Global Entry: The Ultimate Time-Saving Travel Hack for Frequent Flyers
Global Entry can make returning to the United States after an international trip much easier—but it is worth understanding exactly what the program does, what it costs and what the application process involves before deciding whether you need it.
Quick take: Global Entry makes the most sense for travelers who expect to travel internationally and also value the TSA PreCheck eligibility included with membership.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection trusted-traveler program for pre-approved, low-risk travelers that provides expedited processing when entering the United States. Global Entry members are also eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.
The program is designed primarily around international arrivals into the United States.
That is an important distinction because Global Entry and TSA PreCheck solve two different travel problems.
Global Entry helps with eligible U.S. entry processing after international travel.
TSA PreCheck focuses on expedited security screening before flights at participating U.S. airports.
The Basics
What Are the Benefits of Global Entry?
The biggest benefit is reducing some of the processing friction when you return to the United States after traveling internationally.
You are still entering the country through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Global Entry simply provides approved low-risk travelers access to expedited processing technology and designated procedures.
The second major benefit is TSA PreCheck eligibility, which can make the program useful on domestic trips as well.
Global Entry Benefits Explained
Expedited U.S. Entry
Approved members can use Global Entry processing at participating locations when entering the United States.
TSA PreCheck Eligibility
Global Entry members are eligible for TSA PreCheck expedited screening benefits when the program requirements are met.
Five-Year Membership
The $120 application fee covers a five-year membership once approved.
Useful Beyond One Trip
The value grows when you take multiple international trips during the membership period.
How Much Does Global Entry Cost?
The current Global Entry application fee is $120 and is nonrefundable, even if the application is denied.
Membership lasts five years once approved.
Certain applicants under age 18 may qualify for a fee waiver when their parent or legal guardian is already enrolled in or applying for an eligible Trusted Traveler Program.
Because fees and program rules can change, verify the current information directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before applying.
Is Global Entry Worth It?
Global Entry is easiest to justify when you expect to travel internationally during the next five years and would otherwise consider paying for TSA PreCheck separately.
If you rarely leave the United States, Global Entry may provide more international-arrival benefits than you actually need.
If you regularly travel abroad—or expect several international trips during the membership period—the combination of expedited U.S. entry and TSA PreCheck eligibility can provide much more value.
The best choice depends on how you actually travel, not on whether Global Entry appears on a list of travel “must-haves.”
Global Entry May Make Sense If…
You Travel Internationally
The core Global Entry benefit applies when returning to the United States from international travel.
You Also Want TSA PreCheck
The ability to receive TSA PreCheck benefits increases the usefulness of Global Entry between international trips.
You Have Multiple Trips Planned
A five-year membership becomes easier to justify when you expect repeated use.
You Value Simpler Arrival Logistics
After a long international flight, reducing unnecessary airport processing can be particularly appealing.
How Do You Apply for Global Entry?
The process takes several steps, so applying well before a planned international trip gives you more flexibility.
Create a TTP Account
Begin through the official Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Programs system.
Complete the Application
Provide the required personal, passport, address, employment and eligibility information.
Pay the Fee
The current standard Global Entry application fee is $120 and is nonrefundable.
Wait for Conditional Approval
CBP reviews the application and conducts its security vetting before an applicant can continue to the interview stage.
Complete the Interview
Conditionally approved applicants complete an interview through an enrollment center or another eligible enrollment option.
Receive the Decision
Approval is not automatic. Membership is granted only after CBP completes the required review.
What Happens at a Global Entry Interview?
The interview is part of CBP’s identity verification and eligibility process after conditional approval.
Follow the instructions in your Trusted Traveler Programs account regarding required documents and interview scheduling.
CBP may collect biometric information such as fingerprints and a photograph as part of enrollment.
The interview is not something to treat as a guaranteed approval appointment. It is part of the overall vetting process.
Use the official TTP dashboard for your application status. Avoid relying on unofficial emails, social posts or third-party sites for enrollment instructions.
Can You Complete the Interview After an International Trip?
Conditionally approved applicants may be able to complete their interview through Enrollment on Arrival at participating locations when returning to the United States.
You must receive conditional approval before using Enrollment on Arrival.
Availability depends on the location and current CBP operations.
This option can be useful when enrollment-center appointments are inconvenient, but check the current participating locations before building a trip around it.
Does Global Entry Include TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry members are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits, which can provide expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports.
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are not the same program.
Global Entry is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and focuses primarily on expedited U.S. entry for approved international travelers.
TSA PreCheck is administered by the Transportation Security Administration and focuses on airport security screening.
That combination is one reason Global Entry can be attractive to travelers who fly both domestically and internationally.
Do You Need the Global Entry Card at the Airport?
You do not need the physical Global Entry card to use Global Entry processing at airports.
The card can have other uses at eligible land-border crossings, so do not assume that “not needed at the airport” means the card has no purpose.
Follow CBP guidance for the specific way you intend to use your membership.
Do Children Need Their Own Global Entry Membership?
Yes. Global Entry benefits are individual and do not automatically extend to children, spouses or other traveling companions.
Children can enroll in Global Entry, and there is no minimum age for participation.
Applicants under 18 require permission from a parent or legal guardian, and eligible minors may qualify for the fee waiver under current CBP rules.
If you are traveling as a family, plan enrollment by traveler—not simply by household.
What Global Entry Does Not Do
Global Entry makes eligible processing faster. It does not eliminate customs, immigration or security requirements.
Membership does not guarantee that every airport experience will be line-free.
It does not automatically extend to travel companions who are not members.
It does not mean you can ignore customs declarations or agricultural restrictions.
And it does not replace the passport or other travel documents required for your trip.
Common Global Entry Mistakes
Waiting Until Just Before a Trip
Application and interview timelines vary, so Global Entry is better treated as longer-term travel preparation than a last-minute task.
Using an Unofficial Application Site
Apply through the official Trusted Traveler Programs system rather than paying an unnecessary third party.
Assuming Approval Is Guaranteed
Payment of the application fee does not guarantee approval, and the fee is nonrefundable.
Assuming Family Members Are Covered
Each traveler needs their own eligible membership to use Global Entry benefits.
Confusing Global Entry With TSA PreCheck
The programs serve different purposes even though Global Entry members are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.
Using Old Fee Information
The current standard Global Entry application fee is $120, not the older $100 fee.
Global Entry Decision Checklist
Make the Rest of Airport Day Easier Too
Global Entry addresses one specific part of travel: expedited processing for approved travelers entering the United States.
For the rest of your airport routine, read Time-Saving Airport Tips for a Stress-Free Travel Day.
Before packing, use The Ultimate Carry-On Checklist.
And for firsthand airport-specific information, explore Airport Guides & Tarmac Talk.
Planning Your Next International Trip?
Global Entry is most useful when there is an international trip on the calendar.
If London is on your list, start with my First-Time London Travel Guide for firsthand planning advice, transportation tips and experiences from my own visit.
You can also explore the growing international travel collection across Lenses & Latitudes for more firsthand destination guides and trip-planning resources.
Global Entry FAQ
How much does Global Entry cost?
The current standard application fee is $120. The fee is nonrefundable, including when an application is denied. Certain applicants under 18 may qualify for a fee waiver under current CBP rules.
How long does Global Entry last?
Global Entry membership lasts five years once approved.
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry members are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits. The two programs have different purposes: Global Entry focuses on eligible international arrivals into the United States, while TSA PreCheck focuses on expedited security screening.
How do I apply for Global Entry?
Create an account through the official Trusted Traveler Programs system, complete the application, pay the fee and wait for CBP’s review. Conditionally approved applicants then complete an interview before final approval.
Can I do my Global Entry interview at the airport?
Conditionally approved applicants may be able to use Enrollment on Arrival at participating locations when returning to the United States from international travel.
Do children need Global Entry?
Each traveler needs their own membership to use Global Entry benefits. Children may apply, and eligible applicants under 18 may qualify for the current fee waiver.
Do I need my Global Entry card when flying?
No. The physical Global Entry card is not required to use Global Entry processing at airports, though the card may be required for certain eligible land-border uses.
Is Global Entry worth it if I only travel domestically?
If you do not expect international travel, compare Global Entry with TSA PreCheck before deciding. Global Entry’s primary additional benefit applies to eligible processing when entering the United States after international travel.
Global Entry Is Most Valuable When It Matches the Way You Travel
Global Entry is not something every traveler automatically needs—but for regular international travelers, it can remove one of the less enjoyable parts of coming home.
The $120 fee covers five years.
The program can provide expedited U.S. arrival processing.
Membership also brings eligibility for TSA PreCheck benefits.
But approval requires an application, vetting and interview, and the benefit is individual rather than transferable to your travel companions.
If those benefits match the trips you actually take, Global Entry can be a very practical addition to your travel routine.
About Angela
Angela Addington is the travel photographer and writer behind Lenses & Latitudes. She shares firsthand destination guidance and practical photography advice for independent and solo travelers, women over 50, road-trippers and weekend explorers. Learn more about Angela.
