Swipe it at a kiosk? Is that all? This suggests it's so simple a cavemen could do it:

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/defa...entry-info-guide.pdf

We're using it for the first time in a month, flying United into ORD from Hong Kong.

We have the passports, do we also need the ID cards they issued?

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

I always have my ID card with my passport, but have never needed it at the kiosks that I can remember. And yes, it is just as easy as they say. Cleared customs in MIA in less than 5 minutes last time (including waiting in line for a kiosk behind a bunch of flight crew).

-Rob

Scan passport, smile for a picture, finger on the scanner for prints, grab print out and hand to the customs agent.

Really is easy.

You do not need your GE identification. CBP has already identified your passport as a GE holder. Your frequent flier number (hopefully you entered that) will also have that information.

Go past lines and walk-up to kiosk.
Scan passport.
Answer four questions.
Take picture.
Take finger print.
Take receipt.
Pick-up luggage.
Proceed to customs officer and hand over the receipt.

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

But, don't make any mistakes about prohibited items, like fruit or cheeses in your luggage. Be very careful about customs declarations or else.

quote:

Originally posted by Dresden:
But, don't make any mistakes about prohibited items, like fruit or cheeses in your luggage. Be very careful about customs declarations or else.

Or else? I have no idea what you're going on about.

And yes, coming through global entry is that easy.

The CBP officer that did my interview told me that you won't ever need the ID card again, in fact if you forget to enter in you Known Traveler Number when you buy your tickets or it doesn't print TSA Pre on your boarding pass it will not allow you to go through the Pre-check line.

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:
Or else? I have no idea what you're going on about.

And yes, coming through global entry is that easy.

I think the information on the website says (or used to say) they can pull your GE status if you fail to declare and are caught.

How much does it cost to enroll?

$100 one time application fee and you need to schedule and "interview". Good for 5 years then renew. I think renewal is free.
My frequent flyer program paid my 100 fee for me.
It is a great program as you get TSA Precheck on domestic flight with Global Entry. Worth the price of admission there. It is excellent for custom clearance when coming back into the US assuming you are carrying your suitcase. Otherwise it just gets you first to baggage claim to wait for your bag.

quote:

Originally posted by cne32507:
How much does it cost to enroll?

$100 good for 5-years. Gives you TSA Pre-Check privileges for domestic travel.
If you apply and get a high-end travel credit card (Chase Reserve, Amex Platinum, etc..) or, certain airline credit cards, they'll reimburse that cost as apart of their benefits.
The online process and preliminary approval is easy, the hang-up has been scheduling an interview with a CBP agent. At least our here, interviews are taking about 6-months time from online approval and interview scheduling to actually sitting down with CBP officer. You can go to any international port of entry for the interview (I flew a cheap Las Vegas flight for mine, it was 3-months earlier than any local availability), you just need to schedule it in advance via their website.


For those traveling abroad returning to SFO, IAH, HOU, AUS, and YVR, there's a new, very fast way that CBP has rolled-out to get Global Entry.
How to get Global Entry faster

CBP Launches Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival at 5 International Airports

well worth it as I travel internationally quite often. Precheck is also very useful and makes going through TSA security a lot less painful. I wish I hadn't waited so long before I had
gotten mine.

global entry is zero tolerance

you make a mistake they will pull the card and you can't get it back

Bada bing, bada boom. It was a snap (just like SF told me!).

Flew into ORD from HKG yesterday afternoon, easily found the MANY scanning machines, and then breezed thru Customs.

I highly recommend Global Entry (which includes PreCheck) at $100 for five years.