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Key Takeaways
- Global Entry offers expedited re-entry into the U.S. for pre-approved travelers, including TSA PreCheck benefits.
- To apply, create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account, complete the application, and schedule an interview after conditional approval.
- Global Entry costs $120 for five years, which is worth it for frequent international travelers.
- Starting in 2026, travelers to the UK will need an electronic travel authorization (ETA) but cannot use Global Entry to enter the UK.
- Many credit cards, like the United Explorer Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve, can reimburse the Global Entry fee.
Everything you need to know before applying for Global Entry, plus details on the new UK travel Visa requirements.
First off, this is the guide I wish I had when applying for Global Entry! I recently completed the process and based this post on my experience, pain points, wins, and learnings. I also recently completed the new UK Visa application (ETA) if you’re traveling to the UK.
Key Topics in this Post
Looking to Travel Internationally in 2026?
After my first trip to Europe last fall, I have been inspired to start booking more international flights and can’t wait to head back! I love the idea of adding more stamps in my passport (it’s actually a square on my 2025 bingo card). The one downside to international travel can be getting through customs. After a long flight, arriving back at my local airport, the idea of waiting in a long line sounds awful. Now with perks like Global Entry, breezing through customs could be a reality.
But is Global Entry really the golden ticket it’s cracked up to be? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Global Entry! I’ll also be sharing my own experience from my recent Global Entry interview.
Grab your comfy travel outfit and sit back to learn about this program.
What is Global Entry?
If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by long airport lines in the international terminal, Global Entry could be your new best friend. Global Entry a U.S. government program designed to fast-track the process of entering the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
Here’s the magic part: once you’re approved for Global Entry, you get access to expedited entry into the U.S., bypassing those long customs lines for five years. Plus, you get TSA PreCheck included, so you can breeze through security faster on domestic flights.
Keep in mind, this program is only for re-entry into the U.S. only. You will still need to wait in the customs lines when traveling through customs in other countries.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: What’s the Difference?
While both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry will help you move through airport security faster, they each serve different purposes—and they’re not interchangeable! Here’s how they differ:
What are the benefits of TSA PreCheck?
- Domestic Focus: TSA PreCheck is primarily designed for domestic flights. It allows you to go through an expedited security process, which means you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and you don’t have to remove your laptop or your quart-sized bag of travel-sized liquids from your carry-on bag. It’s available at most U.S. airports for domestic flights.
- Eligibility: TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents. It’s also available to foreign nationals who are U.S. visa holders and frequent travelers in the U.S.
What Does Global Entry Include?
- International Focus: Global Entry is for international travelers who want to expedite their entry into the U.S. after arriving from abroad. It allows you to skip the customs lines and use Global Entry kiosks when re-entering the country.
- TSA PreCheck is included: When you get Global Entry, you automatically get TSA PreCheck as a bonus. This means you can enjoy expedited security screening on domestic flights as well as faster customs screening when you return from international trips.
- Eligibility: Global Entry is available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as citizens of several other countries (including Canada, Mexico, the UK, and others).
Related Post: Looking to plan an international trip and don’t know where to start? Find out why you need a travel agent to book your trip!
How to Apply for Global Entry
I recently started the application process for Global Entry and overall, it was fairly simple.
Step-by-Step Global Entry Application Process:
- Create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account: Head over to the TTP website to create your account. This is where you’ll fill out the application form and receive application updates on your status throughout the process.
- Complete the application: You’ll need to provide some personal information, like your passport number, employment history, and travel history. Be prepared to provide at least six years of history for employment and previous addresses.
- Pay the fee: The non-refundable application fee is $120, which covers a five-year membership. Honestly, my time is worth the cost if it means saving an hour getting through one customs line (plus it’s only slightly more than TSA PreCheck, which is included).
- Wait for conditional approval: After submitting your application for global entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) team will review your application. If you’re conditionally approved, you’ll get a notice inviting you to schedule your interview.
- Schedule your interview: This is where things get real! You’ll need to book an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center (we’ll talk about that in a minute).
How Much Does Global Entry Cost?
Global Entry costs $120 for a five-year membership. While that may sound expensive, it includes TSA PreCheck for five years, and it’s worth it if you fly abroad. This fee is in addition to any passport fees or visas for your vacation destinations. To me, it’s worth it. You’ll save time by skipping airport lines and avoiding long waits. Plus, many travel credit cards cover the cost of Global Entry as a perk (like the United Card).
Entry Requirements & Tips for UK Travel in 2026
If you’re traveling to the UK in 2026, they’ve recently changed their policy and require you to apply for a Visa to visit. Here are all the details!
Tips for UK Travel in 2026
The UK requires a travel visa (electronic travel authorisation or ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. This is separate from the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which is the pre-authorization travel program for visiting the EU (not in effect until late 2026).
Can I Use Global Entry to Enter the UK?
While you cannot use Global Entry to get into the UK, you can use it on your way home. Even with Global Entry, you will still need to apply for the Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization) and wait in the standard customs line.
How to Apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
You must apply for an ETA prior to your trip to the UK. The processing fee is £20 (roughly $27). The easiest way to apply is to use their app (available for Apple iOS and Android) since you’ll need to take pictures of your passport, scan your face, and take a picture of yourself. There are options to scan your passport if it has a biometric chip (you can check by looking to see if it has this rectangle Pokémon-like symbol on it)
I applied for my ETA using their app, and it was really easy. I did have some issues scanning my passport’s biometric chip using my phone (even with the phone case removed), so I skipped this section. The app noted I might be asked additional screening questions. I used Apple Pay to complete the purchase (you can also use a credit card), and my application was approved very quickly (I received an email a few minutes after with my confirmation details).
If you have questions regarding the ETA, you can apply and find additional details available here.
How Long Does Global Entry Approval Take?
The timeline varies, but on average, here’s what you can expect:
- Application processing: It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks to hear back after submitting your application for Global Entry. The wait time largely depends on the volume of applications they’re processing, so make sure to apply well in advance of any major trips. For me, it was only a few days, but I already had TSA PreCheck.
- Interview scheduling: Once you’re conditionally approved, scheduling your global entry interview could take a few days to a few weeks, depending on your location. Some Enrollment Centers are busier than others, so it may take longer to get an appointment in high-demand areas.
- Interview day: Your interview itself typically lasts only about 15–20 minutes, and the decision is made on the same day. After that, you’ll get your Global Entry card in the mail two weeks later (though the TSA PreCheck benefit is available right away using your known traveler number).
Is Global Entry Worth It?
If you’re a frequent flyer or you travel internationally at least once, Global Entry is worth it. The convenience of bypassing customs lines alone makes it a game-changer. Plus, the bonus TSA PreCheck is a perk that’s hard to beat.
I’m excited for this new perk because I know it will make my travels so much smoother. Between the TSA PreCheck line (goodbye to the chaos of regular security) and the customs line, I’ll be able to zip through the U.S. Customs line quickly!
Related Post: Win planning your international girls trip with these tips!
How Do I Get a Global Entry Appointment?
You will need to apply for Global Entry and wait for the review board to conditionally approve your application in order to schedule an appointment.
Global Entry Interview: What to Expect and Tips for Success
- Be flexible: If you can, consider appointments at less busy times or in smaller airports. Major airports tend to have longer wait times, so if you have the flexibility, book your interview at a less crowded location. I recently had my appointment at the U.S. Customs office in downtown Chicago, IL, and I was able to see available appointments as early as a week, but the wait could vary depending where you’re located.
- Use the waitlist: If there’s no availability at your preferred location, you can join a waitlist for earlier openings.
- Global Entry Enrollment Centers: You can search for enrollment centers and available times on the TTP website.
What Do I Bring to My Global Entry Interview?
As part of your global entry interview, you’ll need to bring a few pieces of documentation. Global entry document requirements you’ll need to bring are your valid passport, a secondary form of identification (such as a driver’s license or state ID card), and proof of address (such as a printed copy of your utility bill). I only needed my passport and driver’s license (probably because my address matches my ID).
If you don’t have these items, you will need to reschedule your appointment.
If you’d like a passport holder you can track with the Find My app, check out this holder from HiWe! It can hold your passport, credit cards, and cash. It can connect it to the Find My app like an AirTag (there are also versions without FindMy enabled chips).
What Should I Wear to My Global Entry Interview?
There isn’t a dress code for the interview itself, so dress for your day. As part of the interview process, the agent will ask you a few questions. It’s not a job interview. You will have a photo taken, so keep this in mind. The interview is really quick, and if approved, you’ll receive Global Entry the same day (the card comes in the mail two weeks later).
Credit Cards That Cover Global Entry Fees
Many travel credit cards will cover your Global Entry application fee as a perk! If you already have one of these cards—or if you’re thinking about applying for one—this is a great opportunity to get that $120 fee reimbursed. The key is you must purchase Global Entry using their specific card. Based on the point multipliers, it’s easier than ever to earn extra points and miles with these strategies.
Popular Travel Cards that Cover the Global Entry Fee
- The United Explorer Card – get up to 80,000 miles from United using this United Card offer!
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – Find your Chase Sapphire Card offer!
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- Citi Premier® Card
Not only do these cards cover your Global Entry fee, but they also could come with other travel perks, like free checked bags, lounge access, or bonus points on travel spending (I like to save miles for travel races). Plus, you’ll get TSA PreCheck along with Global Entry, which will make your travels so much smoother!
Global Entry Frequently Asked Questions
Approval timelines can vary widely. Some travelers are conditionally approved within a few days, while others may wait several weeks or even months, depending on application volume.
After conditional approval, you’ll still need to complete an interview before becoming fully approved. The good news is that programs like Enrollment on Arrival allow you to complete your interview when returning from an international trip, which can speed up the process.
Global Entry currently costs $120 for a five-year membership. It’s important to note that the fee is an application processing fee. You will not get a refund if you are not approved.
For frequent international travelers, the fee is worth the amount of time you’d save in customs lines when traveling back to the United States. The fee also includes TSA PreCheck as part of the membership. Numerous travel credit cards (like the United Card) cover the application fee as a perk.
No, Global Entry is not required to travel. You only need a valid passport to travel internationally. Global Entry offers faster times through US Customs when traveling to the US from international destinations.
Should You Get Global Entry?
If you’re someone who values convenience, saving time at the airport and stress-free travel, then yes, Global Entry is totally worth it. It’s an investment in smoother, faster travel, especially if you’re a frequent flyer. I’m counting down the days until my first trip abroad and I can’t wait to experience the benefits firsthand!
Do you think Global Entry is worth it? What’s your wildest Customs story? Let me know in the comments below?
Don’t forget that several travel credit cards offer Global Entry as a perk. If you’re ready to level up your travel game, check out this offer from the United Card and you could get your Global Entry fee reimbursed!
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