How to Use Global Entry

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 25, 2025

Global Entry is a program hosted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. It allows preapproved travelers to skip long customs and security wait lines, encounter fewer inconveniences while going through security, and to use a convenient check-in kiosk rather than waiting in a long line for an official agent. To use your Global Entry benefits, you’ll need to complete the online application, schedule an in-person interview, then use the airport kiosks once you’ve been approved.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Applying for the Program

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1
Create an online account. Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler Programs webpage at https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov and click the “Get Started” button. You will be asked to consent to a security notification about certain Department of Homeland Security regulations, then directed to the “Create an Account” option and verify your email.
- The Global Entry program is open to residents of the United States, but has also recently been expanded to include citizens of India, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Mexican nationals.
- Canadian citizens and residents can participate in the Global Entry program by enrolling in membership in the NEXUS program.
2
Complete the online application. The application process includes questions about your personal information, employment history, and countries you’ve visited in the last five years. The application process is fairly simple and straightforward.
- The Global Entry application includes a $100 USD application fee which must be paid before you can move on to the interview stage.
- It’s possible that you may be eligible for a fee waiver if you participate in certain other programs or have specific types of credit cards. For example, the Business Platinum Card from American Express, the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, and the Platinum Card from American Express all have fee waivers or discounts.^{[1]
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- This fee must be paid once every five years when you renew your program membership.
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3
Schedule an in-person interview. You should get a response about your eligibility within just a few days after submitting your application. Once you’ve been notified of your approval, you will be able to schedule an in-person interview. You can choose the location of your interview – most of which are at international airports – though the waiting time can often be 6 months or more.^{[2]
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- The actual interview is usually quite short – with just a few questions and then taking your fingerprints.
- If you get an interview that is months away, you might consider searching another nearby Global Entry office for availability. Some offices also accept walk-ins for interviews.

Part 2

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Using Your Global Entry Benefits

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1
Enter the TSA PreCheck line when going through security. Global Entry membership typically qualifies travelers for the TSA PreCheck benefits. “TSA PreCheck” should be printed on your boarding pass when you check in at the airport. If you don’t see this indicator on your boarding pass, you may need to see an airline agent for assistance.^{[3]
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- TSA PreCheck benefits include shorter lines/wait times, being allowed to keep your outerwear on (like shoes, jackets, and belts), and being allowed to leave your computer and liquids inside your bag while going through security.
2
Use the Global Entry kiosk when you land at your final destination airport. When you get to your destination airport within the United States, you should find a Global Entry kiosk to begin your customs security process. The kiosk will ask you to scan your passport, answer some questions about declaring goods, verify your fingerprints, and take your picture.^{[4]
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- Once you complete the kiosk process, the machine will print a check-in receipt for you. Be sure to keep this receipt in a secure location so you don’t lose it.
- Typically, the lines for the Global Entry kiosks are much shorter than the regular customs lines.
3
Use your benefits at participating Global Entry locations. Check online to see which airports have Global Entry access points where you can use your benefits. For a complete list of locations, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry.
- Some of these locations include the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN), Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD).^{[5]
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Tips

Double check that all of your application information is accurate before you submit your application.

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Make sure you can provide documentation of your lawful status as a resident of the United States or other approved country

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Warnings

To enroll in the Global Entry program, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are younger than this, it is still possible to participate – but you will need your parent or legal guardian’s permission to enroll in the program. You’ll have to provide additional documentation during the application process proving your guardian’s permission and bring them to the actual interview with you.

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In order to qualify for Global Entry, you must not have been convicted of a criminal offense, have pending criminal charges, or have violated any customs or immigrations laws in any country.

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