Skip the Line: Why Global Entry is Worth It

If you travel internationally more than once a year and don't have Global Entry, you're missing out on one of the best $100 investments in your travel life. After watching countless clients deal with long customs lines when all they want is to get home, I'm here to tell you there's a better way.

Let's talk Global Entry.

What Exactly IS Global Entry?

Global Entry is a trusted traveler program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that gets you through U.S. customs and immigration faster when returning from international travel.

Instead of standing in the regular customs line, you walk up to a Global Entry kiosk, scan your passport or use facial recognition, answer a few questions on the touchscreen, grab your receipt, and you're done. The whole process typically takes less than a minute.

One important note: you still need to verbally declare certain items if you're carrying them — food, plants, agricultural products, alcohol, tobacco, or currency exceeding $10,000. CBP is strict about this, and failing to declare can result in losing your trusted traveler status permanently. You're just not filling out a paper form.

The Real Value (It's Not Just About Time)

The time savings alone are significant. I've walked past customs lines with 200+ people and been through in under a minute.

But here's where Global Entry really shines: it comes with TSA PreCheck included.

Your $100 Global Entry membership gives you TSA PreCheck for domestic travel for the next five years. That means expedited security screening at U.S. airports — shoes stay on, laptop stays in your bag, liquids stay put. Walk through a metal detector instead of the full-body scanner, all in a dedicated lane that's typically much shorter.

TSA PreCheck alone costs $78 for five years, so you're paying an extra $22 to add the international benefits. That's the deal.

Let's Talk Numbers

Global Entry costs $100 and is valid for five years. That breaks down to $20 per year, or about what you'd pay for a mediocre airport sandwich.

If you travel internationally just twice a year, you're using it at least ten times over the membership period. At $10 per use, you're saving yourself potentially hours of standing in line over those five years. What's your time worth? Because mine is definitely worth more than $10 an hour.

And here's the thing — many credit cards actually reimburse the application fee. Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, Capital One Venture X, and several other premium travel cards offer statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. So there's a decent chance this could cost you exactly zero dollars.

Who Should Get Global Entry?

Honestly? Pretty much anyone who travels internationally with any regularity.

You're an obvious candidate if you:

• Take at least one international trip per year

• Travel frequently for work

• Live near a land border with Canada or Mexico

• Have any premium travel credit card that reimburses the fee

• Simply value your time and sanity

But here's who really benefits:

• Families with kids (yes, children can get Global Entry too, and it's a game-changer when traveling with little ones who are tired and cranky)

• Frequent cruisers (coming back through Miami or Fort Lauderdale after a Caribbean cruise? You'll thank me)

• Anyone who takes redeye flights and lands early morning (nothing worse than starting your day in a customs line)

The only people I'd say can skip it are those who truly never travel internationally and don't care about TSA PreCheck benefits domestically. And even then, I'd probably still suggest it for the TSA PreCheck aspect alone.

How to Get Global Entry: The Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create a Trusted Traveler Programs Account

Head to the Trusted Traveler Programs website (ttp.cbp.dhs.gov) and create an account. You'll need basic information — name, address, date of birth, that kind of thing.

Step 2: Complete the Application

The online application asks about your employment history, addresses where you've lived, countries you've visited, and any criminal history. Be thorough and honest. They're going to run a background check anyway, so this is not the time to get creative.

You'll also need to provide your passport information. Have it handy.

The application takes about 20-30 minutes if you have all your information ready. Don't rush it — accuracy matters here.

Step 3: Pay the Fee

Once you submit, you'll pay the $100 non-refundable fee. (Remember: check if your credit card reimburses this first!)

Step 4: Wait for Conditional Approval

CBP will review your application and run a background check. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on their workload and how complex your travel history is. Most people hear back within 2-4 weeks.

You'll get an email when you're conditionally approved. This means you've passed the background check, but you still need to complete an in-person interview.

Step 5: Schedule Your Interview

Log back into your account and schedule an interview at an enrollment center. These are located at major airports and some land border crossings.

Appointment availability varies by location. Major hubs might be booked out for months, while smaller locations often have openings within weeks. Check multiple nearby enrollment centers if you're flexible — you might find something sooner.

Pro tip: Check for cancellations regularly. Appointments open up all the time, and I've seen clients snag next-day slots this way.

Alternative option: Some enrollment centers allow walk-in interviews upon arrival from an international flight. If you're conditionally approved and have a trip coming up, you can try completing your interview right when you land. Check which airports offer "Enrollment on Arrival" before your trip.

Step 6: Attend Your Interview

Show up on time with your passport and one other form of ID (driver's license works). The interview is quick — typically 10 minutes or less. They'll verify your information, ask a few questions about why you want Global Entry, take your fingerprints and photo.

Most people are approved on the spot.

Step 7: Start Using It

Once approved, you can use Global Entry immediately at kiosks when you return from international travel. Your Known Traveler Number (which gives you TSA PreCheck) will be in your account — add it to your airline profiles and it'll automatically appear on your boarding passes.

The Timeline Reality Check

From application to approval, the whole process typically takes 2-4 months, though it can be shorter or longer depending on appointment availability in your area. If you have a trip coming up, don't wait. Apply now, and hopefully you'll be approved before your next international journey.

And if you're not approved in time for your upcoming trip? You're no worse off than you are now. But if you are approved, you'll be incredibly glad you started the process early.

Common Questions I Get

"What if I'm denied?" Denials are relatively rare if you've been honest on your application and don't have disqualifying factors (serious criminal history, customs violations, etc.). If denied, you'll receive a letter explaining why.

"Can my kids get it?" Yes! There's no minimum age. Even infants can be enrolled, though they need their own application and interview. The fee is the same ($100 per person), but it can be worth it for families who travel internationally together.

"What if my membership expires while I'm traveling abroad?" You can still use the kiosks to return to the U.S. as long as your membership was valid when you left the country. But renew it before it expires — the renewal process is simpler than starting from scratch.

"Do I need to bring documents to prove I live at my address or work where I said I work?" Nope. Just passport and ID. They've already verified everything through the background check.

The Bottom Line

Global Entry is one of those things that becomes essential once you have it. For $100 (or free with the right credit card) and a quick interview, you get five years of expedited customs and security screening. If you travel internationally with any regularity, it's worth doing. The time savings add up, and the convenience factor is significant.

Go apply. Your future self will appreciate it.