Although the Global Entry program was introduced last July, I had not really spent much time looking into it. However, after a 15 hour flight home from Hong Kong last week the last thing that excited me was waiting in the customs line for 30 minute. While in line, I took a Global Entry flyer and promised to apply this week! I knew it wasn’t too expensive, but was shocked to see that it was only a $100 application fee that would grant me access for 5 years! That quickly made my decision!
Global Entry is a program that pre-approves you for expedited clearance when going through US customs using an automated kiosk. At JFK there were about 3 or 4 kiosks available with no line. It literally took someone no more than 1 minute to go through customs. I was pretty jealous to say the least.
To apply for Global Entry involves some time commitment, and involves the following steps:
- Apply Online – Fill out an application and pay the $100 non-refundable application fee
- Schedule an Interview – Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a message in your GOES account instructing you to schedule an interview. You then must interview IN PERSON at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers. Unfortunately, there are only 21 of these centers and are all at major airports. If there is not one located in your local airport, look into scheduling a long layover at an airport that has one of these centers!
- Interview Determines Your Eligibility – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will ask you questions, take your photo, and collect biometric information, e.g., scan your fingerprints
- Provide Identification – Bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card.
You can read more about the Global Entry requirements and go through the application process here. Also, since the application process seems to take some time, do not wait until the 11th hour prior to an international flight.
Also, if you have the American Express Platinum card, AMEX will reimburse the $100 application fee!
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And for a $50 discount, you can apply to be part of NEXUS. The use of Global Entry kiosks comes along with that membership. The only caveat is that you must complete your interview at a border location/airport. But we’re all frequent flyers, I’m sure we can find a reason!
@infamousdx – You read my mind, already in the midst of another post with all the other expedited services.
I wonder what kind of exploits or ways terrorists or other people that is thinking of commiting illegal activities will get away by using this system. Seems like a bad move to me.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the NEXUS option. Living in Seattle, Boeing Field was an extremely convenient place to interview. Saved $50 and a longer trip to SEA.
You can get one Global Entry ($100) reimbursed from Amex Platinum. If you apply for NEXUS, you can get two applications (2 x $50) reimbursed from Amex Platinum.
Besides US citizens it is also a possibility for people from the Netherlands via the FLUX network to get Global Entry. Also US citizens can get access to the Dutch IRIS border passing program called Privium via them. Perhaps this is interesting to readers of your blog as well. see https://www.flux-alliance.eu/ for more details
Hello
Could a German resident use the Global entry?
Thanks for answers
No only US and Dutch citizens at this time.
Amex Plat holders can get 3 additional cards for just $175. Do these 3 additional holders get the $100 fee reimbursed by Amex too? (if paid by the card of course).
@gpapadop – Yes, additional card holders get the fee reimbursed. Technically it just automatically reimburses you once it hits your statement but chances are you will need to call them and have them take it off.
[…] Global entry fee reimbursement. You will receive a statement credit for $100 after applying and paying the $100 application fee for the Global Entry program. This membership is valid for 5 years and allows you to quickly get through US customs. You can learn more about Global Entry program here. […]
Is Global access indefinite or does it need to be renewed every few years?
@TexasYankee – It lasts 5 years.