great complement membership for frequent flyers who make international trips.
The US Customs and Border Protection Department explains Global Entry as:
a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports.
To qualify for the program all individuals must complete the following:
Rigorous background check, contact your local Global Entry Office For eligibility inquiries.
In-person interview
Pay the fee: $100 (increasing to $120 in October 2024)
Must be a US Citizen, US lawful permanent resident or select foreign national
🎁 Benefits of Global Entry: Aka What You Get!
5 years of membership
No processing lines
No paperwork
Access to expedited entry
Available at major US airports:✈️ Here’s the current list.
Reduced wait times
Includes TSAPre upon approval
Can be used to arrive by Air, Land and Sea from international destinations.
TSA Pre approves you to depart from US Airports
🕗 Processing Time for Applicants:
4-6 months(remember I got lucky and got it all done in 7 days) 😅 sometimes there are small miracles lol.
🔄 What Are The Steps:
Apply
Conditional Pre approval/ Denial
In Person Interview
Approval/Denial
✍️ How To Apply
The Skim (aka the quick answers):
Sign up at Trusted Traveler Program Website.
Submit Application
Pay Fee (Currently $100 going up to $120 in October 2024).
Conditional Approval/ Denial
If Approved In Person Interview
Final Approval or Denial
If denied you can submit to be reconsidered.
The Deep Dive
All Global Entry applicants must create an online account within the Trusted Traveler Program website. This is where you’ll input your information, schedule your appointment, and pay your fees.
When you click the link to sign up, you’ll scroll to Global Entry as your program of choice.
The website has a content and disclosure notice you have to accept.
Once you begin the application process, it asks you to submit personal information such as your name, eye color, gender, email, height, and language preferences. Additional information you must provide includes your address, travel, and employment history for the last 5 years.
There are also questions about whether you’ve violated any customs or immigration laws or have a criminal conviction on your record.
It’s important to note here that the fee is non-refundable. So even if you are denied, the fee is not recoverable.
If you have questions about eligibility or concerns, speak with your local Global Entry office before applying.
📌 Pro Tip:
If you want to skip the fee and have certain credit cards, Global Entry is reimbursed on some cards. Look into you card benefits to see if you have it.
Conditional Approval / Possible Denial
After you apply for your Global Entry and pay your fee online, you’ll have to wait for your application to be processed. This can take anywhere from a few days (in my case) to several months.
After your application is reviewed, you will either be denied or receive conditional approval. Conditional approval opens the next step of the process: The In-Person Interview.
If you are denied and you feel the denial is incorrect you can submit a Reconsideration Request within your Trusted Traveler Account. Denials can occur if inaccurate or incomplete information is provided at this time you should have the ability to provide supporting and supplemental documents.
The In Person Interview with a CBP Officer
You have up to 730 days from the day you are approved to make your in person interview.
These interviews are conducted at Global Entry Enrollment Center(Find yours here) or using the Enrollment on Arrival Program (Learn more here).
Enrollment on Arrival allows pre approved individuals to have their interview conducted once they arrive to the US from certain airports. (The list of these airports is here)
📑 What To Bring To Your Interview
Always be sure to check the list provided to you in your Trusted Traveler Account Portal.
These are the times I was requested to bring when I went to my in person global entry interview.
Valid US Passport
REAL ID card (You need to bring an approved secondary form of ID)
Printed confirmation of your conditional approval letter.
Proof of residency (something like a Utility Bill or Rental Agreement)
I didn’t need this but you should also bring court paperwork about prior arrests or convictions if that applies to you and you were pre approved)
The interview only lasts about 15 minutes. During the interview you’ll provide finger prints and get your photo taken.
If all has gone well you’ll receive your approval and be told your Known Traveler Number (KTN).
📌 Pro Tip:
You will be getting your picture taken if you’re approved at the end of the interview.
Answer all questions seriously and with complete answers. Don’t try to be funny. The joke will NOT land. Be serious when giving your answers.
Keep your Known Traveler Number close, this is the number you enter on your airplane tickets to get into the TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Line at the airport.
Hey there Friend!
You made it all the way to the end! That means you must be pretty serious about obtaining your Global Entry membership! I applaud you for putting the effort forward.
Don’t let the potentially long wait dissuade you. When I applied I was fully prepared to wait months and it ended up only taking days.
Totally not the average experience but some people just get lucky.
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