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

A classically trained journalist, Caroline Tanner covers news and travel for TPG. She is a dual-journalism graduate of Mizzou and Northwestern.

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As a reporter for TPG, I've written about Global Entry and other expedited security programs, including TSA PreCheck and Clear, which enable travelers to pass through the security and customs process at airports as quickly as possible. Although I've had TSA PreCheck since 2016, I delayed applying for Global Entry until this week.

Before joining TPG, I would travel abroad a few times per year. However, I didn't think Global Entry was necessary, as I only ever experienced extremely long wait times in the customs line when I lived in New York and routinely flew back to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Waiting in a short line with the rest of the non-Global Entry users at other airports, namely Dulles International Airport (IAD) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD), never seemed like too much of an inconvenience, even though I may have briefly felt annoyed in the moment. Of course, I was lucky as lines at those airports can get very long as well.

My perspective as a traveler has changed significantly since becoming a travel reporter. I've learned to travel smarter with tools like TSA PreCheck and Clear.

After having TSA PreCheck for six years and Clear for 10 months, I've seen firsthand how helpful these programs can be, so much so that I would never want to travel without them again.

Despite this, I had to travel without the help of either program in April, when I flew French bee to Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Because I was flying internationally, I aimed to get to LAX three hours ahead of my flight, but that plan was derailed when it took my Uber driver 30 minutes to arrive. That, plus a 45-minute drive to the airport, resulted in me arriving at the airport behind schedule, and the cherry on top was realizing that French bee does not participate in TSA PreCheck and that there was no Clear lane at Terminal B. This led to me waiting in line, while sweating profusely, for almost an hour, concerned about missing my flight.

Even though I largely travel on airlines and at airports that have both programs, I always glance at the regular TSA security line and shake my head every time at the long line of people about to go through the hassle of taking off their shoes and removing their electronics and laptops to put on the conveyer belt, before saying silently to myself, "This is why you have TSA PreCheck and Clear." Particularly since I only travel with a carry-on, my backpack is always stuffed full, requiring me to take out all of my toiletries to get to my laptop.

The anxiety I no longer feel in knowing that I have both TSA PreCheck and Clear and therefore will not have to go through the stress (or sweat) of waiting in line, emptying my backpack or being concerned about missing my flight is priceless to me and puts me in a good mood from the start.

I suspect a similar sense of comfort will come from having Global Entry.

As more countries continue to welcome back visitors, I am traveling more internationally, including to Asia, which I'll be visiting for the first time this fall. Although I'm unsure whether I will be approved to use Global Entry by that time, I applied for the program so I can hopefully use it for the trip.

Here's what I've learned about the application process so far.

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What is Global Entry, and how do you use it?

My increased international travel is what led me to apply for Global Entry, which gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival to the U.S. from abroad.

Rather than wait in the regular customs line with everyone else coming into the U.S., Global Entry members enter through automated kiosks at 53 airports.

Traditionally, users present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, sometimes place their fingers on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk will then print a receipt that Global Entry members give to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer before exiting the baggage claim area.

As of July, CBP has implemented facial biometric paperless kiosks for Global Entry lanes at 10 airports, meaning travelers will no longer receive a paper receipt but rather proceed to the verification stage after facial scanning.

Whether you enter via a Global Entry lane that is paperless or a traditional queue, you'll save time by eliminating the need to fill out some paperwork or wait in long lines, which is the last thing anyone wants to do after returning home from overseas. Global Entry can literally save you hours.

When should you apply for Global Entry?

As previously mentioned, I hope to use Global Entry for the first time later this year when I return to O'Hare from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). CBP currently says Global Entry applications can take at least 90 days to process, so try to apply at least six months before your next international trip to avoid any issues with your application being processed before your departure date.

Although I am already a TSA PreCheck member, you don't need to apply for that Trusted Traveler Program if you're enrolling in Global Entry first, as it includes access to TSA PreCheck.

You can still apply for TSA PreCheck (which you'll typically be approved for three to five days after submitting your application, according to the Transportation Security Administration) first if you don't have any international travel plans coming up but will be taking domestic flights in the next six months.

Know, though, that doing this will require paying both the $85 TSA PreCheck fee and the $100 Global Entry fee. You will not be reimbursed for TSA PreCheck after your Global Entry membership is approved (unless you have certain credit cards).

What is the online application process like?

If you decide to apply, take comfort in the fact that the online application is very straightforward. Although it asks for a substantial amount of information, it's fairly easy to go through the process of submitting everything.

You'll be able to start, save and resume your application, so you can complete it in the way that works best for you. Just be sure to set aside at least 30 minutes if you want to complete the application all in one sitting.

To begin, head to ttp.dhs.gov and click on the "Get Started" button for the Global Entry application. Then, log in to your Trusted Traveler Program account. If you are applying for a TTP for the first time, you'll have to set up a new account.

After a few processing steps, start the nine-part application process by entering basic identifying information, including your full name (as it appears on your passport and driver's license), height and eye color.

From there, you'll need to verify that you are a U.S. citizen via your passport, along with your driver's license information. If you are planning on using Global Entry to drive into the U.S. via a land border, you would also register your vehicle at this point.

The application didn't take much time until steps five and six, which ask you to verify each address and job you've held since August 2017. Since I've had six residences and several jobs since then, these steps required a bit more effort on my part.

Fortunately, I've had to enter this information for other applications, including TSA PreCheck, so I had it stored in the Notes app on my phone. If this is your first time entering this information online, I would recommend compiling and saving it for future use.