Upon returning from a flight from St. Kitts into New York one summer day, my life changed. I waited nearly an hour to get through immigration while watching others zoom by using Global Entry Kiosks. I set out on a mission to make sure that the next time I traveled internationally, I would be returning using my Global Entry.
“ Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport.”
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Global Entry is a fast-track immigration program. Once arriving in the United States you are directed to a Global Entry kiosk, which gives you a receipt that you can give to Border patrol before you enter baggage claim. While at the kiosk, you just scan your passport, take your fingerprint and complete the customs declaration form and you’re on your way.
How to apply for Global Entry
1. Apply online by registering and paying a one-time $100 dollar application fee where you would receive a response by email within 15 minutes. There is a chance you might get denied in which the fee is non-refundable.
2. Schedule an interview. Once conditionally approved by email within 10 days or less, log into your GOES account and schedule a time at a local Global Entry Enrollment Center.
3. Interview. At the enrollment center, a Customs and Border Protection officer will ask you a series of questions, fingerprint you and take a photo and also teach you how to use the Global Entry Kiosk.
Tip: You will need your passport and one other government or state issued Id for this interview.
Once approved, you will receive your card with your trusted traveler number that is good for 5 years.
Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any parties mentioned. None of the entities mentioned has reviewed, approved or endorsed the content listed in this post.
