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If you’ve been thinking about applying for Global Entry—the U.S. government’s expedited customs clearance program—you should do it soon. Membership has long come with a $100 fee, which includes TSA PreCheck (expedited security screening at many airports) and is good for five years. But starting on October 1, 2024, the program cost for new applications and renewals will increase by 20%, to $120.
Unfortunately, if you’re a current Global Entry member, you may not be able to renew or extend at the cheaper rate before October. Renewals are accepted up to one year prior to your expiration date, so if your membership is good past October 2025, you won’t be eligible to renew without paying the higher fee. But if you are up for renewal before then, you could go ahead and submit your application for $100.
In addition to Global Entry, fees for other Trusted Traveler Programs, including NEXUS (expedited entry from Canada) and SENTRI (expedited entry from Canada and Mexico), are also increasing to $120.
How to apply for Global Entry
To apply for Global Entry, you’ll need to fill out an online application and get conditional approval, which allows you to schedule a screening interview. Note that the current processing time is 4–6 months for new Global Entry applications. You have options for speeding up your Global Entry enrollment, but it really comes down to nabbing an in-person interview slot as soon as you can. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has rolled out additional interview options, including Enrollment on Departure for travelers flying out of Washington Dulles International Airport outside of Washington, D.C.
Of course, you should also consider whether Global Entry is the best expedited screening program for how you travel. If you primarily fly domestically, you may be all set with TSA PreCheck, which costs $78 for five years, and/or CLEAR, which is a good supplement if you can get a free or discounted membership (as wait times are often longer than PreCheck anyway). If you have a credit card with travel benefits, your annual fee may also reimburse the cost of one or more of these programs.
