Global Entry for Kids
Introduction
Global Entry is a U.S.Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows for expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk class of travelers. Where it really shines though is when you’re traveling abroad with your family; it helps you whisk you and the kid(s) past immigration and customs to save some time at the airport. It may seem tempting for parents to not have a membership but yes, your kids do (this includes smaller babies and toddlers as well).
Traveling, particularly abroad takes everyone in the family, including kids out of their comfort zone(^)(–) you might as well plan ahead. Global Entry — Beyond passports, nothing is worse than an aggravated child makes for good or bad airport adventures. Just keep in mind TSA PreCheck comes with the luxury of kids accompanying their parents (usually) while Global Entry must receive a separate application for each and every child, regardless of age (yes…even if they are under 18).
Global Entry has been a game changer for our family of 3 frequent travelers as it makes re-entering the U.S.A. so much faster and less stressful since we no longer need to stand in those terrible exit line queues. From long security checks to the long stretch home, having that membership shortens the process, meaning you can start relaxing quicker after a tiring journey back from abroad.
Benefits of Global Entry for the Whole Family
Global Entry is an excellent program for families who travel internationally, and particularly with your kids in tow. With this card you can avoid those long lines at customs, making your travels a little smoother. Global Entry members can also enroll in TSA PreCheck, making family security lines at U.S. airports a whole lot easier to navigate. This is without needing to get out of your shoes, belt or pull your laptop bag office which slows down the entire process and makes it so much less stressful.
One of the greatest benefits about having Global Entry is saving time, especially when you have children. The program provides expedited lane access for families fresh off an international flight and lets them skip the long airport line. AMANDA: It’s not about so much as saving time as nowhere near the amount of, I want to say, where your pint balls are juggling kids and their belongings. Causuali-TIESFor those who travel often, it makes sense that Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are frequent fliers. A smoother travel experience is provided for you since you have less time waiting in US Customs screenings and more time to unwind.
When you’re traveling with small children, every second counts and Global Entry is seriously a life saver. Wether you just landed after a long trip (or are about to for that matter), or you’re making your way through security screenings, having Global Entry available for the whole family is a life saver. It’s like pre-ordering a fast pass at an amusement park: you’re given your own kiosk and get to bypass the normal lines. While everyone else is bogged down with paper work, you and the kids are already on your way to your next adventure.
What is Global Entry?
A program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that enables expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. That will now let members speed up their return, when they come to the US only. Passengers will also no longer have to be processed through standard immigration lines, instead they will pass through high tech kiosks available at some airports. If You Are on Your International Travel it can save even more time for families traveling with kids and Global Entry is one opportunity you do not want your family to lose out on.
For families, Global Entry pays off a lot. One thing the program gives you is quick access through customs at airports, so no waiting in lines. The applicantiem are also screened to an extensive process for the youngest of clearances. Finally, once the registration sets up after approval, it helps families move through customs quicker and easier. Families at the airports can make use of it faster which is required during those busy days when kids have to be managed well.
A big selling point of Global Entry is it speeds up the airport experience for families, who generally find themselves waiting the longest when returning from overseas vacations. Families can use the dedicated kiosks at participating airports and get through entry processing in less than five minutes by bypassing regular lines. It saves time on the way there which is great if you have kids and need to keep moving!
How Long Does Global Entry Last?
Global Entry is a godsend for families traveling with kids at the airport. By registering on the Global Entry program, you can save your child of the long customs lines and appoint them to speed through self-serve kiosks at airports when flying internationally or domestically. This can be a time saver, especially after a long flight. The overall process is pretty cut and dry, but there are some rules around how long the program should take and when you can renew.
Regardless of the age, a Global Entry membership is good for five years. The person submitting the application will need to get it renewed before the membership ends. Sign up for renewal during the fourth year to prevent any break in membership. Frequent travelers, including U.S. citizens, with renewal applications already in process help us keep you enrolled by updating the information on their re-enrollment application. A Global Entry card could also expire and parents will not want their child to have a long wait time at the airport going through security.
Should You Get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck for Your Kids?
Airports have long lines at security checkpoints that can be hard to navigate when you are with kids and especially some babies. This is why programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck can be a lifesaver for families. The choices allow for a seamless security experience that means no belts off, no shoes off, etc. All while making it easier to manage carry-ons, clothing and whatnot too! They make for less stressful airports and airports that those with an Entry membership can breeze through.
As to which is better between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, keep in mind that all of the benefits given with TSA PreCheck are included when you sign up for Global Entry. Families can speed through security with Global Entry, without having to disrobe, open carry-ons and remove laptops and bags. This is a godsend for families with young kids, who are no longer at risk from meltdowns due to shoe laces and gadgets still in their cases.
But every child needs its own Global Entry membership, even those that are babies. A parent’s membership doesn’t extend to their child, so it is necessary to apply for each child. For those who gave incorrect details, this includes keeping their account updated and following the rules for international travel.
Create an account
To begin the process of obtaining Global Entry for your own child, sign in to or create a Trusted Traveler Programs account. The Department of Homeland Security operates this account and you will use it during your application process. You need a separate email address for each child, so if the CYP does not already have an email address then set one up.
As soon as you have the TTP account set up, start applying online for Global Entry. You will have to pay a small charge and, if you then qualify, schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. So, it is necessary to keep up with the password and manage all account details through the website for a seamless process.
Each child will need to have its application filled in separately but then, once you have applied, your TTP account will assist you to watch over the status of the applications, make any necessary changes or complete via this interim phase of enrollment. Prepare for the interview: One of the main parts of this whole thing is going to be an online meeting with someone who works at $APPL.
Global Entry application
Families, especially those who travel with kids, are likely to benefit tremendously by applying for Global Entry. Yes, it may appear a little challenging initially but all the effort is really worth its expense. Even toddlers — if you enroll your children, you’ll be able to get back into the U.S. much more quickly after international trips. That means you will have to create separate accounts, and hence individual emails for your children. Keep your personal key which is critical for validation sake later. You apply online at the TTP (Trusted Traveler Programs) portal for the entire application process which is then centrally managed, so in that regard it is easy to use but not exactly fast in a hurry.
When you apply, you will need to provide detailed and honest information on the application or else skip pass renewal altogether that asks questions around your citizenship, history of travel and issues in your past that may come up during a background check. Once done this goes for a background check return and you will receive the conditional approval, once you have such status you may already schedule your interview. This step can be long, sometimes several months, depending on processing and interview availability. Check on your status periodically, once in a while, notifications are not sent off by email so logging into your GOES account often is the key.
Its hard to find a good interview time, especially in something like Houston. Point-of-enrollment wait times can be long at some locations, but larger sites, including the ones located at George Bush Intercontinental airport tend to have more availability. Conditional Approval is the stage at which you can start making appointments, so it makes sense to do that as soon as possible. When scheduling with everybody in the household, try to reserve all time slots near one another.
Take all mandatory documents such as a passport of the child, proof of citizenship and an ID. The downside is there’s a membership fee, which also requires answering a few questions about your family and how often you travel, so be prepared. Getting everything in order on the day of your appointment can make things go more easily and quickly. Once its all said and done, the thought of family travel will suck less at U.S. customs going through fly-throughs since your Global Entry membership was approved.
Pay the Fee
For parents, it is important to know where the associated fees when applying for Global Entry – especially if you are enrolling your children. An application fee of $100 will be increased to $120 as of October 1, 2024 Is non refundable and must be paid by everyone including infants. The silver lining for families is that a fee will only be charged for children under 18 if the parent or legal guardian are not members or simultaneously apply for Global Entry, Nexus, or SENTRI. This one exemption can save families a lot of money especially if you have more than one child to enroll.
There are strategies to mitigate the price for those worried about its cost. Travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® come with statement credits that can be used to cover the application fee for a Trusted Traveler Program. The card offers benefits like up to $100 back every four years for the Global Entry fee. Granted, this doesn’t cover the full increase in fees but it can still make things a bit cheaper for families who fly several times every year.
Paying the fee is easy, you can do it online with a credit card or electronic bank transfer. For parents, it’s a good one-two strategy: apply now while the fee is $100 and wait until after the fee change in October to register their children under 18 if possible. This is particularly useful for those who aren’t traveling abroad anytime soon. The catch is these fees are all per person, so a little strategy can save you a lot.
Renewing Your Child’s Global Entry Membership
Read on to learn more about why it is important for you to renew your child’s Global Entry membership. Once the card renewal is initiated; it shouldn’t ever begin months before the expiration date- 6 months should do. This will give you plenty of time to get through the application and interview process without your benefits being cut. The membership lasts for five years and you can renew it one year before its expiry in order to avoid last-minute run.
Reapplication: renewals require you to repay the non-refundable fee and reapply – sometimes your child may also have to go for another interview. So while, upon renewal, I got lucky and did not have to interview again, my son went through the process once more. Understanding this and planning around it accordingly is valuable.
The sooner you renew before your current membership expires, the longer the benefits will last — another 24 months from the submission date regardless of any original membership period overlap. This extension is insanely valuable because it means you can still USE the damn program while waiting for the full approval process! There are just few easy steps to keep up, but if you do, it will make the renewing process smoother and help your family glide through customs around the world.
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