If you’ve read a some of my posts you know I love the Global Entry program. This customs program comes with many benefits for frequent travelers. And for $100 for 5 years, it’s totally worth it. Read on to learn about all its benefits and how you can even score it for free.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the US. Essentially, it makes international travel easy and fast.

What are the benefits?

Skip the customs lines and head straight to the Global Entry kiosks for fast-tracking through immigration.

TSA PreCheck is another major added bonus. This Trusted Travel program makes going through security lines hassle-free. No need to remove shoes and belts and you can leave your laptops in the bag!

Even if you arrive overnight when customs isn’t open, Global Entry generally is open so no waiting (notice a trend?)!

You don’t have to fill out the blue customs declarations forms before landing when you travel internationally.

Other customs programs fall under the umbrella of Global Entry. SENTRI is one of those programs and is awesome if you travel by land to Mexico because, you guessed it, expedited line back to the US! NEXUS is similar but for traveling to and from Canada by land!

How to Apply

The process of obtaining this it relatively painless. You can apply online here and then schedule an interview. At your in-person interview you’ll need to bring:

• Letter of Conditional Approval (which you’ll receive after you apply online)
• Passport
• Proof of residency (i.e. driver’s license, utility bill)

Things to Know

• The fee for Global Entry is $100 and lasts for 5 years which is a steal but if you want to score it for free there are several credit cards that will pay this fee for you. I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve which I totally recommend but there are many other cards that offer this perk!
• Kids need their own global entry pass as well but not for TSA precheck.
• It is available to non-US residents! Citizens of Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, Colombia, South Korea, and UK are also eligible.
• The application fee is nonrefundable if you don’t qualify so check out the eligibility requirements before applying!
• The Global Entry card serves as a form of identification.
• You can register one car per application for free. If you do it at a later time, there is a $42 fee so be sure to bring all the necessary documentation (insurance and registration).
• If you get a new passport after you receive your Global Entry approval be sure to stop by an office so they can update their records.

Do you have the Global Entry? I’d love to hear what perks you love most – let me know!