Thinking about applying for Global Entry? In this post, I’ll break down exactly how it works, how you can get the $120 application fee covered with the right credit card, and what you need to know about Global Entry for kids. I’ll also help you answer the big question: Is Global Entry worth it for your family?
If you’re planning any international travel soon, Global Entry could be one of the best ways to make your airport experience faster, easier, and way less stressful — especially when you’re traveling with little ones. After a long international flight, landing back in the U.S. should feel like a huge relief. But for a lot of travelers, it’s just the start of another long wait. At busy airports like JFK, LAX, or Chicago O’Hare, immigration lines can easily stretch over an hour — and if you’re juggling tired kids and heavy bags, that wait feels even longer.
That’s exactly why our family started looking for a better way to get through immigration. And that’s when we found Global Entry — a program that lets you skip the lines and get through customs much faster. Ready to find out if it’s right for you? Let’s dive in!
*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products and services I genuinely use and love. For more, see my Disclaimer Policy.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a program that helps travelers get through U.S. immigration faster and with less stress. Once you’re approved, you can skip the regular lines and use a special kiosk instead. It’s quick, easy, and saves you time, especially at busy airports like New York or Los Angels.
With Global Entry, you can breeze through in just a few minutes. It’s a huge help after a long flight, and ever more so if you’re traveling with kids. For our family, it’s made arriving in the U.S. so much smoother. We only wish we had signed up sooner!
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck: A Bonus You’ll Love
One of the best things about Global Entry is that it automatically includes TSA PreCheck, which makes domestic travel easier, too!
With TSA PreCheck you can:
Especially for families, this can make a huge difference at the airport. Less unpacking, less stress, and much happier kids!
Who is Global Entry for?
Global Entry is available to:
Some of these countries include Japan, the U.K., Germany, South Korea, and others.
Things to know before using Global Entry
You Still Need a Valid Visa or ESTA
Global Entry is a program that helps you speed up the immigration process but it doesn’t replace a visa or travel authorization.
So even if your Global Entry application is approved, you still need a valid visa or ESTA to enter the United States. Make sure your travel documents are in order before your trip!
Global Entry for Families: Can Kids and Minors Apply?
Yes, Global Entry is a great option for families but there are few important things to keep in mind.
Every member of your family including babies and toddlers needs their own Global Entry membership. Yes, even the littlest travelers need to apply separately.
Here’s what’s required for Global Entry fro minors:
Good News: No Application Fee for Kids
As of October 1, 2024, the $120 application fee is waved for minors under 18, as long as their parent or legal guardian is already enrolled in a Trusted Traveler Program (such as Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS).
Even if your application is still pending or conditionally approved, your child’s fee will still be waived. That means families can now sign up their little travelers without paying anything extra making Global Entry even more accessible and family-friendly.
And since TSA PreCheck is included with Global Entry, the whole airport experience gets easier as well. From check-in to security to landing at your destination, everything feels a little smoother especially with young kids in tow.
How to Apply for Global Entry: Step-by-step
Applying for Global Entry might seem complicated, but it’s actually quite simple when you break it down. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Create a TTP (Trusted Travelers Programs) Account
Start by visiting the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. Each person applying including kids needs their own account.
Step 2: Fill Out the Global Entry Application
After creating your account, complete the online application. You’ll need to enter:
Tip: Parents should create an account first, to have a pending application, which can then waive the fee for the children
Step 3: Pay the $120 Application Fee
At the end of the application, you’ll pay a non-refundable fee of $120 for the adult applications. This covers 5 years of Global Entry membership. Don’t worry! I will show you how to get this fee reimbursed with certain credit cards!
Step 4: Get Conditional Approval & Choose How to Do your Interview
After you submit your Global Entry application, you’ll need to wait for conditional approval. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks. Once approved, you’ll get an email letting you know it’s time for the next step: the interview.
Now you have two options for how and where to complete it:
Option 1: Schedule an interview at an Enrollment Center
You can log into your TTP account and book a time at a nearby Enrollment Center. These are often located at:
Tip: Appointments fill up fast! Check frequently especially early mornings or weekdays for cancellations.
Option 2: Do Your Interview While Traveling (No Appointment Needed)
If you’re planning an international trip soon, you can skip scheduling and do your interview at the airport:
Step 5: What to Expect at Your Interview
Once you’re conditionally approved, the final step is to complete a short in-person interview. Don’t worry! It’s quick and straightforward! Here’s what to expect
That’s it! After the interview, many people are approved right away or within a few days.
Step 6: Get Approved and Receive Your Card
In some cases, you’ll be approved right after your interview! If not, approval usually comes within a few days. You’ll get your Global Entry card by mail within about 7-10 days.
How Long Does Global Entry Last?
Once you’re approved, your Global Entry membership is valid for five full years. So if you get approved in April 2025, you’re good to go until April 2030. During that time, you’ll be able to breeze through customs using the Global Entry kiosks whenever you return to the U.S. And Yes, you’ll still get to take advantage of TSA PreCheck for faster airport security too.
How to Renew?
The good news? You can renew your membership up to a year before it expires, so you don’t have to wait until the last minute. Just head over to the TTP website and follow the steps. It’s pretty similar to the first time you applied.
What is a Known Traveler Number (KTN)?
When your Global Entry application is approved, you’ll be assigned a Know Traveler Number (KTN). This number is the key to unlocking TSA PreCheck benefits when you fly! Just enter your KTN when you booking flights or add it to your frequent flyer profiles to access faster, easier airport security lines.
Which Credit Cards Cover the Global Entry Fee?
Good news: Many U.S. credit cards will reimburse the $120 Global Entry application fee as a built-in perk! When you use one of these cards to pay the fee, you’ll receive a statement credit—usually within a few weeks—no extra steps needed.
Here are some of the most popular options:
American Express
*Each Amex Card account is eligible for one (1) statement credit for Global Entry every 4 years, or for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years.
Chase
*Each Chase Card account is eligible for one (1) statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years.
Capital One
Eligible Capital One cards will reimburse you up to $120 for your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application every four years.
*Before you apply for a credit card, don’t forget to check the official website for the latest information. Benefits and terms may change at any time.
Top Pick: United Explorer Card
The United Explorer Card is a great fit for family travelers, offering no annual fee for the first year and valuable perks like a free checked bag, two United Club passes, and up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. It’s a smart way to enjoy extra comfort and savings on your next trip.
If you’re looking for a card that’s family-friendly and budget-conscious, the United Explorer Card is our personal favorite and here’s why:
It really feels like a nice bonus just for signing up. We used this card to cover one Global Entry application, and it worked exactly as promised! The $120 fee was fully reimbursed with no extra steps. If you’re applying as a family, having more than one eligible card can make a big difference!
Quick Tip: If you already have one of these credit cards ( or are thinking of getting one), check your benefits section or call customer service to confirm you’re eligible for the Global Entry credit.
Is Global Entry Worth it?
If you’re tired of long immigration lines and crowded security checkpoints, Global Entry can be a total game-changer. It makes international travel smoother, less stressful, and just plain easier — especially when you’re traveling with little ones. One of the best parts? If you have the right credit card, you can get the $120 application fee reimbursed, making this helpful program even more accessible. Even if you only travel abroad once a year, the time and energy you save with Global Entry can be well worth it. After a long flight, that “finally home!” feeling without the wait is absolutely priceless. It’s especially helpful for families who just want to get through the airport quickly and head home to relax. If you’ve been wondering whether Global Entry is right for you, I hope this post gave you a clearer idea of how it works — and maybe even made your next trip feel a little easier to plan.
Got Questions?
Drop your questions in the comments or DM me on Instagram! And if this article helped you, share it with your fellow travelers or save it for your next trip! Follow me on Instagram for more travel tips, family-friendly airport hacks, and real-life travel and camping stories from our adventures!
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8 thoughts on “How Global Entry works: A complete Guide for Families”
大変有効な情報ありがとうございます😊
嬉しいお言葉ありがとうございます！これからも役立つ情報を沢山シェアしていきたいと思います。また、ぜひ見に来てください(^ ^)
ブログを読ませていただいてアメリカにとっても興味を持ち、今まで以上に頻繁に行きたいと思うようになりました。
それでグローバルエントリーに興味を持ちました。
英語が苦手なのですが、アカウントの作成やオンライン申請書の記入の仕方など、順番に細かく教えていただく事は可能でしょうか。
よろしくお願い致します。
鈴木様 コメントありがとうございます！
グローバルエントリーに興味を持っていただけたとのこと、とても嬉しいです😊
アカウント作成や申請方法については、「英語が苦手な方でも安心して申請できるように」画像付きで丁寧に解説する記事を作りたいと考えています！
ただ、他の記事の準備も進めているため、すぐの公開は難しいかもしれません。なるべく早くお届けできるようにがんばります!
トモさん！
返信ありがとうございます。
毎日お忙しいと思っていたのでまさか返信がいただけるとは！！！
とっても嬉しいです！ありがとうございます。
トモさんの記事を読んで興味を持ち、10月末にJFKに行くのでチャレンジしたいと思っています。
もし落ちてもまた来年チャレンジしてみようと思いました。
チャレンジしようという興味や精神、冒険心を思いださせてくださる記事をいつもありがとうございます。
お身体大切になさってください。
応援しています！
鈴木さん
嬉しいメッセージ、どうもありがとうございます！
グローバルエントリー、スムーズに申請ができますように🙏
家族と共にアメリカに赴任をしている日本国籍の者です。現在子供のグローバルエントリーを申請しようとしているのですが、CBPのサイトで申請を試みたものの申請ができない状況です。恐らく以下の記載の通り、子どもの年齢が１４歳に満たないためと考えているのですが、本ブログにて、未成年であっても申請可能であり、かつ、その未成年者の申請料$120は免除される旨が記載されていましたので、質問をさせて頂きたくコメントさせて頂きました。14歳未満でも申請ができるのであれば、その申請方法を教えて頂けませんでしょうか？通常通り、CBPのサイトからアカウント作成して申請をしたものの、Select a Programでグローバルエントリーが表示されず、申請できない状況です。よろしくお願いします。
Submit a Global Entry application on the TTP website and pay the non-refundable application processing fee, if applicable (there is no application fee for applicants 14-17 years of age whose parent or legal guardian is a TTP member or pending member). Your application will be vetted by the competent authorities of the United States of America and Japan to assess whether your application is deemed eligible. Applicants must be at least 14 years of age without any previous conviction records. Japanese applicants under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to participate in the program.
海外赴任者さま こんにちは。コメントありがとうございます！
ご質問の件ですが、日本国籍の14歳未満の方は、現在の制度上グローバルエントリーを申請できないため、選択肢にも表示されない仕様となっています。記事内にもその点は明記しております。
アメリカ国籍やグリーンカード（永住権）保持者の場合は年齢に関係なく申請できますが、日本国籍の方は14歳以上であることが条件のようです。
未成年でも申請できるのは、米国市民権または永住権を持っている方に限られます。わかりにくくて申し訳ありません。