If you travel a lot we bet there are times that you hate waiting in lines to board your next flight. Of if you are traveling internationally you need to pass customs before you can either get on your flight or leave the airport. If you do and you are not familiar with Global Entry this guide is for you.
Global Entry is a program that was developed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service. This service allows low-risk travelers to be pre-approved so they can be expedited and cleared when traveling back to the United States from another country.
How does Global Entry work?
In order to get approved or denied for global entry, you would need to first go through the process of filling out and providing the proper information for your chance for Global Entry. With that said the program is in place to speed up people who have been approved by allowing them to proceed to Global Entry kiosks for verification. The following types of data will be used for verification:
- Fingerprints on a scanner
- Machine-readable passport
- U.S. permanent resident card
You would also have to complete a customs declaration. Once complete the kiosk will then provide you with a transaction receipt and you would be directed to baggage claim and then exit.
There are major benefits of this program, especially for those who come in out of the country more than a few times a year. Time is really valuable to people and standing in long lines is not fun. Because of this, you can expect no processing lines, no paperwork, an expedited entry in other countries, and reduced wait times. And for those asking if Global Entry is available at major United States airports.
Who qualifies for Global Entry?
If you area United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident and a citizen of the countries below you would be eligible for Global Entry.
Citizens of:
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Germany
- India
- Mexican nationals
- Panama
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
If you are a citizen or resident of Canada you could also benefit from Global entry via the NEXUS program
There are reasons someone would not be eligible for the GE program. They would be:
- Convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants
- Having incomplete or false info on the application
- violation of customs immigration or agriculture laws from any country
- Being investigated by a local, state, or federal agency.
- Cannot satisfy CBP of your low-risk status
- Inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration regulations
What is the approval timeline once applied for Global Entry?
This is a common question asked. How long goes it take to get Global Entry? The answer to this depends on two steps: However, the short answer to this question would be an average of 100 days in 2019.
Step 1: Approval time it takes the CBP or the United States Customs and Border Protection to review your application.
Step 2: If you are approved and this is your first time getting Global Entry you will need to and are required to complete an in-person interview. If you are going for a renewal of your entry there may not be a need for the interview.
How long does Global Entry Last?
As of this writing Global Entry expires 5 years after your next birthday following the date of your approval. Many people assume it is from the date you applied or got approval from, however it is based on your birthdate.
How to find your expiration date?
If you forgot your expiration date that is okay. You can find this information by accessing your Trusted Traveler Program account by going here.
What countries participate in this program?
As of now, the following international arrangements have been made in helping facilitate travel:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Canada
- Colombia
- Germany
- India
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Panama
- Republic of Korea
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
What is the cost of this program?
Like everything, there is a cost to having convenience. There is a non-refundable application fee of $100.00 that must be paid with your application. You can pay by credit card or through a bank transfer. Keep in mind that even if you get denied for entry the fee is non-refundable.
Payment can be made at Trusted Traveler Program
Is Global Entry worth the price and time to get qualified?
Yes! we think so. the application even though could take some time it also could get processed quicker than you think. With that said the benefits of entry is just great. Expedited pass through customs in the United States, plus getting expedite security TSA pre-checks at many of the United States airports are worth it. If time is valuable to you and you travel a lot this program is definitely worth it in our opinion. Who wants to wait in long lines? Not us!
