Why You Need Global Entry for Your Next Trip
Source: Wikipedia
With airport staffing shortages causing panic and delays, you may be dreading your next visit to customs after a flight abroad. The long lines, endless forms, and general headache-inducing process can make for a stressful addition to your vacation.
Arriving back in the U.S. from my trip to Montreal made me never want to go through customs again. My flight path was Montreal-Toronto-Kansas City, and the Toronto layover was already quite brief. After the customs line left me racing across the airport and barely making my flight, I vowed never again.
In searching for how to accelerate my next return from abroad, I found that many of my fellow travelers were singing the praises of the Global Entry program. After looking into it, I was sold, and have been a card-carrying Global Entry member since 2019.
What is Global Entry?
Source: US CBP
Global Entry is a program that allows travelers expedited clearance once they arrive in the U.S. If you’ve ever felt trapped in an endless line while going through customs, this program is for you.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) website spells out the benefits pretty simply;
● No processing lines
● No paperwork
● Access to expedited entry benefits in other countries
● Available at major U.S. airports
● Reduced wait times
Here’s how it works. When you fly into the U.S. after an amazing vacation abroad, you’ll proceed to the airport’s Global Entry kiosk. Present your passport, scan your fingerprint and complete a customs declaration. Once completed, the kiosk issues you a transaction receipt, and you’re free to go to baggage claim or exit the airport. Easy-peasy, right?
How do I apply for Global Entry?
The application fee for Global Entry is $100 and will last for five years.
1. Create an account and apply online.
2. The CBP will review and conditionally approve your application. You will then need to schedule an interview at an Enrollment Center.
3. For your interview, bring your passport booklet and one other form of identification, like your driver’s license.
At your interview, you will be fingerprinted and photographed, and they will ask a few questions to verify your identity. If you’re approved, you’ll get your card that day. Congrats and enjoy the perks and being a trusted traveler!
An added bonus
Source: TSA
When you apply for Global Entry, it includes TSA Precheck! For the next five years, you’ll enjoy expedited security screenings at over 200 U.S. airports. Going through the shorter, faster TSA Precheck security line means no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. For comparison, I recently flew out of my home airport (Kansas City International) during a busy weekend. I had TSA Precheck, but my travel buddy did not. It took me 5 minutes to breeze through security, but her experience was closer to 25. I can’t imagine how much slower it would’ve been if we had flown later in the day. Thank goodness we didn’t have to find out.
How I’ve used Global Entry
Source: City of St. Louis
Since applying and receiving my Global Entry membership, I’ve used my card to expedite customs after flying in from Costa Rica, Belize, and Canada. I’ve also used the TSA Precheck feature to speed through security lines, meaning I can enjoy a bit of extra time before heading to the airport.
While I haven’t been able to take full advantage of the program due to the pandemic, the five year status means I have plenty of time to explore other countries without the hassle at the airports upon my return.
If you’re an enthusiastic traveler who has a lot of international vacations coming up, definitely consider adding Global Entry to your pre-vacation to-do list!
