Free Guide to Using Your Global Entry Card

What Is Global Entry and How Does It Work

Global Entry is a U.S. government program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that lets pre-screened travelers move through airport security and customs faster when returning to the United States. The program costs $100 for five years, which works out to about $20 per year. When you travel internationally and return home, instead of waiting in long lines with all other passengers, Global Entry members can use dedicated kiosks at U.S. airports to process their entry more quickly.

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The program works through biometric technology. When you use a Global Entry kiosk, you scan your fingerprints and face using machines that verify your identity. The kiosk scans your passport and compares your information to CBP databases. If everything matches, the kiosk prints a receipt. A CBP officer then reviews your receipt and may ask you questions about your trip—or may simply wave you through. This entire process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes, compared to 30 minutes to over an hour in standard customs lines during busy travel periods.

Global Entry also includes the TSA PreCheck program at no extra charge. This program lets you go through faster security screening at domestic U.S. airports. You can leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. You can keep your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag. You use a dedicated screening lane that moves considerably faster than regular security lines. During peak travel times, this can save 15 to 20 minutes per airport visit.

As of 2024, over 13 million people hold active Global Entry memberships. The program operates at more than 50 U.S. airports. You can also use Global Entry at certain ports of entry when arriving by car, boat, or train. The program is particularly valuable for frequent international travelers, military families returning from overseas, and people who travel internationally multiple times per year.

Practical Takeaway: Global Entry combines two programs—faster customs processing when returning to the U.S., and faster security screening at domestic U.S. airports through TSA PreCheck. The five-year membership costs $100 and is most valuable if you travel internationally at least twice per year.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Using a Global Entry Kiosk at Customs

When you land at a U.S. airport and walk into the baggage claim area, you'll see signs pointing to Global Entry kiosks. These are self-service machines located in the customs hall. The kiosks are typically arranged in rows and look like tall gray or blue boxes with a screen and a scanner. Follow these steps to use one:

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Step 1: Locate a Kiosk Walk toward the baggage claim area and look for signs marked "Global Entry" or "Automated Passport Control." CBP staff members are usually posted nearby and can point you to the machines if you cannot find them. Kiosks are available in most baggage claim halls, but some smaller airports may not have them.

Step 2: Insert Your Passport Approach an empty kiosk and insert your passport into the slot marked for documents. The machine will scan your passport and pull up your information on the screen. Make sure you insert it with the biographical page facing the same direction as any arrows on the machine indicate.

Step 3: Answer the Customs Declaration Questions The screen will ask you a series of questions about your trip. These questions are standard customs questions: Where did you travel? What is the purpose of your trip? Are you bringing back any food, plants, animals, or merchandise? Are you bringing back more than $10,000 in currency? Do you have any prohibited items? Answer honestly and directly. The system is designed to be straightforward—most questions require simple yes or no answers.

Step 4: Provide Biometric Information The kiosk will prompt you to place your fingers on a fingerprint scanner. Press all 10 fingers firmly and hold them there for a few seconds. The machine will beep when it has successfully captured your fingerprints. Some kiosks also have a facial recognition camera. Look directly at the camera when prompted. The system is designed to work with most people's biometric data—if your fingerprints don't scan clearly the first time, try again or ask a CBP officer for assistance.

Step 5: Review Your Information The screen will display a summary of your trip information and answers. Review everything carefully. If something is incorrect, use the screen's menu to go back and correct it. This is your last chance to make changes before submitting.

Step 6: Receive Your Receipt Once you confirm your information is correct, the kiosk will print a receipt. This receipt is important—do not discard it. It contains a barcode that CBP officers will scan at the inspection desk.

Step 7: Proceed to CBP Officer Take your receipt and passport to the CBP inspection desk. You may need to wait briefly, but Global Entry members typically have a separate, shorter line. Hand your receipt and passport to the officer. The officer will scan your barcode, review your information on their computer, and may ask you follow-up questions about your trip. The questions might include what you purchased, where you stayed, or details about people you visited. Answer these questions directly and honestly.

Step 8: Collect Your Baggage After the CBP officer approves your entry, you'll proceed to baggage claim to collect your luggage. You can now claim your bags and exit the airport as you normally would.

Practical Takeaway: Using a Global Entry kiosk takes roughly five to eight minutes and requires you to insert your passport, answer customs questions on a screen, scan your fingerprints, review the information, get a receipt, and present it to a CBP officer. The entire process is designed to be straightforward, and kiosk machines are available in most major U.S. airports.

TSA PreCheck: Using Global Entry for Domestic Airport Security

One major benefit of Global Entry membership that many people overlook is the included TSA PreCheck benefit. TSA PreCheck is a separate program that operates at U.S. domestic airports. When you have Global Entry, you automatically get TSA PreCheck access at no additional charge. This means when you travel on domestic flights within the United States, you can use a dedicated PreCheck security lane at the airport.

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To use TSA PreCheck at a domestic airport, proceed to security screening as you normally would. However, instead of going to a regular security line, look for a lane clearly marked "TSA PreCheck" or "PreCheck." CBP officers or TSA staff members usually stand near security entrances and can direct you to the correct lane. When you enter the PreCheck lane, you can leave your shoes on, keep your belt on, and leave your light jacket on. You do not need to remove your laptop computer from your bag. You can leave your bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on luggage—you do not need to place it in a separate bin.

The PreCheck screening process moves faster because TSA has already screened you during the Global Entry background review process. The agency determined that you pose a lower security risk and therefore does not need to conduct the same intensive screening as other passengers. In 2023, TSA PreCheck users spent an average of 5 to 10 minutes in security screening, compared to 20 to 40 minutes for regular security lines during peak times. During busy travel periods like holidays, the time savings can be even more dramatic.

TSA PreCheck operates at over 200 U.S. airports. You can find a complete list of participating airports on the official TSA website. Not every lane at an airport is a PreCheck lane—PreCheck lanes are specifically designated. If you cannot find a PreCheck lane at a smaller airport, ask a TSA officer. Some airports have limited PreCheck screening availability during off-peak hours.

One important note: TSA PreCheck does not affect international travel security screening. When you travel to another country, you go through standard international security screening, which is more intensive than domestic screening. However, when you return to the United States from international travel, you use your Global Entry card for customs processing, not TSA PreCheck.

Practical Takeaway: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which allows you to use a faster security lane at 200+ U.S.