Applying for Global Entry // Details for Hawaii Residents

WHAT IS GLOBAL ENTRY?

Global Entry is the US government’s way of approving "trusted travelers" to gain quicker access through customs after international travel. Global Entry includes TSA Precheck, which provides an expedited passage through security at many US airports.

Global Entry makes traveling much quicker and more seamless. Landing from an international trip is a breeze, with just a few moments on the fast-pass line at customs through the Global Entry kiosks.

Also included is the TSA Precheck benefits, which are frequently used when traveling domestically. You will really appreciate the time you save not having to wait in long security lines. Also, you don’t have to fill up three bins with personal items, since you can keep my shoes, coat, and belt on and don’t have to remove liquids and laptop from your bag.

The way it works is, you go to these kiosks, present your machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, have your fingerprints scanned for identity verification, and complete a customs declaration. You’ll then get a receipt and be sent on your way to the baggage claim area.

If it works the way it should, you'll be off the plane, reunited with your baggage, and on your way home in no time. Just be aware though that even if you're accepted into the Global Entry program, CBP does caution that "members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States." You should also know that if you apply for and get accepted into Global Entry, you’ll automatically be enrolled in TSA PreCheck.

HOW TO ENROLL:

1. Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Program website and create a Login.gov account.

Before starting your Global Entry application, you must create a Login.gov account here.

2. Complete your Global Entry application

The application takes about 20 minutes to complete. You’ll need several documents, including your valid passport or U.S. permanent resident card and driver’s license or other ID. You’ll have to fill out a comprehensive history, including your current and previous addresses for the past five years, employment history for the past five years, and international travel history for the past five years.

Once you complete your application and are “conditionally approved,” you will be asked to schedule your in-person interview.

3. Pay the $100 Fee

The fee for applying for Global Entry is $100. When you consider the time you save going through security with TSA Precheck and going through US customs after traveling internationally, it’s well worth the money. BELOW is a List of Credit cards that will reinburse you the Global Entry Fee.

4. Schedule and attend your in-person interview

After completing the Global Entry Application and paying the fee, you must now check the interview availability for your closest Global Entry Enrollment Center location (most are at airports) before applying. Alternatively, you can complete your Global Entry interview on a return flight from an international trip, which you don’t need to make an appointment in advance for. *This applies those at the HNL International Airport. 

5. Attend Your in-person Interview

My interview was scheduled 2 months after my application was submitted at the Daniel Inouye International Airport. Yelp didn’t help much getting me there, so I provided some pictures and direction on how to get there. *HAWAII RESIDENTS, LOOK BELOW

You will need to bring your valid passport and driver’s license or other ID to your interview. They will also take a copy of your fingerprints. The interview itself takes a mere 10 minutes! I was expecting heavy screening and interrogation, but all they did was confirm my identity and take a picture.

Once you’ve completed your interview, you will be approved to begin using Global Entry. You will receive your Global Entry card in the mail 7-10 business days after approval, but don’t have to wait for it to arrive to have the benefits.

BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR GLOBAL ENTRY AND TSA PRECHECK

Here is a list of credit cards that re-imburse your Global Entry Fee.

1. Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

   • Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® fee reimbursement details: Receive up to a $100 credit once every four years when you use your card to pay your Global Entry OR TSA Pre✓® application fee.

2. The Platinum Card® from American Express

   • Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® fee reimbursement details: Receive up to a $100 credit once every four years when you use your card to pay your Global Entry OR TSA Pre✓® application fee. This benefit is also available to additional card members on the account. 

3. The Chase Sapphire Reserve

   • Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® fee reimbursement details: Receive up to a $100 credit once every four years when you use your card to pay your Global Entry OR TSA Pre✓® application fee.

4. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Visa® credit card

   • Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® fee reimbursement details: Receive up to a $100 credit once every four years when you use your card to pay your Global Entry OR TSA Pre✓® application fee.

5. Mastercard® Black Card

   • Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® fee reimbursement details: Receive a $100 automatic statement credit for the cost of the Global Entry and TSA Pre✓® application fee.

6. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®

   • Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® fee reimbursement details: Receive up to a $100 credit once every five years when you use your card to pay your Global Entry OR TSA Pre✓® application fee.

7. United℠ Explorer Card

   • Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® fee reimbursement details: Either $100 or $85 statement credit for the application fee when you apply for either Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®, every four years.

8. IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

   • Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® fee reimbursement details: Receive up to a $100 credit once every four years when you use your card to pay your Global Entry OR TSA Pre✓® application fee.

FOR BUSINESSES

1. The Business Platinum® Card from American Express

   • Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® fee reimbursement details: This card reimburses you once every four years for your TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application fees, and that credit is available to each cardholder on the account so your employees can also take advantage of this offer. 

2. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

   • Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® fee reimbursement details: This card reimburses you once every four years for your TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application fees.