Many travel cards reimburse the $120 fee and earn miles on the purchase. Capital One cards move miles to airline partners (see Capital One transfer partners), and an award trip estimator shows what those miles are worth for a flight.
Global Entry at a glance
| Fee | $120 for 5 years |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years |
| What it speeds | US customs on arrival, and it includes TSA PreCheck |
| Who it fits | Anyone who flies internationally |
| How to apply | Online at ttp.dhs.gov, then an in-person interview |
| Timeline | Often approved within 2 weeks, sometimes longer |
Some links on this page are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you. A travel card can reimburse the fee. See the best credit cards for TSA PreCheck.
Global Entry is the trusted traveler program for people who fly internationally. It skips the customs and passport line when you land back in the US, and it includes TSA PreCheck for your departure. At $120 for 5 years, it is often the best value of any expedited program. Here is how it works and how to get it.
On this page
- What Global Entry is
- Cost and what is included
- How to apply
- The interview and Enrollment on Arrival
- Using it when you land
- Global Entry vs PreCheck
- Common questions
- Is CLEAR worth it
- Credit cards that cover the fee
What Global Entry is
Global Entry is run by US Customs and Border Protection. Its main benefit is on the way home: when you arrive in the US from abroad, you skip the regular passport control line and use a Global Entry kiosk or the CBP app to clear customs in a fraction of the time.
The second benefit is on the way out. Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck, so you also get the faster screening lane for domestic and departing flights. One membership covers both ends of the trip.
Cost and what is included
Global Entry costs $120 for a 5-year membership. As of late 2024, children under 18 are free when a parent or guardian is also a member, which makes it a strong deal for families who travel internationally.
The fee includes TSA PreCheck at no extra charge. This changes the math: PreCheck alone is $76.75 to $85 for 5 years, so for $42 more over 5 years Global Entry adds the customs benefit as well. Some travel credit cards reimburse the $120 fee as a statement credit, which can make it free in practice.
Renewal is the same $120 every 5 years, and you can renew online, often without another interview.
How to apply
You apply online through the Trusted Traveler Programs website. You create an account, fill out the application with your passport and travel history, and pay the $120 fee, which is non-refundable even if you are not approved.
CBP then reviews your application. If you pass the initial checks, you receive conditional approval and an invitation to complete an interview. You must be a US citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a citizen of one of the partner countries to qualify.
Approval is not automatic. CBP can deny applicants with certain criminal history, customs violations, or incomplete records, and the fee is not refunded if you are denied. If you have a past issue you can still apply, but read the eligibility rules first so you do not lose the $120.
The interview and Enrollment on Arrival
After conditional approval, you finish with an in-person interview. You can schedule it at an enrollment center, but appointment waits can stretch for weeks or months at busy locations, so book early.
There is a faster path called Enrollment on Arrival. When you next land in the US from an international trip, you can complete the interview right there at the airport, with no separate appointment. An officer reviews your documents, asks a few questions, and finishes your enrollment on the spot. For many travelers this turns the interview from a chore into a 5-minute stop on the way out of the airport.
Using it when you land
Once you are a member, arriving in the US is quick. At airports with Global Entry, you go to a kiosk or use the CBP app to submit your customs declaration, then proceed to a dedicated line for a brief officer check.
You no longer fill out a paper customs form. Keep your passport handy, since it is tied to your membership. The time saved is biggest after a long-haul flight, when the regular line can run an hour or more.
Global Entry vs PreCheck
If you only fly inside the US, PreCheck is enough, and at $76.75 to $85 for 5 years it is the cheaper choice. If you fly internationally even once a year, Global Entry is usually the better buy because it includes PreCheck and adds the customs benefit for just $42 more over 5 years.
The one tradeoff is the application. PreCheck approval is often quick, while Global Entry adds the interview step, which can take longer. If you have an international trip on the calendar, apply for Global Entry well ahead and plan to use Enrollment on Arrival to finish.
2 sister programs are worth knowing about. NEXUS and SENTRI are built for travelers who cross the Canadian or Mexican border often, and both also include TSA PreCheck. NEXUS costs $50 for 5 years, less than Global Entry, but it is centered on the northern border. For most flyers, Global Entry is still the broadest choice.
Common questions
How much does Global Entry cost?
$120 for a 5-year membership, and children under 18 are free with a member parent. The fee includes TSA PreCheck.
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Global Entry comes with a Known Traveler Number that works in the PreCheck lane, so it covers both customs on arrival and faster screening on departure.
How long does Global Entry take to get?
Conditional approval can take weeks, and the interview can add weeks or months depending on appointment availability. Enrollment on Arrival lets you finish the interview when you next land from abroad.
Is Global Entry better than PreCheck?
If you fly internationally at all, usually yes, because it includes PreCheck and adds the customs benefit for $42 more over 5 years. For US-only travel, PreCheck is enough.
Who is eligible for Global Entry?
US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain partner countries. You apply online and complete an in-person interview.
How much is Global Entry per year?
Global Entry is $120 for 5 years, which comes to about $24 a year. Many travel credit cards reimburse the $120 fee once every 4 to 5 years, so it can effectively cost nothing.
Keep reading
Flying internationally? Check typical security waits at New York JFK, Los Angeles (LAX), or Miami (MIA).
Traveling abroad? See our international travel and customs guide.