Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Patrol program which allows “trusted travelers” to bypass the immigration line through a fast track lane when re-entering the United States at select airports. I have it myself and can not recommend it highly enough.

Before describing my experience with it and why I think everyone should get it, first let’s discuss the application process. It is straightforward, but a bit involved. To start, you complete an application at the US Border Patrol and Customs website and pay the $100 fee.  Assuming  you are approved, you will not apply again for 5 years! Another big perk to being approved is you also will have TSA pre√. Pre√ approval means access to expedited, more efficient screening when going through domestic US security. Okay, so back to the application.  It takes about 30 minutes to fill out and asks things like, what countries have you visited in the last 10 years, previous addresses in the US, etc.   After it is submitted, I knew in about a week I was approved for the second phase, which is an interview.

The interview can be complicated – but not because of the questions, but the location.  I live in Idaho and the nearest locations to interview are Salt Lake City, Portland, and Seattle.  The interviews are conducted at airports with international flights or border crossings.  What we did was planned a weekend in the Salt Lake area, which for us meant a visit to my brother in law.  If you don’t have family to visit, make a fun weekend out of wherever is closest or works well for your situation.

The interview was straightforward.  I was called back to an agent’s desk and for about 5 minutes he asked me questions, some about my answers on the application, some general questions like why did we pick SLC for the interview (since we live in Idaho).  I was fingerprinted, had my picture taken, and all was done!

The real fun is when you first get to try out your new status of being Global Entry approved.  I remember it so clearly the first time I went through.  I was coming off a flight from Frankfurt into O’hare.  It was late afternoon and I was tired.  The immigration line was long.  I walked right up the kiosk, put in my information, and was done.  It was almost too good to be true!

To me, this program is a no brainer.  If you think there is a chance you will go international in the next five years, apply for approval.  Pre√ alone is an $85 fee.  You might as well pay an extra $15 and get fast track through immigration in addition.  It is a fantastic program and I highly recommend it!