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.

This is an older thread.

Global Entry application wait times in 2025: How long does it take?

by Sean Cudahy
June 13, 2025

Wait times for a Global Entry interview are improving
Most applicants land a slot within 60 days
Big wave of members will soon be due to renew

It's been a frustrating few years for travelers applying to Global Entry, the fast-track airport service that helps passengers speed through passport control after an international flight.

First came the COVID-19 pandemic, which fueled a huge backlog of applicants waiting to schedule an in-person interview — a requirement to join the program, which is operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Then, an unprecedented wave of new travelers applied to join just as international travel demand surged.

But landing an appointment may be getting a little easier.

"The average time to enroll has really decreased across the board," Matt Davies, CBP executive director for admissibility and passengers programs, told TPG...

Complete article:

https://thepointsguy.com/news/...lication-wait-times/

This is an older thread.

I wanted to see what typical first time applications and renewal times are currently.

When I last renewed it took 7 months. For some reason I thought about it and tonight I set a reminder to renew in 2029 for my 2030 expiration. I always renew anything at the first available date so I am not waiting last minute.

This is an older thread



My Global Entry expired in March. I submitted renewal on Thursday night and got approved today. Less than two days is phenomenal turnaround especially given I accidentally let it expire.

We have Global Entry, but Mobile Passport Control appears to be a much simpler - and free - alternative.

Flying internationally? Here’s what you need to know about the Mobile Passport Control app

by Sean Cudahy
Jan. 21, 2026

Whether you're waiting for Global Entry approval or don't want to shell out $120 for an application fee, don't worry: There's still a convenient way to avoid the longest lines at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

CBP offers a service called Mobile Passport Control. It's been around for about a decade, but remains a relatively unknown option for travelers.

Best of all, it's fast, free and doesn't require a lengthy screening process or interview.

All you have to do to use the service is download an app, fill out some personal information, snap a selfie and then proceed to a designated (usually much shorter) line once you reach passport control...

Complete article:

https://thepointsguy.com/news/...-now-called-cbp-mpc/

If you're an infrequent international traveler, then the MPC app is fine. I took my parents on a Europe trip, I have GE but they do not, the MPC app had just came out, made sure they had it on their phones, got it prepped before the trip. Upon returning we go to our separate lines...half the GE kiosks were knocked-out thus a line, those few people who had the MPC app breezed-thru. The parents were giggling waiting for me on the other side.

GE has its advantage besides having TSA Pre-Check, you can get through Customs a bit faster.

Mrs. Lee is still a Chinese citizen and she just got Global Entry. I can't remember how long the wait time was for her interview, but I think it was around a month.

I just renewed my passport book and card tonight one year before it expires so we will see how long that takes.

I forgot to post exactly when I got my new passport, but took less than 30 days.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: StorminNormin,

Pleasantly surprised, submitted my renewal application on Wed and received approval this morning. No interview at all other than updating my address, two-days!