If you enjoy traveling and are searching for a means to make your trip less expensive, the Global Entry program is for you. If you’re wondering how long is global entry good for, the article below is for you.
Global Entry is a popular Trusted Traveler Program that assists regular foreign travelers in navigating US customs and immigration upon returning to the country.
Understand how long your Global Entry membership is valid, as well as the renewal process and what happens if your membership expires.
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How Long is Global Entry Good for, and How Does it Work?
Global Entry is a reputable traveler program that expedites immigration and customs clearance in the United States. It also includes the TSA PreCheck perk, which allows you to enter a dedicated security lane. It’s a true “two birds, one stone” scheme.
Because this program allows you to quickly pass through high levels of security, the approval process is a little more stringent.
It’s also more expensive, costing $100 (though that may soon rise to $120) against $78 for TSA PreCheck. Both programs have a five-year enrollment period.
The Global Entry registration process is simple enough. You must complete a rather lengthy online application.
You will be asked about your present and prior jobs, homes, and other information. This application will be forwarded for a background check.
You must receive conditional approval after submitting your application. Once you have that, you will require an in-person interview to complete your enrollment.
When clearing immigration, simply proceed to the designated Global Entry line and saunter through in a matter of minutes – or less.
Keep in mind that you will not receive TSA PreCheck advantages until your Global Entry membership is complete.
How Does Global Entry Help You?
TSA PreCheck is available to Global Entry-approved travelers. As a result, in addition to coming back into the country (and other select countries) faster, you’ll also benefit from shorter security queues and streamlined screening prior to your flight.
When you are accepted into the program, you will be given a nine-digit Known Traveler Number, or “PASSID” (the Known Traveler Number is for TSA PreCheck and becomes a PASSID when the member has both Global Entry and PreCheck).
After that, you can add your PASSID to your frequent flier profiles and use it to purchase flights.
How to Get Global Entry
The first step is to register for a Trusted Traveler Programs account on the website of US Customs and Border Protection. Fill out the Global Entry application and pay the cost once you’ve logged in.
Once you’ve completed your application, US Customs and Border Protection will evaluate it and conduct a background check, and if it’s conditionally accepted, you’ll be scheduled for an in-person interview at a US Global Entry Enrollment Center.
What Do I Need for the Global Entry Interview?
To begin with, applying for U.S. Global Entry does not guarantee that your interview will take place over the next few days or even weeks.
In reality, it may take several months. You can, however, try your luck as a walk-in if you don’t want to wait.
You must bring a printed copy of your conditional letter of approval, your passport or permanent resident card, and evidence of residency (your driver’s license will suffice), whether you stroll in or make an appointment.
Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) allows applicants “who are conditionally approved to complete their interviews upon arrival into the United States,” according to Customs and Border Control.
“The EoA program eliminates the need for a Global Entry applicant to schedule an interview at an enrollment center in order to complete the application process.” The EoA interview could be completed in 10 minutes or less.
How Long Does it Take to Get Global Entry?
The entire procedure, from application to card, might take as little as three weeks or as long as six months.
You should brace yourself for the latter. Wait periods are determined by the number of Global Entry applicants that Customs and Border Control is currently processing.
Of course, you can try to speed up the process by scheduling a walk-in interview or enrolling in Enrollment on Arrival.
How to Use Global Entry
When you receive your Known Traveler Number after being authorized for Global Entry, you should begin using it when booking flights.
Then, while returning to the United States, follow the indications for Global Entry and wait in the (wonderfully short) kiosk line.
At the kiosk, you will scan your passport or permanent residence card, check your fingerprints, and declare any things you are bringing back into the country.
You will then be given a receipt and will not be required to fill out the iconic blue-and-white paper customs form that flight attendants distribute on overseas flights.
Which Airports Have Global Entry?
Global Entry kiosks are currently available at 58 airports in the United States and 17 airports internationally.
The kiosks are available at major airports such as LAX, JFK, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Miami, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, and Newark Liberty, as well as smaller airports such as Toledo Express Airport in Ohio and Burlington International in Vermont.
They are available in Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska, and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Global Entry kiosks can be found at Abu Dhabi International, throughout the Caribbean and Canada, as well as in the North Pacific and Ireland.
How Long Does Global Entry Last?
Global Entry is valid for five years, beginning on your first birthday after receiving a card and ending on your fifth birthday (the expiration date may be found on your card).
Members can renew their Global Entry status one year before it expires by enrolling into their Trusted Traveler Programs account and completing a renewal application, which costs another $100 fee.
If you submit your renewal application before your membership expires and it is not accepted before the expiration date, you will be able to use your benefits for the next 24 months.
How Much Does it Cost to Renew Global Entry?
Renewal of your Global Entry membership costs $100 USD. You may be eligible to request a reimbursement from your credit card company, so make sure to verify before applying.
Is Global Entry Worth the Cost?
Global Entry is valid for 5 years and costs $100 USD. If you frequently travel around the world, a membership may be worth the money because it allows you to bypass long queues and cumbersome paperwork.
You can also use TSA PreCheck as part of your Global Entry application, which will help you travel swiftly through security every time you fly within the United States or overseas.
TSA PreCheck is a slightly less expensive alternative to Global Entry, costing $78 USD for five years. However, this program is best suited for domestic travel – and once you’ve applied, you can’t upgrade to Global Entry.
Conclusion
Global Entry is a useful tool for international travel, but there are a few things you should know before you apply.
Remember to renew your membership before your current Global Entry card expires, and check with your credit card company to see if you are eligible for a reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Global Entry valid for?
Your Global Entry membership is valid for five years, beginning with your first birthday following receiving the card.
How many times do you pay for Global Entry?
A one-time charge of $100 is required with your Global Entry application and must be paid at the time of submission through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) system.
Can you get Global Entry in a week?
On paper, applying for and receiving Global Entry is quick and easy. It may only take a week or so.
What does Global Entry get you?
It allows for speedier clearance upon arrival in the United States for pre-approved, low-risk tourists.
Does Global Entry give you a card?
After being approved for Global Entry, new participants will receive their Global Entry card in 7-10 business days.
