The U.S. Global Entry program is a Trusted Traveler pre-screening program that allows you to go to a computer kiosk instead of a Customs officer when you are returning home.

1. By Renee King
Founding Editor
A View To A Thrill

2. Nothing makes the heart sink faster than seeing long lines at airports,
especially when those long lines resemble a cesspool of copper headed
snakes and are just as pleasant. You know the drill….whether it’s waiting
to go through the tiring TSA lines or through passport
control/immigration, we have been conditioned to the art of the wait.
In a rare show of common sense, the government has developed a program
to alleviate this inhuman form of torture. Originally created to target
frequent international travelers, the U.S. Global Entry program has been a
virtual god-send for travelers who want a fast and secure way of skipping
the lines altogether when re-entering the United States.

3. What is it exactly?

When coming back to the USA after visiting a foreign country, you will have
to go through Customs. Usually the lines are long because at any given time
there are many flights re-entering the USA at the same time that your flight
arrives.
This compounds the number of people who have to go through customs and
usually end up creating interminable lines as a result. The Global Entry
program is a Trusted Traveler pre-screening program that allows you to go to
a computer kiosk instead of a Customs officer when you are returning home.
This will significantly expedite your re-entry into the country because there
will be virtually no wait since you can just walk up to the kiosk, scan your
passport, let the camera scan your face and then your fingers to identify you
biometrically

4. A screenshot of your flight details will pop up and you will need to verify
whether or not you have something to declare. If you are cleared through, a piece
of paper will print out that you will need to hand over to the customs officer on
your way out to baggage claim or ground transportation. Time elapse? Less than
three minutes.

5. Is it really that easy? Surely, I can still be
searched at this stage of the game.

That is correct. You know that little piece of paper that I just mentioned?
If it has an X on it, you will have to see a customs official. You do not have
to stand in line, just go straight to the nearest officer and they will
determine why you were flagged.
It could be something very simple like not declaring something that you
have brought back from your travels. That officer will determine if you
need to go through a secondary and more hands on screening.

6. Who’s eligible to sign up for this
program?

Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Dutch
citizens, South Korean citizens and Mexican nationals.
Canadian citizens and residents may enjoy Global Entry benefits through
membership in the NEXUS program.
Applicants must be over 18 or if under the age of 18, must have parental
or legal guardian’s consent.

7. How do I apply?

All applications must be submitted online. During the application process, you will be assessed a $100.00
non-refundable application fee. Caution: be sure to follow all instructions to the letter. Someone inputted
his birthday incorrectly, so his application was denied. He could reapply, but would have to pay the fee
again.
Next, you will have to submit to an in-person interview. After your application has been reviewed, you
will receive a notification in your G.E. account that you need to schedule an interview at one of their
Global Entry Enrollment Centers. All of the centers are located close to or within airports. If they are
located inside the airport, you will never have to worry about going through TSA to get there. The offices
are located outside the security area.
The actual interview consists of pointed questions (i.e. to ascertain any criminal history) and watching a
short video on how to use the kiosk or they will simply demonstrate how while you are there. The
interviewer (A U.S. Customs Officer) will take your picture and scan your fingerprints. Both biometric
measures must match when you go to the computer kiosk when re-entering the country. All applicants
must bring with them a machine readable passport or a U.S. permanent residency card. Typically, you
will be done in less than 15 minutes.

8. Are there any conditions that may
disqualify me?

According to the Global Entry site, here is their list of reasons for ineligibility for
their program:
Applicants may not qualify for participation in the Global Entry program if they:
• Provide false or incomplete information on the application;
• Have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges or
outstanding warrants;
• Have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations
or laws in any country;
• Are subjects of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state or local law
enforcement agency;
• Are inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulation, including
applicants with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation;
• Cannot satisfy the Customs and Border Protection department (CBP) of their low-
risk status (e.g. CBP has intelligence that indicates that the applicant is not low risk;
CBP cannot determine an applicant’s criminal, residence or employment history).

9. When does my membership expire?
Your $100.00 non-refundable fee gives you five years’ access to the
Global Entry program.


10. Are there any additional benefits that I
should know about?

U.S. citizens who are members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry, NEXUS,
and SENTRI Trusted Traveler programs are eligible to participate in the TSA Pre program. Canadian
citizens who are members of the NEXUS program are also eligible for the TSA Pre program. You will
not be assessed any additional fees in order to participate.
This means that if you are traveling on participating airlines, after check in, you can skip the long TSA
lines and head straight for the TSA Pre- approved line with your Global Entry card. At this point, you
can walk through with your shoes, belt and coat on and you will not need to take any electronics out for
x-ray scans. Naturally, the government reserves the right to search you anyway, for whatever reason.
Currently, the participating airlines are Delta, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United and US
Airways but only at specific airports. Be sure to check to see which airports offer this service here.
Upon approval to the Global Entry program, you will receive an invitation to the TSA Pre program.
Each airline will have to separately approve your participation. This program is still in the early stages
and will become more valuable as more airlines sign on board and more airports accommodate the
program.
Another bonus is that your $100 Global Entry fee allows you to use the Mexican government’s SENTRI
program and the US government’s ReadyLane programs for free. Each will give you expedited entry
through the Mexican or Canadian border if you are traveling via car.

11. How long will I have to wait before I
know if I am accepted or not?
Typically, it will take about a week for your application to be approved.
You will then be able to schedule your appointment online.
What if my passport expires during the
five year membership? Can I transfer the
time left to the new passport?
Yes! All you will need to do is go into your online Global Entry account
and update your information.

13. Other tips:
If you travel extensively for a living, your employer may want to invest
the $100.00 if time is a big factor in your job. It will save an incredible
amount of time for a paltry $20.00 per year.
If you are an American Express Platinum cardholder, they will reimburse
members $100.00 in fees annually. The Global Entry program would be a
great way to use that benefit.