Have you ever felt a little intimidated going through customs after traveling abroad? I have! Even though I know I’m not bringing back anything illegal (or even suspicious) the intensity can be a little nerve-racking. And let’s not even get started on having to wait in a long line after a long flight. Ugh. So what if there was a way to make the whole experience a little quicker and easier, would you be interested? Read on!
What is it?
Travelers enrolled in the Global Entry program are able to check in at a kiosk rather than going through the long customs lines when traveling internationally. Many major airports have these kiosks, as well as some international airports. Additionally, you will get a Global Entry Card that can be used at land borders and sea ports. To be approved you will go through a full background check and be interviewed face-to-face by a US Customs Agent.
*2021 Updates
As of September 2020, conditionally approved global entry applications are able to complete in-person interviews are most enrollment locations. If you are conditionally approved, many Enrollment on Arrival locations are open for interviews as well. For a list of current locations, click here. At this time, it’s likely to take a few months to get an in-person interview, so if you have the opportunity to use an Enrollment on Arrival interview, take it.
If you submitted an application and haven’t heard anything back, the best thing to do, unfortunately, is be patient and NOT submit a new application. Submitting a new application can slow down your conditional acceptance even further.
NEXUS and U.S.-Canada FAST interviews at U.S. and Canadian enrollment centers are still suspended.
How Do I Get it?
Application
The first step in the application process is to create a Trusted Traveler Program account. Carefully fill in all the information needed and have a credit card ready. It costs $100 to submit your application. After your account is reviewed and approved you will get a Conditional Approval Letter. Hold onto this, you need to bring it to your in-person interview. Next, set up that interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. These tend to be in bigger cities and depending on where you live in your state, it may be an hour drive or more. Interviews must be scheduled within 30 days of receiving the letter, but the actual appointment date may be a few months away. Schedule it as soon as you can to keep the process moving. This is usually the part that takes the longest.
The Interview
Don’t be nervous! The interviewer will ask you some questions, take your fingerprints and a photo. The whole process only takes about 15 minutes. Make sure you bring your passport, ID, and your Conditional Approval Letter.
The questions generally focus on your background and travel habits. The interviewer may ask why you want to be part of the program. For most of us the answer is to save time and ease stress. If that is the case for you, go ahead and say it. Honest answers are what they are looking for!
You will also be asked for your prior addresses for the past 10 years. If you have moved a lot, it is helpful to compile this info ahead of time. Additionally, you will be asked about your travel history. Another good thing to prepare in advance. It can be hard to remember everything on the spot.
At the end of the interview, there is a training video explaining how to use the airport kiosks. Feel free to ask any questions you have at this time!
Finally, if approved, you will receive a Global Entry Card in the mail. This card can be used when entering the country via land or sea. However, it is not needed when using the kiosks. Activate your card via the Trusted Traveler website and you are ready to go!
How Does it Work?
It’s easy! When you get to the kiosk just scan your passport, scan your fingerprints and fill out a customs form. The machine shoots out a receipt and sends you over to baggage claim. If you have items to declare, you will meet with a Customs Agent first.
Is it worth it?
Saving time and easing stress can be priceless. If you travel internationally just a few times a year it is something to seriously consider. Another great benefit of Global Entry, is you are automatically eligible for TSA PreCheck, which can be a game changer when going through security! Read more about TSA PreCheck here.
It is important to note that it can take a few months to complete the entire Global Entry process. If you are interested, don’t wait to get started!
Happy Travels!
I just finished up the interview for mine, and I absolutely can’t wait! It can definitely be confusing, though – thanks for the clarification!! 🙂
Thats’s awesome! You are going to love it
I heard you can also use global entry in the US as TSA pre-check.
Yes it’s true! That makes it even better because you are basically getting Precheck for free.
Awesome info! I use the TSA pre-check, and it’s so convenient. Thank you for sharing.
this is interesting because i work in a bank and one of the cards we can accept is a global entry card. i have never seen one so im glad i know how it works now!
Interesting! I would never think to use it at a bank.