Imagine breezing through immigration and customs with your family, including your children, after a long international flight. Sounds like a dream, right? With global entry application for minors, it can become a reality!
We got our Global Entry membership in 2021, including my son who was only 3 months old at the time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about enrolling your kids in the Global Entry program, making your family travels smoother and more enjoyable.
Global Entry, also known as the Global Entry Program, is a fantastic program that helps international travelers speed through U.S. immigration and customs, saving precious time for both adults and children.
Each child, even infants, needs their own Global Entry membership to enjoy the global entry benefits at U.S. Customs and Border Protection screenings. As a global entry member, to get started with global Entry for kids, simply submit a Global Entry application for each family member and obtain their global entry card. Some credit card companies also offer global entry credit as a perk for their cardholders.
Upon arrival from an international flight, look for a Global entry lane or a kiosk to expedite the process for only global entry members.
Fear not; the process for minors echoes the adult application process, albeit with a few additional steps for parental consent and presence.
To be eligible for Global Entry, minors must meet the following criteria:
No minimum age requirement makes Global Entry accessible to children of all ages.
While minors can apply for Global Entry, they need parental or legal guardian consent to do so. During the application and interview process, a parent or legal guardian must be present.
It’s worth noting that the consenting parent or guardian doesn’t need their own Global Entry membership.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on why Global Entry is such a game-changer for your kiddos, let’s dive right into the application process. Just like the grown-up version, you’ll need to fill out an online application, pay the fees, and set up an interview for your little one.
Let’s break it down step by step.
To apply for Global Entry as a minor, you’ll need to go through the Trusted Traveler Program System (TTP).
Create a Global Online Enrollment System account, providing personal information like name, address, and date of birth, as well as passport info and security questions.
Minors can apply for Global Entry membership. It currently costs $100 and is valid for five years. Some credit cards offer statement credits, which can help cover the application fee. If you have multiple credit cards that can cover the Global entry fee, use different cards for yourself and a child to take full advantage of credit card perks.
The application fee cannot be refunded, so confirm your child’s eligibility before proceeding with the payment.
After your child’s application is conditionally approved, you’ll need to schedule an interview appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center. Due to high demand, finding an available appointment slot can be challenging. There are a few options to make it quicker.
When you’re setting up Global Entry interviews for your whole gang, try to get everyone’s appointments lined up at the same time. You can do this by giving the Enrollment Center a ring or using the online appointment system. Getting everyone’s interviews scheduled together not only saves you from multiple trips but also turns the process into a family adventure!
If you’re having trouble finding available appointment slots together, see the section above, Scheduling the Interview, to get tips on different options.
Now, let’s talk about the Global Entry interview for kiddos, a super important part of the enrollment process. It might sound a bit serious but don’t worry, it’s all about making sure your little one is who their passport says they are.
Let’s dive into what you and your child can expect during the interview, from the questions they might ask to the documents you’ll need to bring along and even the fingerprinting process (which can be pretty cool for the kids!).
During the interview, the child’s parent or legal guardian must be present to answer questions on their behalf. The interviewer may ask about the child’s travel history and verify their identity using their passport and other documents.
For a child’s Global Entry interview, you’ll need to bring their valid passport as well as the parent’s passport. Depending on the child’s age, fingerprinting may or may not be required.
Make sure all required documents are at hand for a smooth experience.
Most of the time, you get the approval at the interview; if not, it should be approved in a day or two. You’ll get a notification email, and their Known Traveler Number (KTN) will be available in their Trusted Traveler account online.
My son didn’t get approval on-site, but we received the approval email within an hour.
The membership card will arrive by mail. It may take a few days up to a week for it to arrive.
With Global Entry, your child can access expedited customs and immigration processes and TSA PreCheck, making your family’s travels smoother and more enjoyable.
When your little ones are enrolled in Global Entry, they get to enjoy the fast track through customs and immigration. Just imagine, your kiddos can zip through the Global Entry kiosks at major U.S. airports, making their Entry into the country a breeze and cutting down those pesky waiting times. This is a real lifesaver for families traveling with young ones, making the whole journey less of a headache.
With the whole family enrolled in Global Entry, you can all zoom through customs and immigration together, making it a smooth and efficient process. No more struggling with passports and documents while trying to keep an eye on your excited explorers. With Global Entry, you’ll be able to focus on the fun of your trip instead of the stress of airport procedures.
So, besides the super-speedy customs and immigration, what’s another perk of Global Entry? Well, kiddos also get the VIP treatment with TSA PreCheck benefits. This means your little ones can tag along with you in the dedicated TSA PreCheck security lanes, which usually means less waiting around and more straightforward security checks.
TSA PreCheck is a real winner for families with kids. Why? Because it means you can keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on during the security screening process. Plus, those liquids and laptops can stay tucked away in your carry-on bags. It’s a game-changer when you’re juggling your luggage and your little adventurers all at once.
With the dynamic duo of Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, your family’s travel experience will be a breeze from the moment you step into the airport till you reach your destination.
In conclusion, enrolling your child in the Global Entry program is an excellent investment for families who frequently travel internationally. With expedited customs and immigration processes, as well as access to TSA PreCheck, you’ll save time and reduce stress during your travels.
By understanding the application process, navigating the interview, and preparing your child for travel, you’ll enjoy a smooth Global Entry experience with your kids, making your family trips more enjoyable for everyone.
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