The Global Entry Program: From Application to Airport [+ Map of Locations & Kiosks]

BY 

Alex Miller

- UPDATED: June 2, 2021   |    88

1. Travel

88

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If you’ve traveled much at all, you’ve likely heard of the Global Entry program. With all the fuss about waiting in lines at the airport, people are very curious about any way to beat the system.

In this article, we’ll answer all your questions and help you get signed up for the program so you can speed your way through customs and get to your destination!

What Is Global Entry?

For those who frequently travel overseas, you know how difficult it can be for an international traveler to get through customs upon arrival.

To lessen the pain while dealing with an ever-increasing number of security risks, the U.S. government created a program called Global Entry that gives pre-approved clearance to low-risk travelers entering the United States.

Currently, this program is one of the five available Trusted Traveler Programs. Four of these are designed for personal and business travelers (Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS, and TSA PreCheck), while one is for commercial trucking (FAST).

All programs except TSA PreCheck are governed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection unit (CBP). As its name implies, TSA PreCheck is administered by the Transportation Security Administration.

The CBP Global Entry program first originated as INSPASS in the 1990’s. After the CBP merged with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), they created the current program in its place.

Initially, the program was only offered at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Newark Airport (EWR) but has since been expanded to over 42 U.S. airports. Almost 2 million people are currently enrolled, and it is estimated there are 50,000 new applications every month.

To eliminate waiting, member information is stored in a database. When members enter the country through a participating airport, they scan their machine-readable passports and fingerprints at a kiosk, complete a customs declaration form, and proceed straight to the baggage claim area.

Bottom Line: A frequent traveler program will save time, lower stress, and simplify travel! Members get to skip all the normal long lines of customs entry and get to their destination more quickly.

How Much Does Global Entry Cost?

All applicants must pay a one-time fee of $100, even those under the age of 18. If you are rejected from the program for any reason, you will not get your $100 back.

To hedge your bets, make sure to get your fee reimbursed by carrying cards such as the The Platinum Card® from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Remember that along with your approval, you’ll also get access to the TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler Program, which itself is valued at $85.

Can I Get My Membership Paid For?

Since we’re in the world of getting great travel benefits for little cost, what would this article be without a section on helping you get your membership cheaply?

There are a lot of rewards cards that offer credits towards the fees. To receive the credit, you must pay your Global Entry fees with one of those cards to get the fee reimbursed on your next statement.

Here are a few of our favorite cards that will reimburse you for the Global Entry fee:

If you have one of the above cards but don’t need the credit, you can always try to pay for someone else’s application! Share the love and make everyone’s travel easier.

You should also note that many of these cards will extend the credit for additional cardholders if you add them. While this may cost money in some cases, the $100 credit certainly helps offset that!

Sharing Your Credit

Many people ask or wonder about sharing your Global Entry credit from one of the above cards if you already have purchased your membership. The answer is yes, you can always pay for someone else’s application, as the charge simply shows up as a generic charge and is not attached to your name.

You may want to consider whether or not you will want to use that credit in the future, however, since it is only good once every 5 years.

Another option is to add people as authorized users to your existing cards that offer it.

For some cards, like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve, your authorized users also get access to the Global Entry credit. Just make sure it makes sense to do so, as you will likely be charged an extra fee.

The bonus will be that your authorized users will also get access to things like Priority Pass lounges and some of the other card benefits!

Other Ways to Pay for Membership

Delta elite status members may also get a $100 Global Entry voucher if they choose it as part of their Choice Benefits when they reach Platinum or Diamond status.

The NEXUS program with Canada offers Global Entry benefits and expedited US-Canada border crossing. The best part? This fee is only $50! However, your NEXUS fee may not be reimbursed by your credit card, and the only interview locations are in the north.

(NEXUS also allows you expedited access to and from Canada, whereas Global Entry only allows fast access back into the U.S.)

How Does the Program Work?

To get started, you’ll first need to complete the application process to be added to the traveler database.

Once approved, upon return from international trips, you’ll take your passport (must have embedded technology) or permanent residency card to the Global Entry kiosk at the airport. At the kiosk, you’ll need to swipe your passport and provide fingerprint verification.

After swiping, you will have to fill out an electronic customs declaration card. Once completed, you’ll receive a piece of paper telling you to either go to the baggage claim area or to see an agent at a booth.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or Mexican National, you also get a card that allows you to enter at land and seaports of entry, much like the Passport Card.

Note that this card cannot be used in place of your passport at airport kiosks. In addition, there don’t appear to be specific expedited lanes at any seaports, unless they are equipped with NEXUS and SENTRI.

At these locations, this simply means you can use your Global Entry Card in lieu of your passport.

When entering the U.S. from Mexico and Canada, your membership card allows you to utilize the SENTRI and NEXUS access lanes, but unfortunately, this does not work the other way around.

Bottom Line: Use a fast and simple kiosk to enter your information and customs declarations at airports. Also, get quick access back into the country via SENTRI and NEXUS from Mexico and Canada.

What Are the Requirements and Eligibility? Restrictions?

The requirements begin with your nationality. If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or citizen of one of the other participating countries listed above, then you are eligible for the program if you meet further requirements.

Of course, providing false information on the application is grounds for ineligibility. To gain access, you have to go through a very serious background check to make sure you are a low-risk traveler. Additional requirements include:

• Not being convicted of criminal offenses or have pending criminal charges or warrants
• Not being found in violation of any laws on agriculture relations, immigration, or customs
• Not being the subject of a current ongoing investigation
• Must be admissible to the U.S. under immigration regulation
• Must be able to prove your low-risk status to the CBP if they cannot immediately do so

Be aware that ineligibility involves things like DUIs, serious past arrests (but not ALL arrests), and other similar offenses. Anecdotally, you are “allowed” one misdemeanor before becoming ineligible.

There is no minimum age requirement for access to the program, but if you’re under 18 then you need the consent of your parent or legal guardian. This person does not need to be a member themselves in order to allow your participation.

However, if you want to use the program with your family, you will each need to have your own membership (even babies).

The last step is to complete an in-person interview at one of the Enrollment Centers (a list is provided further in this article). This is a security interview to verify your low-risk status.

Bottom Line: Those of you with a clean background will have no trouble applying for the program. There are minimal requirements outside of having a passport and completing an interview.

What Are the Overall Benefits?  How Much Time Can I Save?

As a program member, your major benefit is being pre-approved to enter the United States from a variety of entry points (see list below) without having to endure the normal lines, which can take hours.

In addition, no paperwork is necessary since the customs form you fill out at the kiosk is electronic.

You also get joint access to other countries’ programs (NEXUS, SENTRI, and more), and you’re given eligibility to use TSA PreCheck, which allows you to skip normal airport security lines and save even more time while traveling.

To find out a little more about time saved, you can look at data provided by the U.S. CBP.

Data for Chicago O’Hare (ORD) from 2015 shows the average wait time was 14 minutes, with a maximum wait time of 199 minutes.

As a frequent traveler with this product, your wait time can be less than one minute: the time it takes you to walk to the kiosk and scan through. Do keep in mind that after passing customs, you still have to wait for bags like everyone else.

If you don’t check a bag, though, you’ll be on your way!

Think of this program as an insurance policy to ensure you never have to wait longer than the time it takes to get your bags! After an international trip, would you be willing to pay a small fee instead of waiting in line for over three hours?

If you also consider the value of your included enrollment in TSA PreCheck, the time savings more than makes up for the application fee!

Bottom Line: Save an average of 15 minutes of wait time on each trip that requires customs. In some cases, you could save several hours!

Which Countries Participate in the Program?

Besides the U.S., there are now 11 other countries which allow their low-risk citizens to enroll in the program:

Hot Tip:  Even though you may have Global Entry status, this is not the same as obtaining a travel visa. Learn about the 4 types of travel Visas, and figure out whether you need one and how to get it before booking a trip!

Global Entry Locations and Kiosks

There are 75 known airports with Global Entry kiosks. The map and table below show all the existing locations!

* Locations with no enrollment centers

List of GE locations taken from CBP website

Which Airports Have Customs and Border Patrol Security Offices?

Before you apply, you should find out if there is an interview location near you. You may also be interested in what other cities are available, in case you are planning a trip and want to complete your interview while away from home.

If you’re not sure where the actual office is located inside the airport, simply ask any security personnel to point you in the right direction.

The following airports have CBP security offices that conduct the interviews (listed by 3 digit code):

* Data taken from cbp.gov

Enrollment on Arrival

To reduce the wait times for the interviews, the CBP has launched an initiative called Enrollment on Arrival. Passengers returning from trips abroad can now visit a dedicated booth where a CBP officer will process them as non-Global Entry passengers.

Once through the initial processing, the officer will conduct the interview and collect the necessary biometric data to finish the enrollment process.

Enrollment on Arrival is currently available at 16 airports, including 2 in Canada:

Other Office Locations: Outside the Airport

You may be able to get an interview at a location outside of the airports above. Contact CBP for more info.

Global Entry Application: How to Apply & What You’ll Need

As of October, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a new website to manage programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. To apply for Global Entry, you’ll need to complete an application through this new Trusted Traveler Programs (TPP) website. The four steps to get approved are:

1. Create a Login.gov account (here)
2. Complete the application in the TTP system and pay the fee
3. Schedule your security interview (once conditionally approved) at one of the Enrollment Centers (listed below)
4. Bring your passport (or permanent resident card) and one other form of ID to the in-person interview, along with a printout of your TTP application conditional approval letter

If you already have Global Entry, you’ll need to create an account in the new system to keep your information updated, renew membership, reapply when your membership expires and more. More on that below.

You’ll need your current basic contact information to fill out the application, but you’ll also be asked for prior addresses for up to 10 years. This can be difficult if you’ve moved a lot and haven’t kept track.

Hot Tip:  Create a document where you can save all your prior addresses every time you move. It’s easy to forget your past addresses, and these can be important for many instances in the future.

You’ll also need any prior names, your place of birth, passport number, employment history, and a list of foreign countries you’ve visited. The latter can also be difficult if you’ve traveled a lot and haven’t kept track.

Unlike the process for getting a passport, to apply for Global Entry you only need to have a couple pieces of identification (one of them a passport) and be able to fill out an online application.

However, there may be additional documents necessary on a case-by-case basis, including proof of current residency.

This requirement can be met with rent bills, utility bills, and other standard service documents that prove you live where you say you do.

Bottom Line: Apply online via the TTP system, pay the fee, and schedule your in-person interview. You only need your passport and one other form of ID along with a printout of your application. Other forms may be required on case-by-case basis.

A Quick Step-by-Step Walkthrough

For the international traveler who wants to see a step-by-step of the application, you are in luck! Here is how the process works.

Note: This process applies to new Global Entry applications. If you already have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, skip down to see how to register for the new TTP website.

Step 1: Navigate to the TTP Home Page

Visit the TPP homepage here. For a new application, click “Get Started.” Read through the terms and click “Consent & Continue.”

Follow all the screens to go through your application. You can expect this process to take 20 minutes if you have all the necessary information.

Step 2:  Wait for your Conditional Approval Status

After you fill out your application, getting approved is basically a waiting game. There is no way to see what is going on in the background of your application, speed up the process, or contact anyone to ask for information.

Rest assured that your application is being processed!

Once you are conditionally approved, you’ll get a notification.

Here is what the conditional approval letter will look like:

Step 3:  Schedule Your In-Person Interview

Now for the difficult part: you need to schedule your interview. In your online TTP account, you will see a button labeled “Schedule Interview” on the same line that your conditional approval is on.

First, choose your closest Trusted Traveler Enrollment Center from the available list.

Due to COVID-19’s impact on travel, you must schedule an interview within 730 days of your conditional approval, or you risk having to reapply. However, once an interview is scheduled, you can modify it if necessary or try to find a better time.

Once your interview is scheduled, you will see the details on this interview screen. It will give you your scheduled interview time and the location of the Enrollment Center within the airport.

If you need to reschedule, make sure to do that through this screen! Don’t miss an interview, or you may have to reapply completely.

Use the tips below to speed up the Trusted Traveler program interview process a bit.

Step 4:  Attend Your Interview and Complete Your Application

Finally, the last step is simply to show up for your scheduled interview. Remember that you’ll need the required information (passport, permanent resident card, other government ID, proof of residence) and your printed Conditional Approval Letter.

Interviews usually last about 15 minutes, during which you’ll be asked some questions (see below) and shown how to use the program.

Once you’re finished, final approval can be instantaneous, or it can come very soon after the interview.

Your final step is to activate your card once you receive it, which should take about 1-2 weeks. Visit the TTP login area and look for “Activate my Card” to complete this step.

After that, just be sure to add your Known Traveler Number to all loyalty program profiles and every flight you take!

Re-registering for the Trusted Traveler Programs Website

If you already have Global Entry, you’ll need to create a new profile on the TTP website in order to access your account, update your information and more. It’s a simple process that takes about 10 minutes. Just follow the steps below.

Step 1: Navigate to the TTP homepage.

From here, click “I’m already a program member.” After that, click the “Manage My Membership” button, followed by “Consent & Continue.”

Review the following page, then click “Continue.” You’ll be redirected to the Login.gov website to register.

Step 2: Create a Login.gov Account

Once the Login.gov site loads, click “Create an account.”

Enter your e-mail address, then check your e-mail for the verification message. Click the link in that e-mail to continue.

After you’ve clicked that link, choose a password. Make sure to keep a note of it!

Next, add your phone number. Login.gov will send you a verification code by text or automated phone call — as soon as you receive that code, enter it and click “submit.”

Next, the website generates a security key that you can use if you ever lose your password. Write it down and store it somewhere safe! Enter your key to verify that you have it, and then you’re done! Click “Continue” to go back to the TTP page.

Step 3: Enter Your Global Entry and Personal Information

Enter your personal information, including name, place of birth and birthday. Then, enter your PASSID or Global Entry membership number. Click “save” and you’re all set!

How Long Does the Application Take?

Filling out the actual application for does not take long if you have previous addresses and other information handy. However, the long part of the process is waiting for approval and getting your security interview.

Do be aware that application approval for this frequent traveler program can take up to 4-6 weeks.

Again, remember that you will not be able to communicate with anyone working on your application. All applications are sent directly through the TTP system, and you will not be notified by phone or email when your status changes.

Just be sure to check the system daily to see if you’ve been approved!

After conditional approval, the next step is getting an interview. Securing an interview time can take up to two months as well, and you may even have to schedule a follow-up interview.

Once you’ve scheduled your interview, you do not need to reconfirm. If you end up getting an alternate time, be sure to reschedule or notify the Enrollment Center officer that you have a different interview time scheduled.

The interview itself shouldn’t take long either, and is usually under 30 minutes depending on your individual situation.

Bottom Line: Overall, the process averages between 2 and 6 months. Once approved, you have access to the program for five years.

Tips For Speeding Up Scheduling Your Interview

Many people report unreasonable wait times for these interviews. This is a popular program, and the CBP only have so many staff to help accommodate all the applications.

However, there are ways you can speed up the process as long as you are flexible. Unfortunately for CBP, many people don’t show up for their interviews due to travel or other reasons.

These forfeited spots are prime times you can snatch up to get your interview! Be sure to check the TTP system often to see what interview slots open up, and be ready to run to the airport for your interview.

Here are some in-person interview tips for speeding up your time:

1. Check the interview appointment page as frequently as every 30 minutes. Changes are always happening; the more effort you put in, the quicker you will get your appointment. Keep the page open and refresh it periodically.
2. Try a walk-in appointment! No matter where you are, as long as you have your interview scheduled at any location, you can always try a walk-in appointment in case they had a cancellation. This doesn’t always work, but it’s worth a try!
3. Schedule your interview for a city you are traveling to. This is a great way to take care of business while traveling.
4. Note that interviews are only available during normal business hours! The CPB is a government organization, so you won’t find weekend appointments. Don’t try to do a walk in on a Saturday.

Bottom Line: Stay proactive in getting an appointment, and one will almost undoubtedly open up much sooner than your originally scheduled time.

The Interview: What Should I Expect?

Typically, interviews will not last longer than about 15 minutes.

Remember to bring all your necessary documents: you will need your printed conditional approval letter, valid passport, evidence of your residence (rent bills, utility bills, or other similar information), and a second valid U.S. government-issued ID (most people use their driver’s license).

Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Interviewers may be running ahead of schedule, and you might get in and out more quickly. Alternatively, if you miss your time, you will probably have to reschedule completely.

According to most reports, the CBP officers are friendly and will ask you questions about your past and upcoming travels. They may ask you why you want the membership.

Most people want membership to the program to make travel quicker and less stressful, and this is a completely acceptable answer for the interview question.

Just be upfront and honest, since they will likely know everything about you, including any arrests or potentially risky behavior from your past. Be candid with them and discuss why you are no longer a risk.

If you were conditionally approved, there is really no reason to be nervous, since you are probably no longer a threat and will likely be approved. They have already done your background check, and would have completely denied your application if they really wanted to.

The last thing you will have to do at the interview is give your fingerprints, so don’t be shocked when they ask for this. Once your fingerprints are on file, you can use the kiosks to speed up your customs entry process.

You may be approved on the spot at the end of your interview, or it may take some time. In any case, you’ll get your card within a couple of weeks, and you should already have your Known Traveler Number from the TTP system from your conditional approval.

At the end of your interview, you get a training session on how to use the Global Entry kiosks! This includes showing you how to scan your machine-readable passport and fingerprints on both hands, as well as filling out the customs form.

Additional In-Person Interview Tips:

• Bring more information than you need. If they end up asking for more, it’s always better to have it than not. Just put everything in a manila envelope and give them what you need!
• Know your travel history, since they’ll ask to confirm past trips. If you don’t recall a trip off the top of your head, at least discuss that with the interviewer.
• They’ll make you watch a short video explaining the rules.
• They’re going to take your picture, so come looking your best if that matters to you.
• Once approved, your card will arrive in a couple weeks with a protective sleeve to help prevent electronic theft.
• Don’t forget to activate your membership card as the very last step!! Visit the GOES home page, click “Activate Membership Card” and follow the prompts.

Bottom Line: Know your past, be honest, and know what information is on your application. It should only take about 15 minutes, and then you’ll be done!

How to Use Global Entry at the Airport

After you’re all set up, using the program is easy. Simply walk up to the kiosks at the airport when you arrive from your flight. Scan your fingerprints and your passport, answer the on-screen questions, and pose for your photo.

You won’t need your actual card to get through the airport kiosks; just make sure to wait for your printout to finish the process.

These printouts are necessary at the next checkpoint in order to complete your entry, so don’t forget them! You will have to hand them to a CBP officer before exiting.

Remember that skipping the customs line doesn’t mean your bags will be waiting for you right away, but at least you’ll get a front-line spot! Bonus if you don’t have any checked bags.

Once you have collected your bags and are ready to exit, you’ll have to go through the last checkpoint where you’ll need your printout. Here, too, you’ll see priority lines for Global Entry members.

Hot Tip: If you ever get an “X” on your receipt printout, take it to the nearest Passport Control Officer to get approval before moving on.

Getting Your TSA PreCheck

One of the best benefits of being a member is the fact that you will get access to TSA known traveler program, called “PreCheck“, as well, which expedites your security line access.

The PreCheck benefit is approved on a trip-by-trip basis if you don’t have an actual PreCheck membership, and probably even if you do. Providing your Known Traveler Number on your travel ticket will put you into their database to approve or disapprove PreCheck.

To get TSA PreCheck, you have to be flying on an airline that participates in the program. While there are many airlines included, not all of them are:

TSA PreCheck Airlines

Hot Tip:You don’t need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets when going through TSA PreCheck! For more questions, check out the TSA FAQ.

Renewing Your Membership

What happens after your 5 years is up? At this point, you’ll have to renew your membership. Renewing is not too difficult, and you can begin the process 1 year before your membership expires.

First, log into the Trusted Traveler Programs system (operated by Homeland Security), find the “Manage Membership” page, and select to renew your membership. When doing so, you’ll have to pay another $100 fee and update any information about yourself as applicable.

An updated security interview may or may not be required, and this will be determined upon your renewal. Check back in to your TTP account to see if there are any updates on what is required for your renewal.

Bottom Line: Renewal is similar to signing up: do it online and pay the fee. You can re-apply 1 year before expiration and you may have to do a follow-up interview.

Program Caveats

For those with any criminal background or marred history, it is likely not worth your time signing up. Even small glitches can disqualify you from participating in the program, which will cost you the nonrefundable $100 fee.

Trusted Traveler Program Comparison

Which is the most trusted traveler program? You’ll have to decide for yourself. Each has its own pluses and minuses and it will depend on what type of traveling you are doing.

Global Entry vs. NEXUS

NEXUS is the border protection program between the USA and Canada, and having Global Entry allows you some of the benefits of NEXUS members.

To use the shared benefits of NEXUS, remember your Global Entry card is only good for entry back into the U.S. You’ll need to have a separate NEXUS membership to be able to skip these entry points on the way out of the country as well.

If you do have a full NEXUS membership, however, you get quick access both in and out of Canada in addition to full benefits of Global Entry (including TSA PreCheck).

This is an excellent deal, especially considering it only costs $50 for five years. The main caveat here is that all NEXUS enrollment centers are located in certain northern U.S. cities.

Hot Tip: For more in-depth info on this topic, check out our dedicated article: NEXUS Trusted Traveler Program – Applying, Eligibility, Benefits & More.

Global Entry vs. SENTRI

SENTRI is the USA and Mexico border protection program. Similarly to NEXUS, to use the shared SENTRI benefits of border crossing back into the U.S. you must have your Global Entry card.

To gain access to the SENTRI lane into Mexico you have to have a full SENTRI membership. Visit a local SENTRI enrollment center to apply (located in Arizona, California, and Texas).

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck Program

TSA PreCheck is the U.S. Transportation and Security Administration’s priority security access lane at the airport. Having a TSA PreCheck membership allows you access, but you do not get Global Entry membership for having PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck program enrollment can be done here. Enrollment is similar: fill out the PreCheck application, go through the interview process, and soon you’ll be on your way!

Hot Tip: Another service offering expedited airport is security is CLEAR. Read all about this program in our detailed post: The CLEAR Expedited Airport Security Program.

24 Quick Tips for Candidates

Here are some tips we’ve collected through our own experience with the program and other research on the subject.

If you have any additional tips, please let us know!

Tip #1:  Be nice and courteous to the CBP officers!

While they are government employees dealing with security and may appear intimidating, they are still people like us who appreciate common courtesy and respect.

Refer to them as “Officer” and treat them like you would any other official. Remember that they aren’t personally trying to make your life difficult and they didn’t personally make the interviews difficult to get!

Tip #2:  While it can take many months to get an interview, staying on top of the process by proactively seeking an interview date can speed things up greatly.

Tip #3:  Make sure your frequent flyer or loyalty program profile name matches your name in Global Entry, or you will not be approved for PreCheck!

Tip #4:  Having trouble scheduling an interview? Try looking for times at another local airport (see the list above) or traveling to a place with an interview office!

Tip #5:  Forgot to add your Known Traveler Number to your itinerary? You can always add it afterward by calling the carrier or adding it online. This also applies if you book through an agency that doesn’t accept KTN’s.

Tip #6:  If you want to bring your kids or other people with you through the priority kiosk, each of them will have to have their own membership.

In contrast, children 12 and under can go with you through TSA PreCheck even if they don’t have individual access.

Tip #7:  In rare cases, the kiosks may not be able to read your fingerprints. If fingerprint verification fails, you can still get priority access through the normal line.

Tip #8:  Don’t worry about filling out the customs form given to you on the flight if the airport has Global Entry; you will fill this out electronically at your kiosk.

Tip #9:  Even with membership, at times when you may be randomly selected for an interview and bag check. This is normal and just a process of trying to ensure security. Suck it up, cooperate, and you’ll be out quickly!

Tip #10:  When you get a new passport (whether through renewal or otherwise), you will need to update your information. You can update it via TTP. This also includes your driver’s license and any other applicable personal details.

However, you will need to visit a CBP office to update your profile if you have a name or status change on your passport. In this case, it will cost $25 to get a new card. 

There is conflicting information about whether your membership expires when your passport expires (even from officers), but most people report that once they updated their profiles with the new passport they were fine.

Tip #11:  Membership cards count as a form of government-issued ID. Keep this in mind for cases where you may need multiple forms of ID!

Tip #12:  You have to input your KTN on all your travel info in order to use the program! If you don’t, you won’t be in the system for that trip. If you forgot, you can always add it before your trip. This is especially important in order to ensure you can get TSA PreCheck!

Tip #13:  Check with your airline to ensure you are opted-in to the TSA PreCheck program with them before you fly.

Tip #14:  You only need your physical membership card when traveling by land (car or train) or sea.

Tip #15:  Unfortunately, the fee doesn’t appear to show up as a travel-related purchase if you’re using a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Tip #16:  “Reimburse” can be misleading: you first must pay for the program yourself on your card, and then the card will issue a credit for the same amount once approved.

Tip #17:  Don’t become complacent when answering the questions at the kiosk! If you answer no to everything all the time, you may look suspicious. Don’t lie, because if you are caught you will be kicked out and subject to any other applicable penalties.

Tip #18:  Maximize usage by planning your travels around the airports that have kiosks!

Tip #19:  Always check your ticket to see if you’re approved for TSA PreCheck. It is not guaranteed for every trip, and you will see your status there. This will save you from getting into the wrong security line, since they can’t and won’t let you through if you don’t have it for that particular trip.

Tip #20:  Lost or stolen card? You can order a replacement online via the GOES system. You may be required to do another interview and pay $25 for a new card.

Tip #21:  Application denied? You may be able to reapply; contact the nearest Trusted Traveler Enrollment Center or write a letter.

Tip #22:  Here are some common other questions about the program.

Tip #23: The busy type? You can always have a third party do all the application and processing for you! You just need to show up for the interview.

Tip #24 [from reader BC]: Make sure your name on your passport matches the name on the application exactly; problems have occurred with some people who don’t match. If you have a first, middle, and last name on your passport, include those on your application.

Final Thoughts

Those who travel a lot and don’t mind doing a little work up front will find the program a refreshing way to skip lines that may be irksome after a long day of travel.

With multiple ways to get your credit paid for and a moderate fee at $100 for 5 years, you get a useful travel tool that doesn’t break the bank.

Adding in the value of TSA PreCheck along with the NEXUS and SENTRI Trusted Traveler Programs will make your travels just a bit more enjoyable!

For even more info, check out our piece on the top 21 FAQs for the Global Entry Program!

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