According to the first U.N. World Tourism Organization, international tourism ended 2023 at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals. By all accounts, 2024 is another banner year for travel worldwide. As international travel ramps up to pre-pandemic levels and beyond, the benefits of Global Entry increase! All of the predictions (and my colleagues in Italy!) tell me that 2025 is already shaping up to be a hectic year!
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. Source: cbp.gov
Why Do I Need Global Entry?
Global Entry is the best money I have spent as a traveler, and I use it for international and domestic travel. The cost is $100 for five years of Global Entry access, and the clearance includes TSA pre-check for all domestic flights. This feature means that even if you are traveling domestically, Global Entry will still allow you to expedite your time in line for security clearance and save you the $79 for TSA Pre-check alone. When you return from international travel, you are whisked through a no-hassle line, avoiding the circuitous ropes filled with tired, grumpy travelers. The only downside is that you will arrive at baggage claim before your luggage!
Assistance navigating the ever-growing security lines is well worth $20 a year, and it allows you to forego taking off your shoes and going through the full-body scanner~ hallelujah! Some credit cards even offer a statement credit to cover the fee.
What is the Process?
If you plan to travel in 2025, I recommend beginning the application process now. Depending on your location and appointment availability, approval can take several months.
You begin by applying online through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. After completing the online application process, you will be contacted via email when your status is determined. Upon conditional approval, you schedule an in-person interview to complete the process. These interviews can take place locally or at nearby airports. I drove to the Huntsville Airport to complete my in-person interview! Some airports offer EoA, Enrollment on Arrival, which allows you to complete the process when you land in the U.S.
After your interview and upon final approval, you receive your Known Traveler Number, which you provide to all of the airlines you fly. Connecting this number to your accounts ensures that the “TSA Pre-Check” label will be printed on your boarding passes. Your known traveler number is also connected to your passport, eliminating the need for additional identification cards when going through customs.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply here for Global Entry. The program, known as the Trusted Traveler Program, has an application fee of $100. Private services and options available through U.S. Border and Customs Protection can help you expedite your process. For $29, the Appointment Scanner will update you on any available appointments at your designated sites.
The Bottom Line:
Global Entry is an excellent program if you plan to travel internationally or domestically. It saves you time and energy at the airport. The moment you spot that “Global Entry Members Enter Here” sign as you are herded toward customs, it feels like an oasis after a 10-hour flight!
Note: The Global Entry application fee will increase to $120 as of October 1st, 2025, so apply now to save that $$$!
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