If you’ve ever landed after a long international flight only to face an hour-long customs line, you’ve probably dreamed of a faster way through. Global Entry is that way — a U.S. program that lets pre-approved travelers re-enter the country in minutes instead of hours.
Instead of waiting in line, you walk to a kiosk, scan your passport, confirm your fingerprints, and head straight to baggage claim. No small talk, no delays, just a smooth return home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to apply for Global Entry, who’s eligible, what it costs, and how it compares to TSA PreCheck. You’ll also learn why frequent flyers (and our team at Faye) consider it one of the smartest moves you can make for easier, more confident travel.
What is Global Entry
Global Entry is part of the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It helps low-risk, pre-approved travelers bypass traditional passport-control lines when entering the United States.
Once enrolled, members can use automated kiosks at major airports to verify their identity and clear customs within minutes. Each five-year membership also includes TSA PreCheck, so you can breeze through security before departure and skip passport lines upon arrival.
Global Entry is available at more than 75 airports across the U.S., making it one of the most valuable time-savers for international travelers.
How to apply for Global Entry
Applying for Global Entry takes some patience, but it’s a straightforward process once you know the steps.
Step 1: Check if you’re eligible
U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select partner countries such as the UK, Germany, and South Korea can apply. You’ll need a valid passport and another form of government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or green card.
Step 2: Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account
Visit the official CBP Trusted Traveler Programs site and create an online account. This is where you’ll complete your application, schedule your interview, and manage renewals in the future.
Step 3: Complete your application and pay the $100 fee
The $100 application fee covers a five-year membership and is non-refundable, even if you’re not approved. Fill out each section carefully, including your employment and travel history, and submit your payment online.
Step 4: Wait for conditional approval and schedule your interview
Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive an email if you are conditionally approved. From there, you can schedule your in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. These appointments fill quickly, especially before busy travel seasons, so it’s worth booking as early as possible.
Pro tip: Use the Enrollment on Arrival option. If you’re flying back to the U.S. from abroad, you can complete your interview at participating airports immediately after landing — no separate appointment needed.
Step 5: Attend your interview
Bring your passport, valid ID, and conditional approval letter. A CBP officer will verify your information, take fingerprints, and ask a few brief questions about your travel habits.
Step 6: Get approved and start using Global Entry
Once approved, you’ll receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and Global Entry card. The KTN gives you access to TSA PreCheck, while the card is used for land and sea entry points.
Renewal note: You can renew online within one year of expiration. If you renew early, your current membership stays active until the new approval begins.
The key benefits of Global Entry
Global Entry is all about saving time and simplifying your trip. Here’s what members love most:
- Skip customs lines: Re-enter the U.S. through automated kiosks in minutes
- Includes TSA PreCheck: Enjoy faster, less stressful security at more than 200 U.S. airports
- Five-year membership: Your one-time fee covers half a decade of smoother travel.
- Nationwide coverage: Available at 75+ airports and expanding
- Less stress: Fewer lines, fewer hassles, and more time to relax
Just like Faye Travel Insurance helps protect your trip when things don’t go as planned, Global Entry helps everything go right once you land.
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck
Both programs make travel easier, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Feature | Global Entry | TSA PreCheck |
|---|---|---|
Coverage | International + domestic | Domestic only |
Includes PreCheck? | Yes | No |
Cost (5 years) | $100 | $78 |
Application process | Online + in-person interview | Online + in-person interview |
Best for | Frequent international travelers | Primarily domestic travelers |
If most of your trips are within the U.S., TSA PreCheck might be enough. But if you take even one international trip a year, Global Entry offers both — faster departures and quicker returns.
Is Global Entry worth it?
For frequent travelers, absolutely. The ability to bypass customs after a long-haul flight can feel priceless, and the time saved often outweighs the $100 fee after just one or two trips.
If you only travel abroad occasionally, it depends on your priorities. TSA PreCheck alone may deliver most of the value for less. Still, the five-year membership, combined coverage, and convenience make Global Entry one of the best travel upgrades available today.
If you’re all about making travel easier from start to finish, check out our tips to make flying more comfortable.
Global Entry and travel protection: smarter travel together
Both Global Entry and travel insurance are designed to make travel smoother. One helps you move faster; the other helps you stay in motion when plans shift.
If a flight delay or cancellation throws off your schedule — whether that’s a missed Global Entry interview or a tight connection — we can help with award-winning coverage for trip delays, interruptions, and cancellations for covered reasons. Our 24/7 Care Team and 100% digital claim filing mean you get real help, right when you need it — any hour of the day or night.
You can learn more about why travel insurance matters for frequent flyers and how we help keep trips on track.
Because even when you plan for the best, it pays to be protected from the rest.
FAQs
How long does Global Entry approval take?
Anywhere from a few weeks to six months, depending on interview availability.
Can non-U.S. citizens apply?
Yes. Citizens of select partner countries can apply through the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs website.
Do kids need their own Global Entry?
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, must have an individual application and interview.
How do I renew my Global Entry membership?
Log in to your TTP account within a year of expiration to renew online.
Is Global Entry the same as TSA PreCheck?
Not quite — Global Entry includes PreCheck but adds expedited re-entry for international travel.
Is there an app for Global Entry?
Yes, U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers a free Global Entry Mobile app for eligible travelers arriving at approved airports. You can download it on iOS or Android and use it to breeze through Global Entry kiosks. Check the CBP site for more details and the full list of participating locations.
Your next step: make every trip smoother
Traveling smarter starts before you even pack your bag. Global Entry saves you time at the airport, while Faye Travel Insurance protects your plans from whatever might come up along the way. Together, they turn long lines, flight delays, and last-minute surprises into smoother journeys and more confident travel.
Because when your trip runs better — and you’re covered for the unexpected — you can focus on what travel’s really about: the experiences waiting on the other side.
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