Families traveling with kids often wonder if getting Global Entry for their little ones is worth it. For those heading abroad, the answer is a definite yes! The time and energy saved by speeding through customs after a trip can't be beat. In this travel guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about getting Global Entry for kids, including how to score it for free.
Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program that lets pre-approved travelers go through a quicker screening process when returning to the United States after an international journey. Run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it's open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and some foreign nationals. Global Entry is for both adults and kids, and everyone regardless of age needs their own membership.
Starting October 1, 2024, there's been a change in the fees for Global Entry. The cost to apply has increased from $100 to $120. The silver lining for families is that kids won't have to pay the application fee if a parent or legal guardian is already a member or if they both apply together.
Kids and Global Entry: how does it work?
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Do kids need their own Global Entry membership?
Global Entry is often mistaken for TSA PreCheck, but they are actually quite different. Unlike TSA PreCheck, Global Entry requires kids under 18 to get their own membership to use the faster lanes – they can't just go through with a parent who has Global Entry.
Parents don't need to have Global Entry for their kids to join the program, but all children under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian to apply. There's no minimum age limit; even babies need their own Global Entry membership to use the faster lanes with their parents.
How does the Global Entry application process work for kids?
The Global Entry application process for kids is pretty similar to how it is for adults. To get Global Entry, kids need their own Global Online Enrollment System account on the CBP website. They can't use a parent's account.
A separate application must be filled out for each child wanting Global Entry. After the application is filled in and the non-refundable fee is paid (if needed), the child's account will be reviewed, and a background check done. According to CBP, 80% of applications are processed in about 2 weeks, but some might take as long as 12 months.
After getting conditional approval, an interview needs to be scheduled. Keep in mind that interviews can book up months ahead, and many states have only 1 or 2 Global Entry Enrollment Centers, making this a time-consuming task. If you have more than one child applying, each one will need their own interview.
To speed things up, kids with conditional approval can use Enrollment on Arrival (EoA). This lets applicants finish the Global Entry interview at certain airports right after arriving on an international flight. Scheduling an interview as a backup is wise, and you can use EoA if it works out. If you do an EoA interview, your original interview will be canceled automatically.
Once a child's application is approved, they'll get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) and can immediately enjoy the benefits. They'll also receive a Global Entry card in the mail, which needs to be activated online. This card isn't required for international flights, but is necessary when coming into the United States through SENTRI or NEXUS lanes at land borders.
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Is it possible for your child to get Global Entry at no cost?
Starting October 1, 2024, parents or guardians who are already Global Entry members or applying with their child won't have to pay an application fee for the child. However, if a child is applying alone, it costs $120 for 5 years. This fee is non-refundable, even if denied.
Fortunately, families can easily get that fee reimbursed if they have the right credit card. Many popular travel rewards credit cards offer a Global Entry fee credit that covers the full amount. A parent can use their card's credit to pay for anyone in the family's Global Entry enrollment fee. Many of these cards also come with perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance.
Although applying for Global Entry can be a hassle at first, frequent travelers will find it's worth it. Besides saving time going through customs after international trips, Global Entry membership also includes TSA PreCheck (usually $78 for 5 years; $70 for online renewal), helping to speed up security checks for domestic travel.
What can kids expect during the Global Entry interview?
While the idea of a Global Entry interview can seem scary for kids, it's really a simple process.
Jamie Weitl, CEO of Pineapple Escapes, shares how quick it was. "We went to a local airport, and they asked our kids their names and took their photos. It was easy."
Just like adults, kids should get to their Global Entry interview early to avoid being late and missing their slot.
A parent or legal guardian must go with the child to the Global Entry interview (this person doesn't need to have a Global Entry membership). The child must bring a valid passport (if they have more than one, bring them all to the interview) and a permanent resident card if needed. The parent or guardian should also have their passport and any extra documents like proof of residency, listed on the application.
The interview takes about 15 minutes or less. The CBP officer will check the identities of both the child and parent and take photos. Depending on the child's age, fingerprints might also be collected. While adults usually answer questions about their application and travel plans, children might skip this part depending on their age.
Your guide to affordable airport parking: search and book with ParkingNearAirports.io!
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Have you ever heard something about off-site parking? If not, we recommend you take a closer look at this part of the article, as this information will be handy for those who prefer to travel by air and get to the airport by their own car.
Most people suppose that parking at the airport is the fastest and most convenient option for them. However, it's not actually true. We'll explain to you why.
To be true, being in a terminal parking lot isn't convenient at all. Although on-site airport parking is the nearest place where you can leave your vehicle for the period of a trip, you can face the following difficulties:
- You will need to find a spot in a crowded lot,
- You will need to carry the luggage all the way through the parking lot,
- You must pay expensive fees without great service.
Sounds not good, right? However, we found an excellent solution for you – in this case, off-site parking can become a savior for you. So if you're trying to find a parking spot with great service nearby the airport you're flying from and don't want to leave there the most significant part of your budget, pay attention to this option.
How does it work?
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Obviously, people who chose a car as a way to get to the airport want to leave their vehicle safely while traveling and not to face the problems we described above. So what can off-site airport parking offer its customers?
Although a few miles usually separate such parking from the airport, you shouldn't worry about this. Off-site parking provides free shuttles going back and forth between the parking lot and the airport. Thanks to this, it removes any worries about getting stuck in traffic on the way to the airport during peak times. So all you need to do is choose the best time for you and inform the parking lot staff.
How does it work? Actually, everything is straightforward: when you come to the entrance, the staff will remove your luggage from your car and load it onto the shuttle, which will take you and your bags to the terminal. Then, the vehicle will be parked securely.
In addition, this type of parking is much cheaper, and this is good news, as nobody wants to waste money. Therefore, off-site parking is the perfect option to receive excellent service and save money at the same time.
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We're glad to inform you that you can find this solution right here. Our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers the best prices on airport car parking and bundles hotel and parking packages. Besides, we provide the services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Our platform allows you to make an airport parking reservation through a few clicks within the application. As a result, customers receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking spot upon arrival at the off-airport lot. Besides, if plans change, you can cancel hassle-free and receive a refund.
To understand it better, we would like to give you an example. Let's imagine that you're planning a trip to a popular destination. Regardless of your departure point, you can find convenient and affordable parking near airport you're flying from. Also, ParkingNearAirports.io offers its customers special airport parking coupons. With the help of these coupons, you can make the price for parking even two times less. So don't forget to use them to save as much money as possible.
You can find all the necessary and helpful information connected with the off-site airport parking on our official website. Enjoy traveling!
