Written on 9^th June 2017

TSA PreCheck & Global Entry benefits

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, your time is valuable. If you’re looking for a way to spend less time waiting in lines at the airport or at international border crossings, you might want to apply for one of the Trusted Traveler Programs that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers.

The Transportation Security Administration oversees TSA PreCheck, and Customs and Border Protection oversees Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI.

The best program if you want to...
 

Travel internationally and move quickly through CBP processing
Global Entry

Travel between the U.S. and Canada
NEXUS

Travel into the U.S. from Mexico via land
SENTRI

Import commercial shipments between theU.S./Mexico or U.S./Canada quickly through CBP Processing
FAST

Each program is geared towards a different type of traveler and has different benefits but for international travelers, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are the ones to pay attention to.

The Appointment Group often hosts private Global Entry Days in our US offices in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville. This is a great opportunity for you, your colleagues, and family members to register for Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check without the hassle of traveling to the airport for the interview process.

Follow us on www.facebook.com/theappointmentgroup or visit www.appointmentgroup.com for more information.

First things first: What is it Global Entry?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.

Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.

While Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.

Who is eligible?

Beyond a broad range of US-based airports, Global Entry benefits can also be enjoyed at several Canadian airports and others around the world, including Abu Dhabi, Aruba, and the Bahamas.

Global Entry is also valid for five years and allows approved travelers to skip customs officials and instead use kiosks, which scan your passport, fingerprint and customs declaration form. In order to apply for Global Entry benefits, you must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a citizen of one of the following countries:

• Colombia
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• The Netherlands
• Panama
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Mexico

You must have no prior convictions or customs violations. The application process is similar to TSA PreCheck, but is slightly more in depth. To apply, fill out the online application. Once you have cleared the thorough background check, you will be allowed to schedule an interview at a nearby Global Entry Enrollment Center.

During the interview, a U.S. Customs Border Protection officer will ask you a list of basic questions. Questions are typically simple and straightforward inquiries about your motivations for joining Global Entry, your employment, arrest history, and history with customs.

After a successful interview, they will take your photo and scan your fingerprints. Two forms of I.D. are required for Global Entry and once completed and accepted, you will be issued a Global Entry I.D. card. The application fee is $100.

How do I apply and how much does it cost?

Before you apply, make sure you are eligible for Global Entry.

It’s easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Create a Global Online Enrollment System (GOES)  Regardless of your age, you must have your own GOES account.
2. Log in to your GOES account and complete the application. A $100 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application.
3. After accepting your completed application and fee, CBP will review your application. If your application is conditionally approved, then your GOES account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.
4. You will need to bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine readable permanent resident card.

What is a Global Entry Card?

Global Entry cards are issued to Global entry members who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals.

Activating Your Global Entry Card

To activate your card, log into your Global Online Enrollment System account.  After you log in, click on the “Activate Membership Card” button under the Program Membership(s) section.

Using Your Global Entry Card

U.S. Customs Border Protection accept Global Entry cards for lawful U.S. entry at land and sea ports of entry.

Global Entry cards have radio frequency identification chips, which enable their use at Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) and NEXUS travel lanes when entering the United States at the land borders. You must follow all program rules for SENTRI when using this card at the Southern land border ports of entry.

You may use this card for expedited entry into the United States via the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes. The card is not valid for entry into Canada via the NEXUS lanes.

Only your passport or lawful permanent resident card are accepted at Global Entry kiosks. The Global Entry card cannot be used at Global Entry kiosks. NEXUS cards are accepted at Global Entry kiosks located on Canadian Preclearance Airports.

What's the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?

Global entry members are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck. U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents enrolled in NEXUS or SENTRI are also eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck, as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.

What is TSA Pre✓®?

The TSA PreCheck program expedites traveler screening through TSA security checkpoints.

How it works

If you are a Global Entry member or eligible NEXUS or SENTRI member, enter your membership number (PASS ID) in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking reservations, or enter it into your frequent flyer profile with the airline. The membership number enables Transportation Security Administration’s  (TSA) Secure Flight System to verify that you are a legitimate CBP Trusted Traveler and eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck.

Where you can find your membership number

You can find your Trusted Traveler member number by logging into your Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account. Your membership number is listed toward the bottom of the page. Your membership number is also located on the back of your Trusted Traveler card in the upper-left corner.

So what is the best program?

If you rarely travel abroad, TSA PreCheck is the best option. The TSA PreCheck program lets you go through special security lanes at the airport, which usually means faster and less intrusive screening. But if you are a frequent flier, Global Entry gives you everything TSA PreCheck does, plus expedited entry through U.S. customs when you return from a foreign country.

The decision to apply for a trusted traveler program comes down to convenience at the airport versus the hassle and cost to apply.

Overview of Global Entry Benefits and TSA PreCheck

At the airport:

• No processing lines
• No paperwork
• Access to expedited entry benefits in other countries
• Available at major U.S. airports
• Reduced waiting times

Global Entry
TSA PreCheck

Application Fee
$100 (5 year membership)
$85 (5 year membership)

Eligibility
US Citizens, US Lawful Permanent Residents & other citizens of specific countries.
US Citizens & US Lawful Permanent Residents.

Passport required
YES
NO

Application Process
Online application, interview, ID verification, fingerprint scan and photo at Enrollment Center.
Online Application, ID verification, fingerprint scan at Enrollment Center.

Benefits
Expedited processing through customs and security screening at participating airports.
Expedited security screening at participating airports.

Website
www.globalentry.gov
www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

Please contact your dedicated TAG Travel Executive or email us here for any further information.

Source: www.cbp.gov