Global Entry for Kids: A Must-Have Guide for Smooth Family Travel

Hey there, jet-setting parents! If you've ever dreamt of breezing through airport lines with your little ones in tow, you're not alone. We all know the struggle of wrangling kids, strollers, and carry-ons while navigating immigration and security checks. That's where Global Entry swoops in to save the day like a superhero for your family travel adventures.

Picture this: you're back from a whirlwind international trip with your mini explorers. Tired, jet-lagged, and laden with souvenirs, you approach an immigration line that snakes around with no end in sight. But wait! With Global Entry, you and your kiddos can skip the regular queue and glide through like VIPs.

What is Global Entry?

Here's the scoop on what Global Entry is all about. It's like a golden ticket for travelers, giving you the power to breeze through U.S. immigration and customs like a seasoned explorer. Plus, you also get the added magic of TSA PreCheck, whisking you away to a shorter security lane on the way out of the country or when you're jet-setting around domestically. Two birds, one stone – it's a travel win!

Do Kids Need Global Entry?

But here's the million-dollar question: do your kids need to have their own Global Entry membership too? Short answer: yes, absolutely! Let me break it down for you. Unlike the laid-back rules of TSA PreCheck, where kid ages 12 and under can tag along with you, Global Entry has its own set of rules. No matter the age – whether they're tiny tots or sassy preteens – every globetrotter needs their own membership to reap the benefits of faster customs and immigration checks.

So, if you're already all geared up with Global Entry and planning to whisk your munchkins around the world, it's wise to get them their own memberships. Imagine returning home after a family escapade abroad. If your kids don't have Global Entry, you'll be waving goodbye to the express customs line and saying hello to the painfully long regular one. Not the most exciting welcome, right?

How to Get Global Entry For the Whole Family

Now, before you start envisioning endless forms and interviews, let me assure you that the process is smoother than you'd think. But hey, let's keep it real – this isn't a last-minute to-do before your big trip. Some lucky ducks get that golden "conditionally approved" status within days. But for others, it could be a waiting game that stretches up to half a year. And that's not all – the grand finale is the in-person Global Entry interview. Finding interview slots for the whole family can be as tricky as finding your kid's missing sock. So, if overseas adventure is on your radar, don't wait, start your Global Entry application here.

How much does Global Entry Cost?

Time to crunch those numbers! When it comes to Global Entry, you're looking at a $100 investment per membership for five years of pure travel ease. Sure, it's a tad pricier than TSA PreCheck, which hovers around the $80-85 range. But here's the silver lining – with Global Entry, you're snagging both perks for the price of one. Suddenly, that cost doesn't sting quite as much!

UPDATE: Heads up! Starting October 1, 2024, the fee for Global Entry is increasing, from $100 to $120. I know, it's not the greatest news, but here's the silver lining for families: if you've got kiddos under 18, they won't have to worry about paying a fee anymore if you or another parent or legal guardian is already a member of Global Entry or is applying for it. So, at least there's that! Plus, just like with adult accounts, your little ones will still get their Global Entry memberships for five years once they're approved.

Getting a Global Entry Interview

Here's a travel hack worth knowing: Enrollment on Arrival. Submit your online application in advance to snag that conditional approval. Then, plan your interview around your next return from a global escapade. Check this list for which airports offer walk-in enrollment interviews for the conditionally approved crowd. Remember to bring proof of residency with you!

Speaking of interviews, yes, your little globetrotters will have one too. Have more than one mini? Each of them will need their own interview! A quick check to match their cute faces with their passport photos – no fingerprints or proof of residency needed. And guess what? Unlike minor passport applications that require both parents to be present, only one of you needs to tag along for the Global Entry interview.

What Happens After Global Entry is Approved?

Once the interview is done, your memberships get the green light, and you'll get an email notification. Tap-tap, and you'll have their known traveler number (KTN) ready to roll. Pop that into their airline accounts, and voilà – they're set for seamless travel.

In about a week you'll receive the physical membership cards. While it's a neat keepsake, you don't necessarily need to lug it around everywhere. There are only a select number of places where they will sometimes ask to see the card.

So, mama bears and papa bears, if you're ready to upgrade your family's travel game, Global Entry is the golden ticket. Yes, it takes a bit of legwork, but the smooth sail through customs on your next family escapade is worth every bit of it. Here's to smoother travels, fewer meltdowns, and more unforgettable family adventures!