There are so many programs for travelers it can be confusing to know where to begin. Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, SENTRI, NEXUS, and more. That being said, which one do you need? Which one should you choose? For example, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck so it wouldn’t be advised to apply for both. Instead, spend the extra $15 and go directly to Global Entry. Moreover, so many people confuse the benefits each program offers. Today we demystify Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and explain what may be right for you.
The Trusted Traveler Programs (Global Entry, TSA Pre✓®, SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST) are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of pre-approved travelers. All applicants are vetted to ensure that they meet the qualifications for the program to which they are applying. Receiving a “Best Match” or program recommendation based on eligibility or travel habits, however, does not guarantee acceptance into any of the Trusted Traveler programs.
Firstly, why Global Entry? Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.
Global Entry is CBP’s flagship Trusted Traveler Program and it is currently available at 53 U.S. airports and 15 Preclearance locations, Global Entry streamlines the international arrivals process at airports for trusted travelers.
“Global Entry members benefit from a speedy entry into the U.S.,” said CBP Port Director Richard Mendez. “With over 1 million travelers being processed by CBP officers each day, this innovative approach has eased travel times for the more than 5 million members currently enrolled.”
Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. legal permanent residents as well as citizens of certain countries with which CBP has trusted traveler arrangements, including Argentina, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Canadian citizens and residents enrolled in NEXUS may also use the Global Entry kiosks.
Benefits of becoming a Global Entry member include:
- Global Entry membership can be accessed at many of the leading U.S. airports;
- Expedited processing(kiosk usage can take as little as 45 seconds;
- No minimum number of international trips required to qualify for the Global Entry program;
- No paperwork (no customs declaration form).
More than 5 million Global Entry members bypass traditional CBP inspection lines and use an automated kiosk to complete their admission to the United States. As an added benefit, Global Entry provides access to the TSA Pre✓™ expedited screening program. Furthermore, Global Entry members can use their membership number as a “known traveler number” in airline reservations to receive TSA Pre✓™ benefits.
Another great offering is, if applicants are unable to reach an enrollment center before their international departure, they may benefit from an Enrollment on Arrival opportunity. Enrollment on Arrival allows conditionally approved applicants to complete their required CBP interview when they arrive in the United States. This interview eliminates the need for a Global Entry applicant to visit an enrollment center to complete the application process.
Travelers should know that, when landing in an international terminal with the Enrollment on Arrival program, follow the signage to CBP officers who can complete the Global Entry interview during the admissibility inspection. Applicants will not need any additional documents other than their passports.
Be advised,while Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.
Global Entry Benefits
- $100 every five years.
- Reduced wait times with self-service kiosks or E-Gates using facial comparison technologies.
- No paperwork to be filled out by passengers upon entry
- Includes TSA Pre✓®
- No need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets
- Expedited security screening. Most travelers get through Security in 5 minutes or less.
- Enjoy benefits at more than 200 airports within the U.S on over 60 participating airlines.
- Children under 12 may accompany a parent/guardian with TSA Pre✓® in the designated lanes.
Global Entry program members can use Global Entry Customs Kiosks at more than 75 airports when returning to the U.S. from travel abroad. Visit the CBP website to find out how to apply for Global Entry. Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.
With a better understanding of Global Entry, let’s discuss TSA PreCheck. What is TSA PreCheck? TSA PreCheck offers a smoother screening process – no need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, food, or light jackets. However, TSA PreCheck does not focus as specifically on international travel or re-entry, rather on convenience at the screening gates. Additionally, TSA PreCheck travelers may add their Known Traveler Number to airline reservations to enjoy a faster, more seamless screening. For all current members, TSA PreCheck® will continue to be valid for five years. New enrollment providers may choose to offer enrollment periods of less than 5 years for new applicants or when individuals renew.
In a nutshell, TSA Pre✓® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports costs $85. Just like Global Entry, Travleers can apply for the TSA Pre✓® Application Program to determine if they are low-risk and eligible to receive expedited screening.
TSA PreCheckBenefits
- $85 every five years.
- No need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets.
- Expedited security screening. Most travelers get through Security in 5 minutes or less.
- Enjoy benefits at more than 200 airports within the U.S on over 60 participating airlines.
- Children under 12 may accompany a parent/guardian with TSA Pre✓® in the designated lanes.
Keep in mind, TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.
US Customs and Border Protection “Global Entry Kiosk.” Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security, 10 Oct. 2016, www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/u422/9510548912_dcadf5b7d5_h.jpg.
US Department of. Homeland Security Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security, 4 Oct. 2018, www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/doh-piwv4aucfyj.jpg.
|
|
