Global Entry is an official Trusted Traveller Program run by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is specially designed for low-risk travellers to grant them special advantages such as faster immigration into the US, bypassing long custom lines and utilising TSA PreCheck.
It is a useful program for travellers who frequently visit the US, whether for business, travel, or visiting family. What is more, enrollment in the Global Entry Program membership is free for children under the age of 18 if the legal parent is already a member or is concurrently applying.
Learn in this comprehensive guide more about global entry for minors, what are the requirements, and how to apply for GEP.
Global Entry Program – What it is
Global Entry is a membership program of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It allows enrolled members expedited clearance while gaining entry or exit from the United States. This program is specifically curated for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. It involves TSA PreCheck, enabling members to bypass long custom lines at most US airports through automated kiosks and facial recognition.
Cost of Global Entry Program (For Adults)
The one time non-refundable fee for applying for the GEP is $120. Once approved, the applicant will be enrolled in the membership program for five years.
Cost of Global Entry Program (For Kids)
Enrolment of kids into the program is absolutely free if a legal parent is already a member. At the same time, a kid’s application can be attached with a parent’s without any additional cost.
How to Apply for Global Entry for Minors
The application for the Global Entry Program is the same as the adult. Although waived from the application fee, a minor’s application has to be separately filed.
- Registration: First of all register yourself and create an account on the US CBP Trusted Traveller Program website. There apply for the Global Entry Program.
- Background Check: This step is to verify the applicant is a low-risk traveller. For citizens of most countries outside the US, background check might be a required step. This is usually done with concurrent filings of minors with adults.
- Conditional Approval: After background check is done, a notification for conditional approval will be present on the minor’s TTP dashboard.
- Interview: After getting conditional approval, you have to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Centre. If you have to travel before you can schedule an interview, you can also utilize Enrollment on Arrival at an approved airport.
What Happens After Enrollment in the Program
After you are enrolled in the GEP, you can exercise all the advantages included in the program. However, you must always carry your valid passport, with at least six months of validity, while travelling. The child receives membership for five years, after which it can be renewed as well.
Important Considerations
Follow the instructions given below to make a successful application for global entry for kids:
- If you visit the US often, or live in the US and travel outside the country, then you should consider enrolling in the program. It saves you valuable time and energy.
- Global Entry is a Trusted Traveller Program, and it does not grant you travel permit. This means to enter the US, you are required to obtain a visa.
- You should schedule an interview as soon as you can after you get conditional approval. This can directly impact the overall processing time of the application.
How Documitra Can Help
If you are someone who regularly visits the US for any purpose, or someone living in the US and travel outside, then enrolling in the GEP is definitely advantageous for you. You can apply as an adult and make a simultaneous application for your children as well. However, determining eligibility, compiling the correct documents and applying on the official portal can be confusing. Therefore, you should trust Documitra to apply for the Global Entry Program. We take care of eligibility, documentation, and application, minimising delays and increasing chances of approval.
FAQs
Q. Can kids be enrolled in the Global Entry Program?
Yes, kids can be enrolled in the Global Entry Program. The fee for application for Global entry for kids is free.
Q. What is the cost of Global Entry for minors?
There is no cost of Global Entry for kids. Parents can apply for their kids if they are already members of the program. Additionally, new applicant parents can simultaneously apply for their kids with no additional cost.
Q. Can I apply for Global Entry for kids from India?
Yes, you can apply for the global entry program for kids from India.
