How to apply for Global Entry: Tips for first-timers

by Caroline Tanner
Dec. 27, 2024

Of all the Trusted Traveler Programs, Global Entry is perhaps the least well known.

If you are unfamiliar with Global Entry, it gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad through automated kiosks at more than 75 airports.

How Global Entry works

Global Entry is most useful for frequent international travelers since it gives expedited clearance to those entering the U.S. from abroad.

Rather than waiting in the regular customs line with everyone else coming into the U.S., Global Entry members can enter through automated kiosks at 77 airports...

Complete article:

https://thepointsguy.com/news/...ly-for-global-entry/

I found out mine had lapsed coming back from an overseas trip while I was on said trip. Went on line at home, filled out the info, got an approval in a few days. I travel out of the country a couple of times a year, so it makes sense to have it. Some credit cards will refund you the cost as one of their perks.

This is an older thread.

Here's info on getting that hard-to-schedule interview. Depending on where you live and when you're traveling, it may be worth $29/month.

How to use Appointment Scanner to find a Global Entry interview

by Caroline Tanner
April 01, 2025

Global Entry, which gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad, is the most popular Trusted Traveler Program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with over 10 million members.

In theory, it's a straightforward process. Perhaps the biggest hurdle is the interview that first-time Global Entry applicants must schedule as the final step of the application process (some renewals may also be required).

Due to appointment availability, scheduling an interview within a reasonable time frame through U.S. Customs and Border Protection's online scheduling tool can be challenging. As such, you may want to consider an appointment finder service such as Appointment Scanner, which takes the legwork out of finding an appointment by doing it for you...

Complete article:

https://thepointsguy.com/trave...er-for-global-entry/

Planning is definitely key based on your place of residence and travel time.

My closest appointment center is 2 hours drive. I had to schedule my interview 3 months out and just finished mine in January.

I just used it last month and have to say it was very much worth the effort to acquire.

Cheers~

How long before they expire?

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
How long before they expire?

Five years. We had to drive to Chicago (ORD) for the first interview, when we renewed we did it by Zoom.

Filling out the form is a PITA, it's sort of like a security clearance form for DoD. If you live near a major international airport, you should have better luck with the initial appointment.

Global Entry includes TSA Pre-Check.

Short answer, “yes,” just a week or so ago. My wife’s was expired, she missed her birthday expiration date. Mine wasn’t, not until July. I couldn’t believe how fast the renewal was. We were notified that we were approved for renewal in just days. Wondered if we would get new cards at all, but they showed up just a couple days later.