Planning International Travel? If you don’t have it already, apply for the Trusted Traveler Program “Global Entry“. Basically, Global Entry is TSA PreCheck on steroids and specifically for international travel. In fact, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which runs $80 for 5 years. So why not when Global Entry is $100 for 5 years.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN
Basically, it’s a go-to-the-head-of-the-line pass for quick re-entry to the US after international travel. When I re-entered the US via Newark, I moved ahead of a couple of hundred people using Global Entry.
BENEFITS
- No processing lines
- No paperwork
- Access to expedited entry benefits in other countries
- Available at major U.S. airports
- Reduced wait times
- TSA Pre✓® Eligibility
The application process is done almost completely online. After you are “Conditionally Approved” online, you log back in to your account and schedule a 15 minute in-person interview. Interviews are usually in an office at an airport that services international flights. They ask you a few questions, take your picture for facial recognition, and fingerprints.
IMPORTANT: Interviews are HARD TO GET, but doable, at this time. Plan WAY ahead and make your appointment online after finding a location, date, and time that works for you. If you can’t get an appointment, you can do it at the airport as you return from your first international flight after being “Conditionally Approved”.
HELPFUL LINKS
Global Entry Overview: https://www.cbp.gov/…/trusted-traveler…/global-entry
Benefits: https://www.cbp.gov/…/trusted…/global-entry/benefits
How to Apply: https://www.cbp.gov/…/trusted…/global-entry/how-apply
