SKIP THE LINES WITH GLOBAL ENTRY
At least that’s been our happy experience. My husband, Rod, and I travel at least 2 or 3 times a year, both domestically and internationally. We had initially discussed enrolling in the TSA PreCheck program, but since we do international travel, we decided to take it one step further – Global Entry.
TSA PreCheck v. GLOBAL ENTRY
TSA PreCheck is a program designed to save time primarily for domestic travelers. It is strictly for traveling by air and is only available at U.S. airport security screenings. To be eligible you must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. lawful permanent resident. The price for enrollment is $78 for a 5-year membership (2025 initial application / $70 renewal fee online). You’ve seen the lines at security. With TSA PreCheck you can speed through those lines because you don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. Once you have submitted your application, passed your background check, completed your interview and fingerprinting, and have been approved, all you will have to do is add your Known Traveler Number to the passenger information when purchasing your ticket and enjoy!
However, Global Entry (a U.S. Customs & Border Protection program) goes one step further by providing expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers upon their arrival into the United States by air, land, and sea. Before you can be enrolled in the program, similar to the TSA PreCheck, applicants must undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview. All this starts with an online application and a $120 non-refundable fee. Global Entry is available to eligible U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals. Once you have been approved, your membership is good for 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck privileges, as well as speeds up your re-entry into the U.S.
DON’T WANT TO PAY THE FEES? HOW ABOUT MPC?
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free app authorized by U.S. Customs & Border Protection which allows U.S. citizens, as well as lawful permanent residents, Canadian travelers entering with a B1 (business) visa or B2 (tourism) visa, and returning Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers to speed up their entry back into the U.S. Using MPC allows travelers to enter the pertinent information through the app and avoid filling out paper customs declaration forms, significantly reducing wait times in lines.
Once you’ve downloaded the app to your phone, all you need to do is create a profile by entering your passport information and personal details with a selfie. When you land at your destination, you can complete your customs declaration through the app all while taxiing to your airport gate. Once completed, you will receive a QR code to present to the CBP officer in the designated MPC line, and you are on your way.
What you choose to use for re-entry into the U.S. is completely up to you, but I personally feel Global Entry has the fastest lines and has been a great investment for me over the years. Remember, if you choose Global Entry, you don’t need to worry about MPC or TSA Pre-check on top of it. You will be covered with GE.