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The Global Entry Program is one the trusted traveller initiatives from the United States Customs and Border Protection. It has been designed to expedite customs and immigration clearance into the United States for air travellers who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents.- To enrol in Global Entry, applicants must first file an application with US Customs and Border Protection. There is a $100 non-refundable fee for the application, even for infants and children (some credit cards reimburse this fee). Renewal of Global Entry requires an additional fee.
- Then submit to an interview and background check. The wait for an interview may be months. During the interview, the applicant’s fingerprints are captured and a digital photo is taken.
- Once an application is approved, the card is mailed to the applicant. The applicant may then use the Global Entry kiosk at any participating airport for a duration of five years past one’s next birthday following approval.
What is the Global Entry Program?
Global Entry is a trusted traveler program, which allows US citizens and lawful permanent residents to clear US Customs and Immigration faster at US airports.
Do I use my Global Entry card at the airport?
No. You must use your valid passport or permanent residence (I-551) card at the airport kiosk. The Global Entry card is for car travel only.
Why should I get a Global Entry card if I am already a member?
You should only get a Global Entry card if you are not a NEXUS/SENTRI card holder. The Global Entry card is only usable at land crossings in the NEXUS/SENTRI lanes. It is usable at all SENTRI lanes, but it is only usable in NEXUS lanes heading into the United States. You cannot use the Global Entry card to enter Canada.
I have been in the Global Entry program since 2009; do I need to get a card now?
No. You can buy a card for $15 if you do not have a NEXUS/SENTRI card and would like to use the NEXUS/SENTRI lanes.
Does the new Global Entry card cost extra money?
If you have become a member since July 12, 2011, there are no additional fees. If you became a member before July 12, 2011, and you would like a card it costs $15. You do not need to get a card to stay a member of the program.
Is there such a thing as a Global Entry Card?
As of July 12, 2011, the Global Entry program now provides members with a card for land travel between Canada, the United States and Mexico (if the member doesn’t already hold a NEXUS or SENTRI card). This card cannot be used at airports in place of your passport. It must be activated online before its first use.
Will I be able to use Global Entry at more airports soon?
At the moment, the Global Entry program is only a temporary test project. Since it has become successful, it will become a permanent system in the future. After it become permanent, additional airports may participate.
How much does it cost to join the Global Entry program?
You must pay US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) USD $100 to join Global Entry. This is submitted via credit card at the time you apply. If you are denied access to the program the fee will not be refunded. The fee covers 5 years of membership after which time you must renew your membership and pay another CBP fee.
I have heard that NEXUS card holders can apply for the Global Entry program without paying any fees. Is that true?
Yes, most NEXUS card holders are eligible. US citizens and permanent residents are eligible and now Canadian citizen NEXUS card holders can apply for the Global Entry program. Canadian permanent residents with NEXUS cards cannot yet apply for the program. You will need to get fingerprinted and submit your passport. Customs and Border Protection already has this information, you should be already part of the program. Please log on with TTP (the Trusted Traveller Programs website) to make sure.
I am a Global Entry program member. My passport is due to expire and I will be renewing it shortly. Will this affect my Global Entry membership?
Yes. You must notify a Global Entry Enrolment Center immediately or go online to your TTP account and make the change there.
What happens at the Global Entry interview?
The interviewing officer will go through your application to verify there are no basic errors and will ask you some questions mainly about how often you travel and your reasons for doing so. You must show original documentation of your passport, driver’s license and PR Card if relevant. You must also take along your conditional approval letter inviting you to interview. Once your documentation is verified your fingerprints will be digitally scanned and your photograph taken. The officer will then inform you if you have been admitted onto the program or not.
Do I use my Global Entry card at the airport?
No. You must use your valid passport or permanent residence (I-551) card at the airport kiosk. The Global Entry card is for car travel only.
Why should I get a Global Entry card if I am already a member?
You should only get a Global Entry card if you are not a NEXUS/SENTRI card holder. The Global Entry card is only usable at land crossings in the NEXUS/SENTRI lanes. It is usable at all SENTRI lanes, but it is only usable in NEXUS lanes heading into the United States. You cannot use the Global Entry card to enter Canada.
I have been in the Global Entry program since 2009; do I need to get a card now?
No. You can buy a card for $15 if you do not have a NEXUS/SENTRI card and would like to use the NEXUS/SENTRI lanes.
Does the new Global Entry card cost extra money?
If you have become a member since July 12, 2011, there are no additional fees. If you became a member before July 12, 2011, and you would like a card it costs $15. You do not need to get a card to stay a member of the program.
Is there such a thing as a Global Entry Card?
As of July 12, 2011, the Global Entry program now provides members with a card for land travel between Canada, the United States and Mexico (if the member doesn’t already hold a NEXUS or SENTRI card). This card cannot be used at airports in place of your passport. It must be activated online before its first use.
Will I be able to use Global Entry at more airports soon?
At the moment, the Global Entry program is only a temporary test project. Since it has become successful, it will become a permanent system in the future. After it become permanent, additional airports may participate.
How much does it cost to join the Global Entry program?
You must pay US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) USD $100 to join Global Entry. This is submitted via credit card at the time you apply. If you are denied access to the program the fee will not be refunded. The fee covers 5 years of membership after which time you must renew your membership and pay another CBP fee.
I have heard that NEXUS card holders can apply for the Global Entry program without paying any fees. Is that true?
Yes, most NEXUS card holders are eligible. US citizens and permanent residents are eligible and now Canadian citizen NEXUS card holders can apply for the Global Entry program. Canadian permanent residents with NEXUS cards cannot yet apply for the program. You will need to get fingerprinted and submit your passport. Customs and Border Protection already has this information, you should be already part of the program. Please log on with TTP (the Trusted Traveller Programs website) to make sure.
I am a Global Entry program member. My passport is due to expire and I will be renewing it shortly. Will this affect my Global Entry membership?
Yes. You must notify a Global Entry Enrolment Center immediately or go online to your TTP account and make the change there.
What happens at the Global Entry interview?
The interviewing officer will go through your application to verify there are no basic errors and will ask you some questions mainly about how often you travel and your reasons for doing so. You must show original documentation of your passport, driver’s license and PR Card if relevant. You must also take along your conditional approval letter inviting you to interview. Once your documentation is verified your fingerprints will be digitally scanned and your photograph taken. The officer will then inform you if you have been admitted onto the program or not.
