The Global Entry program is designed to make international travel to the United States faster and easier. Run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to skip long immigration lines and use automated kiosks when arriving in the U.S. An added bonus is that Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits for faster security screening on domestic flights.
This article explains how to use Global Entry in practice—from departure to arrival—and how to get the most value from membership.
What Global Entry Does for You
Global Entry streamlines two key parts of travel:
Arrival in the United States
Instead of waiting in standard passport control queues, members use automated kiosks or facial recognition gates to complete entry formalities in minutes.
Airport Security Within the U.S.
Your membership includes TSA PreCheck, allowing access to expedited security lanes at participating airports, where shoes, belts, laptops, and light jackets usually stay on or in your bag.
Using Global Entry When Arriving in the U.S.
When you land at a U.S. international airport:
Proceed to the Global Entry area
Follow signs for Global Entry kiosks or automated entry gates.
Verify your identity
Most airports now use facial recognition. Some kiosks may still ask you to scan your passport.
Declare items
Answer customs questions on the screen, or verbally if prompted by an officer.
Exit to baggage claim
In many cases, no paperwork or printed receipt is required. If an officer needs clarification, you’ll be directed for a brief check.
For most travelers, this process takes under two minutes, even during peak arrival times.
Using TSA PreCheck Benefits
Once you’re a Global Entry member, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
To use it:
Enter your KTN when booking airline tickets.
Confirm that “TSA PreCheck” appears on your boarding pass.
Use the designated PreCheck lanes at airport security.
This benefit applies only on participating airlines and airports, but it covers most major U.S. carriers.
When Global Entry Works Best
Global Entry is especially valuable if you:
Travel internationally to the U.S. more than once a year
Frequently arrive during busy periods (afternoons and evenings)
Take domestic U.S. flights where security lines are long
Transit through major hubs like Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Miami, or Chicago
Important Practical Tips
Keep your passport updated: If you renew your passport, update the details in your Global Entry account to avoid problems at kiosks.
Always declare items honestly: Global Entry does not exempt you from customs rules. Failure to declare items can lead to penalties or loss of membership.
Membership validity: Global Entry is valid for five years, making it cost-effective for regular travelers.
Family travel: Each adult traveler must have their own membership. Children also need approval to use Global Entry lanes.
Final Thoughts
The Global Entry program is one of the most practical travel tools available for frequent international travelers to the United States. By combining fast immigration processing with TSA PreCheck security benefits, it saves time, reduces stress, and makes airports far more manageable.
For travelers who value efficiency—and especially those who regularly cross U.S. borders—Global Entry is often one of the best travel investments you can make.
International Travel Service