Yes, Your Kid Needs Their Own Global Entry Membership — How to Apply

Families traveling with children may wonder if getting Global Entry for their kids is worth it. For international travelers, the answer is definitely yes, as the time and energy saved by breezing through customs after an international trip is invaluable. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about getting Global Entry for kids — including how you can get it for free.

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program that offers pre-approved travelers an expedited screening process upon arrival in the United States after an international trip. Administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it’s available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals. Global Entry is available to both adults and kids, and everyone needs their own membership, regardless of age.

Beginning on October 1, 2024, the Global Entry fee structure will change — the application fee will increase from $100 to $120. The good news for families is that when this change goes into effect, children will be exempt from the application fee if a parent or legal guardian is already a Global Entry member or if they are applying at the same time.

Are kids required to get their own Global Entry membership? 

Global Entry may often be confused with TSA PreCheck, another Trusted Traveler Program that offers expedited screening at TSA airport security checkpoints. However, these two programs are very different. Unlike TSA PreCheck, Global Entry requires kids under 18 to have their own membership to use the expedited lanes. They can’t just go through with a parent who has Global Entry.

Parents don’t have to be Global Entry members for their kids to join the program, but all kids under 18 must have their parent or legal guardian’s permission to apply for Global Entry. There isn’t a minimum age requirement — even babies must have a Global Entry membership to use the expedited lanes with their parents. 

What is the Global Entry application process for kids?

The Global Entry application process for children isn’t that much different than it is for adults. To apply for Global Entry, kids need a Global Online Enrollment System account on the CBP website. This account is for the child only — they can’t use a parent’s account.

An application must be filled out for each child applying for Global Entry. After filling out the application and paying the nonrefundable fee (if required), the child’s account will be reviewed, and a background check will be completed. According to CBP, 80 percent of applications are processed within two weeks, while some can take up to 12 months to complete.

Once the account is conditionally approved, an interview must be scheduled. Interviews can book up months in advance, and many states only have one or two Global Entry Enrollment Centers, so this process can be time-consuming. If you have more than one child applying for Global Entry, each kid needs their own interview time slot.

To expedite the process, kids with conditional approval can use Enrollment on Arrival (EoA). This allows applicants to complete the Global Entry interview at select airports upon arrival from an international flight. You can schedule an interview as a backup and use EoA if the opportunity arises. If you complete an EoA interview, your original interview will be canceled automatically.

Once a child’s application is approved, they will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) and can use the benefits immediately. They will also receive a Global Entry card in the mail, which must be activated online. This card isn’t necessary when flying internationally — it’s only needed when entering the U.S. through SENTRI or NEXUS lanes at land crossings.

Can your child get Global Entry for free?

Starting October 1, 2024, if a parent or guardian is already a Global Entry member or is applying simultaneously with their child, there is no application fee for the child. If applying for a child on their own, the cost is $120 for a five-year membership. This fee is nonrefundable, even if the application is denied. 

Thankfully, families can get that fee reimbursed rather easily — if they have the right card. Many of today’s top travel rewards credit cards come with a Global Entry fee credit that will cover the entire cost. A parent can use the application fee credit from their card to pay for the Global Entry enrollment fee of anyone in their family. Many of these cards come with additional perks that help families travel more comfortably, like airport lounge access and travel insurance.

Despite the initial inconvenience of applying for Global Entry, frequent travelers will find that the process is worth it. In addition to saving time and hassle going through customs after international travel, Global Entry membership comes with TSA PreCheck (normally $78 for five years; $70 for online renewal), which can expedite security screenings when traveling domestically.

What is the Global Entry interview like for kids? 

While the thought of a Global Entry interview may be intimidating to many kids, the process is actually easy. 

Jamie Weitl, CEO of Pineapple Escapes, explains how quick the process was. “We went to a local airport, and they asked our kids their names and took their photos. It was quite simple.”

Just like adults, it’s important for kids to arrive at their Global Entry interview early so they don’t risk being late and losing their time slot.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor to the Global Entry interview (this person doesn’t need to have a Global Entry membership themselves). The Global Entry applicant must bring a valid passport (if they have more than one, bring them all to the interview) and a permanent resident card, if applicable. The accompanying parent or guardian should also bring their passport and any additional documents, like proof of residency, that are mentioned on the application.

The interview itself usually takes just 15 minutes or less. The CBP officer will verify the child and parent’s identities, and photos will be taken. Depending on the age of the child, fingerprints may also be taken. While adults may be asked questions about their application and travel plans, these questions may be skipped depending on the age of the child.