Learn About Global Entry Program Benefits

What Is Global Entry and How Does It Work

Global Entry is a U.S. government program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows pre-screened travelers to move through customs and immigration checkpoints more quickly when returning to the United States. The program has been operating since 2011 and currently has over 10 million members, according to CBP data. When you participate in Global Entry, you receive a trusted traveler card and can use dedicated lanes at U.S. airports, as well as access certain border crossings with expedited processing.

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The program works by conducting a background check and in-person interview to determine whether you meet CBP's standards for low-risk travel. Once you're part of the program, you can use kiosks at participating airports to scan your passport and take a photo, rather than waiting in traditional customs lines. The process typically takes just a few minutes instead of potentially 30 minutes to an hour during peak travel times.

Global Entry is part of a larger trusted traveler program system. The CBP also operates other programs like TSA PreCheck, which provides expedited security screening at U.S. airports, and programs for frequent travelers crossing land borders. Some Global Entry members also receive automatic benefits from TSA PreCheck, though the programs operate separately.

The program is particularly useful for people who travel internationally multiple times per year. Business travelers, people with family overseas, and those who frequently vacation abroad may see the most value from reduced wait times. However, anyone who travels internationally can consider the program's features.

Practical Takeaway: Global Entry reduces customs and immigration wait times through a background-checked trusted traveler system. Understanding the basic mechanics of how the program operates helps you determine whether it matches your travel patterns and needs.

Membership Costs and How Long It Lasts

Global Entry membership costs $100 for a five-year period. This breaks down to approximately $20 per year or roughly $1.67 per month. The five-year membership period is fixed, and you must renew before your card expires. Renewal costs are currently $85 for another five-year period if you renew before your membership lapses, according to official CBP pricing.

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The membership fee is a one-time cost that covers your entire five-year period. You do not pay additional fees for each trip you take or each time you use the program. Once approved and issued your card, you can use Global Entry for every international return to the United States during that five-year window, assuming you're traveling through a participating airport.

Payment for membership is processed when you submit your application information. Various credit card companies offer benefits that may cover Global Entry membership fees, though this varies by card and issuer. Some premium travel credit cards advertise that they reimburse Global Entry fees as a cardholder benefit. It's worth reviewing your credit card benefits to see if any cards you hold offer this feature.

Some employer programs include Global Entry membership as an employee benefit. Certain companies, particularly those in consulting, finance, and professional services, cover the $100 cost for employees who travel frequently for work. If you work for a large organization, checking with your human resources department may reveal whether this benefit is available to you.

The financial value of Global Entry depends on how often you travel internationally. Someone who takes four international round-trip flights per year might save 1-2 hours of wait time annually. People who travel internationally 8-10 times per year could save significantly more time. The cost-benefit analysis is personal and depends on your specific travel frequency and how you value your time.

Practical Takeaway: Global Entry costs $100 for five years and represents a one-time membership fee, not ongoing charges. Examining your travel frequency and checking whether your employer or credit card offers coverage can help you determine whether the cost aligns with your situation.

Who Can Participate in Global Entry

Global Entry participation is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents of the United States. You must be at least 18 years old to hold your own membership, though parents and guardians can hold cards for children under 18. Family memberships are available, and multiple family members can be listed under one household membership, though each person needs their own card.

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To participate, you must meet CBP's standards for low-risk travel history. This generally means you cannot have certain criminal convictions, outstanding warrants, or a history of immigration violations. The specific factors CBP considers are confidential, but the agency reviews your criminal history, immigration record, and customs history. CBP also considers factors like drug-related offenses, fraud, human smuggling, or violations of customs laws as disqualifying.

The background check process is thorough and includes reviewing records from multiple agencies. CBP checks FBI criminal databases, immigration records, and international databases. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks, though some cases may take longer if additional investigation is needed. You'll receive notification about your membership status via email.

Individuals approved for Global Entry must attend an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. During this appointment, you'll provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph. The interview typically lasts 15-20 minutes and involves questions about your travel history, occupation, and reasons for wanting trusted traveler status. After the interview, CBP makes a final determination about your membership.

Special circumstances may apply to certain groups. Active duty military members, some federal employees, and individuals in specific programs may have different pathways or fee structures. Additionally, holders of certain visas or travel documents may not be permitted to participate, and CBP maintains the authority to deny membership to anyone it deems to present a risk to border security.

Practical Takeaway: Participation requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and you must pass a background check and attend an interview. Understanding these requirements helps you determine whether pursuing membership makes sense for your situation.

Where You Can Use Your Global Entry Card

Global Entry kiosks are currently available at 77 U.S. airports, according to CBP data. Major airports with Global Entry kiosks include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The list includes most major hub airports that serve high volumes of international travelers, though coverage is not universal across all U.S. airports.

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When you return to the United States through an airport with a Global Entry kiosk, you can use it instead of going through the traditional customs and immigration line. The kiosk process involves scanning your passport, answering declaration questions on a touchscreen, and taking a photo. The entire process typically takes 2-5 minutes. After you complete the kiosk process, you proceed directly through a secondary gate rather than waiting in line.

Global Entry membership also includes preclearance benefits at certain international airports. Preclearance locations allow you to clear U.S. customs and immigration before boarding your flight back to the United States. This means you arrive in the U.S. like a domestic traveler and don't need to go through a customs line. Preclearance is available at airports including Toronto Pearson International Airport, Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport, and several others in Canada and the Caribbean.

In addition to air travel, Global Entry members can use certain land border crossings with expedited processing. The program includes access to Trusted Traveler Lane facilities at land borders with Mexico and Canada. These dedicated lanes typically move faster than standard processing lanes. You use your Global Entry card or mobile credential to access these lanes.

Not all international airports in foreign countries have preclearance, and not all U.S. airports have kiosks. Before traveling, you can check CBP's official website to confirm whether your specific departure and arrival airports participate in the program. This prevents surprise and disappointment upon arrival.

Practical Takeaway: Global Entry covers 77 U.S. airports plus select international preclearance locations and land border crossings. Knowing your typical travel routes and confirming whether they include Global Entry services helps you understand where you'll actually use your membership.

Additional Perks and Complementary Programs

Global Entry membership includes automatic enrollment in TSA PreCheck, which provides expedited security screening at U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can go through a dedicated security line where you don't need to remove shoes

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