Global Entry Pass - Finalized Process Today!

World Traveler · ‎02-02-2015

As many of you know, I finally got around to applying for a Global Pass. Why I haven't done that earlier is beyond me! All these years of traveling and I am now just getting around to it.

I mentioned on our Travel Chat thread in Among Friends that the process to apply required answering a lot of online questions, for obvious reasons. I started that process on February 26, 2017. On March 9 I received tentative approval. Not sure if that is the normal length of time to get approval or not. Perhaps having to check with each country I have been to, to make sure I wasn't a troublemaker, lengthened the process. Although I must say, that wasn't really so long to wait.

What really surprised me is that the two closest places to go (one is 200 miles north of me and the other is 200 miles south of me) for the personal interview do not have openings until mid July! Since I am leaving on my trip mid June, that is not good news. I was hoping to go for the in-person interview sometime this month, as I wasn't sure how long it took after that personal interview to receive the final okay.

I won't even be in the United States in mid July, so there is no rush now to get it done. I will have to wait until I get back from Europe the beginning of August.

I am curious though. What has been the experience of any of you who have applied for a Global Pass. @JudyL @Alter Ego @Stray, do you have Global Passes? I think you told me you do. If so, what has been your experience with applying for it? I meet people all over the place who have them and LOVE how easy it is to use them.

For those of you who are interested in applying, it is $100, and I believe it is good for five years. $20/yr is worth it for me.

Alter Ego · ‎03-12-2010

I do NOT have it, but I really should get it. I should be getting my new passport shortly, so you may be inspiring me to apply.

Would love to hear other's experiences with the interview!

Stray · ‎04-20-2013

Some of my friends applied and the process was painless and all went to Liberty Airport in NJ. They report that the application was the longest part but the actual interview was less than 10 mins. between the wait and interview. I imagine the experience is different if there is a question about any answers....none did

I dont feel I need it. I live closer to Liberty but fly in and out of JFK because the airport is more efficient. I fly mostly international and very little domestic travel. I am on TSA pre check and "Clear" from delta plus I use the passport app when necessary. I don't think global access gives me any advantage. I don't spend any more than 20 mins from landing and stepping into the car. I feel that airports are getting more efficient and are using technology to their advantage and the process is much better going through customs. The passport app is great because you can avoid using the terminals to fill out your customs form and do it on board.

KLm · ‎12-03-2010

@Stray, could you give more info on the passport app? Did you just download it from the app store? Is there one you recommend over another? Pardon if it's a ridiculous question but I have never heard of this and would be interested in it. TIA....all of this is helpful info, thanks to all....

hanea · ‎05-25-2011

Hi! I applied for Global Entry at the end of January. It took about two weeks to receive the notice to make my interview appointment at the airport about 20 minutes from my home. Luckily, I was able to make an appointment for the interview for the next day. The interview took about 10 minutes and then I had to watch a 5 minute video. I've had my Global Entry card now for about two weeks.

The officer said that in larger cities the wait for an interview was often 6-8 months. He had passergers schedule a longer layover here so they could do the interview during their layover instead of waiting so long at their "home" airport.

World Traveler · ‎02-02-2015

@hanea Thank you for your reply. Wish I would have started sooner. 😩 So glad you got yours faster.😆 The two places that are closest to me are definitely large cities. Bummer!

Stray · ‎04-20-2013

@KLm wrote:
@Stray, could you give more info on the passport app? Did you just download it from the app store? Is there one you recommend over another? Pardon if it's a ridiculous question but I have never heard of this and would be interested in it. TIA....all of this is helpful info, thanks to all....

@KLm- you can download it from the App Store....it's called mobile passport ....it will say its officially approved by customs and border control.

KLm · ‎12-03-2010

Thanks so much, @stray! Very helpful.

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

The April 2017 issue of Money Mag describes another option called Mobile Passport. This is a free government authorized app called Mobile Passport. You will provide basic personal information and passport details. You also take a selfie that will be saved to your profile.

When you arrive in the US at one of the 21 participating airports, log on to the app and answer a few questions about yur trip. The app then generates a QR code that will take you to a dedicated Mobile Passport line and show to a CBP agent with your passport.

Don't have any knowledge or experience to say good or not. But if you cannot make the deadline for Global Entry this could be an option.

Stray · ‎04-20-2013

@granddi wrote:
The April 2017 issue of Money Mag describes another option called Mobile Passport. This is a free government authorized app called Mobile Passport. You will provide basic personal information and passport details. You also take a selfie that will be saved to your profile.

When you arrive in the US at one of the 21 participating airports, log on to the app and answer a few questions about yur trip. The app then generates a QR code that will take you to a dedicated Mobile Passport line and show to a CBP agent with your passport.

Don't have any knowledge or experience to say good or not. But if you cannot make the deadline for Global Entry this could be an option.

@granddi- mentioned upthread....but, I've been using the mobile passport for over a year. I fly into JFK and follow the sign you see on the app itself and the last time I flew in from Europe, my driver told me that from landing and meeting him, it took 22 mins and most of that was taxiing, deplaning and the long walk....customs was a breeze....i travel a lot and since using the app., I see no need for Global Entry....actually, the global entry line as longer than mobile passport as not as many people know about it. I live closer to Liberty but feel JFK is more efficient....I probably lose time commuting from JFK to my home in NJ depending on my arrival time...but I'm not driving, no plane to catch and it doesn't bother me...but it's a good app