Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Protection program that speeds you through immigration on arrival from abroad using kiosks or the CBP app, and it includes TSA PreCheck. It costs about $120 for five years, needs an online application and an interview, and approval can take months.
Global Entry is aimed at international travelers. On arrival in the US you skip the regular immigration line and use a Global Entry kiosk or the CBP Home app, then go straight to baggage. Because it bundles TSA PreCheck, you also get the faster security lane on departures.
How to get it:
- Create a Trusted Traveler Programs account and apply online (fee around $120 for five years).
- Get conditional approval (can take weeks to many months).
- Complete an interview — either at an enrollment center or via Enrollment on Arrival when you next land from an international trip, which skips the appointment wait.
Worth knowing:
- Many premium travel credit cards reimburse the fee.
- Add your Known Traveler Number to every booking or the PreCheck benefit won’t appear.
- NEXUS (for Canada) and SENTRI (for Mexico) cost less and include the same US benefits if you can reach an enrollment center.
If you fly internationally even once a year, it’s usually the better buy over PreCheck alone.
Related questions
TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR — which one should I get?
Global Entry if you ever fly internationally (it includes PreCheck). PreCheck alone if you only fly domestically. CLEAR only if you fly a lot from airports where it operates and lines are long — it stacks with PreCheck but doesn't replace it. Full answer →
Is TSA PreCheck worth it?
If you fly two or more times a year from US airports, yes: shorter lines, shoes and laptops stay put, and many credit cards reimburse the fee. Global Entry costs slightly more and includes PreCheck plus faster US immigration — the better buy for international flyers. Full answer →
Do I need a visa to transit through an airport?
Depends on the country and your passport. Many hubs allow airside transit without a visa; the US, Canada and Australia require an ESTA/eTA/ETA even to transit; the UK requires a transit visa for some nationalities. Check before you book a connection. Full answer →
Airline, airport and government rules change without notice. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with the airline or authority for your specific trip. Request a correction if something is out of date.