Streamline Your International Travel Experience with Global Entry: The Benefits You Need to Know

International travel can be exciting and adventurous, but it can also be stressful and time-consuming. Between long lines at customs and immigration, security screenings, and connecting flights, international travel can take a toll on even the most seasoned traveler. Fortunately, there’s a program that can help streamline the travel process and make international travel more enjoyable: Global Entry.

Global Entry is a program offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. The program allows travelers to use automated kiosks to complete the customs and immigration process quickly and efficiently, bypassing the long lines and wait times that can occur for non-members. Here are a few ways that Global Entry can streamline your international travel:

1. Faster Clearance at Customs and Immigration

One of the main benefits of Global Entry is that it allows travelers to bypass the long lines at customs and immigration when arriving in the United States. Instead of waiting in line to speak to a customs officer, Global Entry members can use automated kiosks to complete the process quickly and efficiently.

When you arrive in the United States, you'll go to a Global Entry kiosk and scan your passport and fingerprints. You’ll then answer a few questions about your travel and declare any items you’re bringing into the country. After that, the kiosk will print a receipt, which you can give to a customs officer as you leave the airport. With Global Entry, the entire process can take just a few minutes, compared to the long waits that can occur for non-members.

NOTE: Not every airport has a Global Entry kiosk. For a list of which airports have Global Entry, go here.

2. TSA Precheck Eligibility

Another significant benefit of Global Entry is that it comes with TSA Precheck eligibility. TSA Precheck is a program that provides expedited security screening for travelers, allowing them to keep their shoes, belts, and jackets on and leave electronics and liquids in their carry-on bags.

Global Entry members are automatically enrolled in TSA Precheck, which means they can use the dedicated TSA Precheck lanes at participating airports throughout the United States. This can save considerable time and reduce the stress of the security screening process, especially during busy travel periods.

3. More Convenient Travel

Global Entry can make international travel more convenient in several ways. In addition to faster clearance at customs and immigration and TSA Precheck eligibility, Global Entry also allows for more flexibility when it comes to connecting flights.
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If you have a connecting flight within the United States after your international flight, you don’t need to collect your checked bags and go through customs and immigration again. Instead, you can use the Global Entry kiosks to complete the process and then proceed to your connecting flight. This can save you time and hassle, especially if you have a tight connection.

4. Enhanced Security Measure

Global Entry involves a more thorough background check and screening process than other programs, such as TSA Precheck. To be eligible for Global Entry, you must undergo a rigorous application process that includes providing biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph), a detailed background check, and an in-person interview with a CBP officer.
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This level of scrutiny provides an extra layer of security for travelers and can help give peace of mind when traveling internationally. Additionally, Global Entry members are subject to random checks and must report any changes to their personal information or travel history, which helps keep the program secure.

5. Cost-Effective

Global Entry is a cost-effective investment for frequent international travelers. The application fee for Global Entry is $100 (only $22 more than TSA Precheck), which covers a five-year membership. This means that if you travel internationally a few times a year, Global Entry can pay for itself in a short amount of time by saving you time and hassle at the airport.
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It’s also worth noting that many credit cards offer statement credits or reimbursements for Global Entry application fees as a benefit. If you have a credit card with this benefit, you can effectively get Global Entry for free, making it an even more attractive option for frequent travelers.

6. Access to Other Expedited Clearance Programs

In addition to TSA Precheck, Global Entry members may also be eligible for other expedited clearance programs, such as SENTRI (for land border crossings from Mexico) and NEXUS (for land and air travel between the United States and Canada). These programs provide similar benefits to Global Entry, such as faster clearance at border crossings and expedited security screening.

To be eligible for these programs, you must meet specific requirements and undergo additional screenings and background checks. However, if you frequently travel to Canada or Mexico, these programs can provide significant benefits and save you time and hassle at the border.

In today’s fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity. With Global Entry, you can save valuable time and reduce the stress of international travel. Faster clearance at customs and immigration, TSA Precheck eligibility, more convenient travel, enhanced security measures, and cost-effectiveness are just a few of the many benefits that Global Entry offers. Whether you travel internationally for business or pleasure, Global Entry can help streamline your travel experience and make it more enjoyable.
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And if you already have Global Entry, I’d love to hear how it streamlined your travel. Please share in the comments below.