When you travel often, the slowest part of your journey is usually immigration and customs. For me, arriving in the US after a transatlantic flight, the idea of standing in line for an hour at passport control used to feel like the final straw.
Global Entry has changed that. As a trusted traveller program run by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it lets pre-approved passengers use fast-track kiosks when arriving into the United States. I’ve cleared immigration and customs in as little as 10 minutes. For frequent travellers, that’s a real game-changer.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is designed for low-risk, pre-approved travellers. Once approved, you can use automated kiosks at participating US airports instead of waiting in line to see an officer. The membership is valid for five years and also includes TSA PreCheck, which speeds up security at US airports.
In 2025, the application fee is $120 for five years.
Pros of Global Entry
- Expedited entry: Use Global Entry kiosks instead of regular immigration queues.
- TSA PreCheck included: Shorter security lines, no need to remove laptops or liquids.
- Enrollment on Arrival: You can complete your interview when landing in the US.
- Pre-clearance locations: Use automated kiosks at 15 airports worldwide with US Pre-Clearance, including Dublin, Shannon, Abu Dhabi, and nine Canadian airports. This dramatically speeds up the departure process.
- Wider use: Some reciprocal benefits in Canada, Mexico and beyond.
Cons of Global Entry
- Application delays: Processing can take months, sometimes over a year.
- Interview needed: Not all airports offer interviews, so you may need to travel.
- Technical issues: Kiosks can fail, sending you back to the main queue.
- Not universal: Not all US ports of entry support Global Entry (particularly cruise ports).
- Privacy concerns: Requires biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition).
Who Can Apply?
Global Entry is open to US citizens and permanent residents, as well as citizens of several other countries. As of 2025, eligible countries include:
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- India
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Panama
- Singapore
- Mexico
- Switzerland
- South Korea
Global Entry & US Pre-Clearance
One of the best features of Global Entry is how it speeds up US Pre-Clearance at international airports. If you’re flying from Dublin, Shannon, Abu Dhabi, or any of the 15 airports with US Pre-Clearance, Global Entry cuts your clearance time from 20-45 minutes down to about 2-3 minutes.
Instead of queuing to see a CBP officer, you use automated kiosks: scan your passport, answer a few questions on screen, and you’re through. It’s the same “Land and Leave” experience you get with Global Entry when arriving in the US, but it happens at your departure airport instead.
Want to know more about how Pre-Clearance works? Read my full guide: US Pre-Clearance: Clear US Immigration Before You Board
How to Apply for Global Entry
- Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account on the CBP website.
- Complete the online application and pay the $120 fee.
- Wait for conditional approval (this can take several months).
- Schedule an interview at an enrollment center, or use Enrollment on Arrival when entering the US.
- If approved, your membership lasts five years.
Global Entry Renewal in 2025
If your membership is expiring, you can apply online for renewal up to one year before expiry. While your application is pending, you usually get a grace period to keep using Global Entry. Expect delays, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck vs NEXUS
Program
Cost (5 years)
Best For
Includes TSA PreCheck?
Notes
Global Entry
$120
Frequent international travellers
✅ Yes
Fastest arrivals into the US
TSA PreCheck
$78
Domestic US travellers
✅ Yes
No fast-track for international arrivals
NEXUS
$50
US-Canada travellers
✅ Yes
Long wait times for approval, limited centres
Planning Your Global Entry Interview Trip
Many travellers need to visit a specific airport for their Global Entry interview. If you’re travelling from the UK or Ireland, that often means a trip to the US for Enrollment on Arrival, or to London for the UK vetting step. If you’re flying via Dublin or Shannon, you can complete Enrollment on Arrival and immediately benefit from faster US Pre-Clearance on your return journey.
Travel Tip: If you’re flying into the US for your interview, consider arriving a day early to avoid stress and book a hotel near the airport.
Final Thoughts
For me, Global Entry has been worth every cent. After long-haul flights to the US, being through passport control in minutes is priceless. The fact it includes TSA PreCheck is an extra bonus that makes connecting flights less stressful.
If you travel to the United States more than once a year, Global Entry is one of the smartest investments you can make in 2025. And if you’re flying from an airport with US Pre-Clearance, especially Dublin or Shannon, Global Entry becomes even more valuable. You’ll breeze through immigration at departure and walk straight out when you land in America. It’s the closest thing to seamless international travel you’re going to get.