What Is Global Entry and Is It Worth It?

If you’ve ever stood in a painfully long customs line after a long-haul flight, you’ve probably thought: There has to be a better way. Enter Global Entry, a trusted traveler program designed to speed up re-entry into the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. It’s fast, efficient, and can save you serious time. But is it worth the cost and hassle to apply? Let’s break it down.

What Is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a U.S. government program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It allows pre-approved travelers to skip the regular customs line and instead use automated kiosks when entering the U.S. from international destinations.

In short:

Faster re-entry to the U.S.

Includes TSA PreCheck (a huge bonus!)

Available at most major international U.S. airports

How Does It Work?

Once you’re approved, you can use a dedicated Global Entry kiosk when you return from an international trip. Simply:

1. Scan your passport or U.S. permanent resident card

2. Verify your fingerprints

3. Complete a brief customs declaration

4. Receive a receipt and proceed directly to baggage claim/exit

That’s it—no paperwork, no long lines, no interviews at the counter.

What Does It Cost?

• Application fee: $100 (non-refundable)

• Valid for: 5 years

• TSA PreCheck included (normally $78 on its own)

Many premium travel credit cards (like Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, etc.) will reimburse this fee, making it a no-brainer for frequent flyers.

Who Can Apply?

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select countries (including Mexico, the UK, Germany, and South Korea) can apply. Note: some countries may require additional vetting steps.

How to Apply

1. Create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account at ttp.dhs.gov

2. Complete the online application and pay the $100 fee

3. Wait for conditional approval (may take weeks to months)

4. Schedule and attend a 10-minute in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center

5. Get your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and start breezing through customs and TSA lines!

A Few Things to Note

• Kids need their own Global Entry membership

• Global Entry doesn’t guarantee you’ll skip every line—random checks still happen

• If you frequently travel domestically only, you may find TSA PreCheck alone is enough

Final Thoughts

Global Entry is one of the best time-saving tools in a traveler’s toolkit. With access to faster customs processing and TSA PreCheck, it’s perfect for anyone who values time, convenience, and less airport stress. If you travel internationally at least once a year, it’s a smart investment—and possibly free if your credit card covers it.