Understanding Global Entry and What This Guide Covers
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows pre-screened travelers to move through customs and immigration more quickly when returning to the United States. The program costs $100 for a five-year membership. This free informational guide provides educational content about how Global Entry works, what the program includes, and what information you may need to know before considering participation.
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The guide does not determine whether you can join Global Entry, does not process any applications, and is not affiliated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection or any government agency. Instead, it explains the program's basic features, the process for learning more, and related programs that may interest frequent international travelers. The information presented reflects publicly available details about how the program operates.
As of 2024, Global Entry has approximately 11 million active members according to CBP data. The program has grown significantly since its launch in 2008, expanding to include travelers at major U.S. airports and certain land border crossings. Understanding what Global Entry offers can help you determine whether the program aligns with your travel patterns and needs.
This resource covers the program's features, the enrollment process, costs, associated benefits, related programs, and practical considerations for international travelers. Each section provides factual information drawn from CBP's official program documentation and publicly available resources. You can use this guide to learn about the program before researching official channels for more detailed information.
Practical Takeaway: Use this guide to understand Global Entry's basic features and determine whether learning more about the program makes sense for your travel situation. Then, visit the official CBP website or enrollment provider websites for official enrollment information and to complete any formal processes.
How Global Entry Works and What It Provides
Global Entry allows you to use dedicated kiosks at U.S. airports when returning from international trips. Instead of standing in a customs line with other travelers, Global Entry members approach an automated kiosk, scan their passport, answer customs declaration questions on a touchscreen, and have their luggage screened. The entire process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes from arrival to exiting the airport, compared to 30 minutes to over an hour in standard customs lines during peak travel times.
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The program works through biometric technology. During enrollment, CBP collects your fingerprints and photograph. When you arrive at a participating airport, you place your fingers on a scanner, and the kiosk verifies your identity by matching your fingerprints to your enrollment records. The system then displays customs declaration questions on the screen. You answer these questions about what items you're bringing into the country, any prohibited goods, and the purpose of your travel. Based on your responses, the kiosk either clears you to proceed or directs you to speak with a CBP officer.
Global Entry is currently available at 69 U.S. airports, including major hubs like Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York (JFK, Newark, LaGuardia), Chicago, Dallas, and Denver. The program also operates at certain land border crossings with Mexico and Canada. CBP continues to expand the program to additional locations, though availability varies by airport.
The program includes several related benefits. Global Entry members receive expedited processing at all U.S. airports, not just the 69 with dedicated kiosks. Members also receive automatic inclusion in TSA PreCheck, which provides expedited security screening at more than 200 U.S. airports. This means you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on during security screening and leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag.
The membership is personal and non-transferable. Only the person whose name appears on the Global Entry membership can use the benefit. Family members would need their own memberships. Children under 16 do not require their own membership if traveling with a parent or guardian who holds a valid Global Entry membership.
Practical Takeaway: Global Entry combines automated customs processing with TSA PreCheck benefits. If you frequently travel internationally and return to the U.S., understanding how the kiosks work and which airports support the program helps you decide whether the membership aligns with your travel routine.
The Cost and Duration of Global Entry Membership
Global Entry membership costs $100 for a five-year period. This breaks down to $20 per year or approximately $1.67 per month. The $100 fee is a one-time payment for the five-year membership period. After five years, the membership expires, and you would need to pay $100 again if you wish to renew.
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The membership becomes active after you complete the enrollment process. The timeline varies depending on which enrollment provider you use. Some providers offer in-person appointments at Global Entry enrollment centers or certain airports, while others offer remote interviews via video. In-person appointments typically take 10 to 15 minutes. Remote interviews through video conferencing may be scheduled weeks in advance depending on availability in your area. From the time your enrollment is approved, your membership activates, and you can use Global Entry kiosks immediately.
Several private companies operate as official Global Entry enrollment providers. These companies manage the enrollment appointments and collect the $100 fee on behalf of CBP. Examples include IdentoGO, which operates enrollment centers in many cities, and various airport-based enrollment services. The $100 fee is the same regardless of which provider you work with, as the fee goes to the U.S. government. No provider charges additional fees beyond the standard $100 enrollment cost.
Some credit card companies offer to reimburse the Global Entry fee as a cardholder benefit. For example, certain premium travel credit cards reimburse up to $100 every four or five years when you use the card to pay the enrollment fee. If you hold one of these cards, you could offset the cost through this benefit. However, the program itself always costs $100; any reimbursement would come from your credit card issuer's rewards program, not from CBP.
The CBP occasionally offers fee reductions or waived enrollment fees for certain groups, though such promotions are rare and typically announced through official CBP channels. The standard cost remains $100 for most individuals. Military members, veterans, and certain other groups may have different pricing, which you can verify through official CBP communications.
Practical Takeaway: At $100 for five years, Global Entry costs less than $2 per month. Calculate how many international trips you take annually. If you return to the U.S. through airports with Global Entry kiosks at least twice a year, the time saved on customs processing could justify the membership cost for many travelers.
What Information You Need to Know Before Enrollment
To enroll in Global Entry, you need to provide personal identification and background information to CBP. The program requires a valid passport, state-issued driver's license or identification card, and a Social Security number. If you don't have a valid passport, you cannot enroll in Global Entry because the program is specifically designed for international travelers who possess passport documentation.
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During enrollment, CBP conducts a background check. The program has certain exclusions based on criminal history, immigration violations, or national security concerns. The specific criteria CBP uses for these determinations are not published in detail, but publicly available information indicates that felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, immigration violations, and involvement in terrorist activities are grounds for ineligibility. CBP reviews each case individually. If you have concerns about your background, you can contact CBP directly to understand whether your situation might affect program participation.
The enrollment process involves an in-person interview where a CBP officer collects your biometric data. During this appointment, you will be fingerprinted using digital scanners and will have your photograph taken. The appointment also includes questions about your travel history, employment, and background. You should be prepared to provide accurate information about any previous travels, any addresses where you've lived, and employment history for the past five years. This information helps CBP conduct the background check.
You will need to provide proof of citizenship or nationality. For U.S. citizens, a valid passport serves this purpose. Permanent residents can use their Permanent Resident Card (green card). Refugees and asylees can use their travel documents. If your citizenship or immigration status is uncertain, CBP's official channels can clarify what documentation you need.
After enrollment is approved, you receive a Global Entry card in the mail. This card displays your Global Entry membership number and expiration date. When using Global Entry kiosks, you present this card along with your passport. The card is not