Global Entry has become an essential program for frequent international travelers, offering expedited U.S. customs clearance and TSA PreCheck benefits. However, the program has seen some significant changes and challenges leading into 2025. This updated guide covers what Global Entry is, recent changes in fees and policies, current application processing times, and tips (including real traveler experiences) to help you make the most of Global Entry in 2025.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to clear U.S. immigration and customs more quickly upon arrival. Members use dedicated Global Entry kiosks or e-gates at airports to bypass the regular passport control lines. After a quick identity verification (now often via facial recognition) and answering a customs declaration, the traveler can exit the airport arrivals area much faster than through the normal process. Key benefits include:
- Expedited U.S. Customs processing: No waiting in long immigration lines – use automated kiosks/portals instead, with greatly reduced wait times. Many travelers report clearing immigration in mere minutes with Global Entry, versus hour-long waits otherwise.
- TSA PreCheck included: A Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck for domestic airport security. This means you get expedited airport security screening (shorter lines and no removing shoes or laptops) on U.S. flights as well.
- Extended benefits for cross-border travel: A Global Entry ID card can be used for faster land or sea entry at U.S. borders. Global Entry members may access NEXUS lanes entering the U.S. from Canada and SENTRI lanes from Mexico without additional application.
Even if you only travel abroad a couple of times a year, skipping long immigration lines can greatly improve your travel experience. In 2023, about 10% of all international air passengers arriving in the U.S. were Global Entry members – meaning the vast majority of travelers are still in the regular lines, and Global Entry users enjoy much shorter waits.
Time Savings
Clear customs in minutes instead of hours
TSA PreCheck Included
Expedited domestic security screening at no extra cost
Cost Effective
$120 for 5 years, often reimbursed by credit cards
New Changes to Global Entry in 2024–2025
Several important updates to the Global Entry program took effect in late 2024, which travelers should be aware of going into 2025:
- Increased Application Fee: The Global Entry application fee increased for the first time since 2008. As of October 1, 2024, the fee for a five-year membership went up from $100 to $120. This fee applies to both new applications and renewals. The fee remains non-refundable, even if you are not approved.
- Children Now Free: Along with the fee hike, CBP introduced a benefit for families: applicants under 18 years old are now free of charge if a parent or legal guardian is already a member (or applying at the same time). Previously, children had to pay the same fee as adults. Keep in mind: every child, regardless of age, must have their own Global Entry membership to use the Global Entry kiosks.
- New "Touchless" Global Entry kiosks: Technological upgrades are rolling out across airports. CBP introduced new Global Entry Touchless Portals that use biometric facial recognition to identify travelers, eliminating the old fingerprint scan and paper receipt process. The result is a faster, truly touch-free experience – you simply step up to a camera at the kiosk, get your photo taken, and receive on-screen confirmation to proceed.
- Global Entry Mobile App (coming soon): CBP has signaled that a Global Entry mobile app is in development. This app would allow members to "pre-validate" their arrival on a smartphone before reaching the inspection area. While not live yet as of early 2025, the app could eventually make the re-entry process even more efficient.
- Enrollment on Departure pilot: In addition to the well-known Enrollment on Arrival option, CBP launched a new pilot program called Enrollment on Departure at Washington Dulles (IAD) airport. This pilot lets conditionally approved Global Entry applicants complete their interview before an outbound international flight.
- New eligible countries: Global Entry has added more countries whose citizens can apply, including Croatia and the Dominican Republic in 2023. As of 2024, citizens of over a dozen countries can apply for Global Entry, including the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Colombia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and more.
In short, Global Entry's popularity has surged – CBP received a record number of applications (over 4 million) in FY2023 – and the agency is adapting with higher fees (to fund more staffing and technology), new conveniences, and broader eligibility.
Who Should Consider Global Entry?
Frequent International Travelers
If you take multiple international trips a year, Global Entry is practically a no-brainer. Customs lines can add hours to your travel time, whereas Global Entry often lets you clear customs in just a few minutes.
Occasional Travelers (1–3 Trips a Year)
If you only take one or two international trips annually, you might wonder if the $100 membership fee is worth it. However, Global Entry can quickly pay for itself in convenience—especially if you travel during peak holiday seasons.
First-Time International Travelers
If you're heading abroad for the first time, you might not be ready to invest in Global Entry just yet. That said, if you anticipate more international trips in the future or have a credit card that reimburses the application fee, Global Entry could be a worthwhile option.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Faster domestic security screening | Includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs processing |
| Cost | $78 for 5 years | $120 for 5 years |
| Best for | Primarily domestic travelers | International travelers |
| Application | Easier process, typically quicker to schedule | Slightly more involved application and interview |
| Kids Policy | Standard fee for all ages | Free for children under 18 with parent membership |
Real World Experiences
"I used Global Entry at JFK after an international flight. It took just eight minutes from the plane to the curb—totally worth every penny!"
"I only take two or three international trips each year, but having TSA PreCheck for domestic flights has made all my travel smoother. It's more than just customs."
How to Apply for Global Entry (Step by Step)
Applying for Global Entry involves an online application, a background check, and an in-person interview. Here's a step-by-step overview of the process in 2025:
1. Create a Trusted Traveler Account
All applications are handled through the Department of Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. You'll need to create a TTP account and fill out the Global Entry application online. This application will ask for detailed personal information, including documents, addresses, employment, travel history, and any criminal/arrest record. Be thorough and truthful – any discrepancies could lead to denial.
2. Pay the Application Fee
When submitting the application, you must pay the non-refundable fee (now $120 for a five-year membership). Payment is required upfront and covers the background processing and interview. Tip: Many travel-focused credit cards reimburse the Global Entry application fee (often as a statement credit up to $100). Check your card benefits – if you have a premium travel card (e.g., Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, etc.), you might effectively get Global Entry for free or at a discount.
3. Background Check & Conditional Approval
Once submitted, your application goes into CBP review. CBP will conduct a background check, checking law enforcement databases, your provided info, etc. If no red flags are found, you'll get "Conditional Approval" – essentially a notification that you've passed the initial screening and can move on to scheduling an interview. Conditional Approval is communicated via your TTP account (and email). Processing times vary widely (see the next section for details) - from days to several months.
4. Schedule and Complete an Interview
After conditional approval, you must have a brief in-person interview with a CBP officer at an official Global Entry Enrollment Center to finalize your enrollment. The interview is typically 10-15 minutes and involves verifying your documents, taking your photo and fingerprints, and answering a few basic questions. The challenge recently has been finding an available interview slot in a timely manner – some enrollment centers have backlogs of weeks or months for appointments. New slots are often released in batches; CBP now releases a batch of appointments at 9 a.m. ET on the first Monday of each month.
5. Enrollment on Arrival (alternative to interview scheduling)
If you're having trouble finding an interview slot or just want to get it done sooner, consider using Enrollment on Arrival (EoA). This program allows conditionally approved applicants to complete their Global Entry interview without an appointment when re-entering the U.S. from an international trip. It's offered at dozens of airports – basically, after you land and go through immigration, you follow signs to a special lane where an officer will interview you on the spot. Many travelers find this super convenient – you're already at the airport, so no separate trip to an enrollment center.
6. Final Approval and Known Traveler Number
At the interview (or after EoA), if all goes well, the officer will approve your Global Entry on the spot. Your Trusted Traveler account will update to show you as approved, and you'll be given a Known Traveler Number (KTN) (also called PASS ID). This is the number you will enter into airline reservations to get TSA PreCheck access. You will also receive a physical Global Entry ID card in the mail within 2-4 weeks after approval, but you do not need the card to use Global Entry at airports (your passport and fingerprints/face are the main identifiers).
How Long Does Global Entry Approval Take in 2025?
Official Processing Time
CBP officially states that application processing typically takes 4–6 months. This is the average time from submission to conditional approval. This timeframe cannot be expedited by calling or paying extra – you simply have to wait for the background checks to run their course.
Real-World Variability
In practice, the wait can be much shorter or much longer than the "4-6 months" window. Some lucky applicants get conditional approval in mere days. For example, one user in February 2025 was shocked to find their application was conditionally approved in under 48 hours. However, many others have experienced extensive waits well beyond 6 months. On Reddit's r/GlobalEntry forum, reports abound of delays: one applicant applied in February and was still pending at the end of July; another waited 7+ months while his spouse was approved in one day.
Backlog Improvements
The good news is CBP has been actively working to reduce wait times. They expanded staff and interview capacity, funded by the fee increase. By 2023, CBP reported having 150,000 interview slots open in the next 90 days nationwide, which was 3-5 times more than a couple years prior. Many major airports that used to have zero availability (like New York JFK, LAX, Miami) now have plenty of appointments open within weeks.
Tips to Speed Up the Global Entry Enrollment Process
Apply Well Before You Need It
Given the potential 6+ month processing times, you should apply at least 6–12 months before any international trip where you want to use Global Entry. If you even think you'll travel internationally in the next year, get the ball rolling now.
Take Advantage of Enrollment on Arrival
If you get conditional approval and have an international trip coming up, plan to do your interview when you return to the U.S. via Enrollment on Arrival. This can save weeks or months of waiting for a scheduled slot. Many travelers have reported smooth experiences with EoA.
Check for Appointments at Less Busy Centers
If your nearest airport enrollment center has no available times, consider checking other centers within a reasonable travel distance. Sometimes smaller airports or locations a bit further away have earlier openings.
Monitor Appointment Releases and Cancellations
CBP releases batches of new interview appointments on the first Monday of each month at 9am Eastern time. Set a reminder and try logging in at that time – you could snag a fresh slot. Also, frequently check for cancellations; people cancel and reschedule all the time.
Consider the Enrollment on Departure Pilot
If you are flying out of Washington Dulles and have conditional approval, inquire about Enrollment on Departure. As of 2025, IAD is the only airport with this option, but it could expand. This pilot essentially lets you do your Global Entry interview before leaving the country.
Alternatives to Consider
Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
This free app lets you complete your customs declaration on your phone, skipping the traditional paperwork. While it doesn't offer the same expedited experience as Global Entry, it's a solid, budget-friendly alternative.
TSA PreCheck Only
If most of your travel is domestic, consider TSA PreCheck alone. It's cheaper ($78 vs. $100) and requires fewer application steps.
Renewing Global Entry in 2025
For those who are already Global Entry members, here are some important points about renewals:
- Membership lasts 5 years: Your Global Entry expiration date is 5 years from your last birthday at the time of approval.
- When to renew: You can renew as early as one year before expiration. Don't procrastinate – it's wise to renew at the earliest opportunity. If you submit a renewal before your membership expires, you get a grace period extension of up to 24 months past your expiration date during which your benefits remain active.
- Renewal process: Renewals are done through the same TTP website – you'll log in, select the option to renew, update any information (address changes, new passports, etc.), and pay the fee (which is the same $120 as a new application). The renewal goes through background checks again, but in most cases no interview is required. CBP has automated much of the renewal vetting; in 2023, 96% of renewing members did not need to interview again.
- Card replacement: When you renew, if approved, you'll receive a new Global Entry ID card with a new expiration date. Remember to activate the new card in your account.
Is Global Entry Worth It in 2025?
With the higher fee and the sometimes long waits to get approved, you might wonder if Global Entry is still worth the trouble. For most frequent travelers, the answer is a resounding "Yes." The time saved and stress avoided at the airport can be enormous.
Travelers consistently praise the program once they have it. "Best $100 I ever spent," said one Global Entry member after breezing past a 3-hour immigration queue at O'Hare. Others echo that even at the new $120 price point, it pays for itself in a single trip where a missed connection is avoided or an hour-long wait is skipped. And if you get the fee covered by a credit card, it's a no-brainer.
Family travel is now more affordable with the new kids-free policy. If a parent has Global Entry, adding the kids (under 18) for free means the whole family can use the expedited lanes, making travel with children much less stressful.
If you qualify and travel internationally with any frequency, Global Entry remains a high-value investment in 2025. It can dramatically reduce your airport wait times and comes bundled with TSA PreCheck to ease your domestic travels too. Just be sure to apply well in advance of your travels and use the tips above to expedite the process where you can.
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