US Increases Trusted Traveler Program Fees, Including Global Entry, to $120

The costs for Global Entry and other Trusted Traveler Programs have gone up by 20% according to US Customs and Border Protection. Learn about the updated prices, non-US citizens’ eligibility, and the advantages of quicker airport processing.

To enjoy the ease of a speedier airport experience, travelers in the US will now have to pay extra. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) raised the application and renewal costs for Trusted Traveler Programs from $100 to $120 as of October 1, 2024, a 20% increase.

Overview: Trusted Traveler Programs

Travelers can receive expedited processing at US airports through the Department of Homeland Security’s CBP-managed Trusted Traveler Programs. Among these programs are:

• Global Entry
• SENTRI
• NEXUS

Each program used to have different prices, but now there is a single $120 charge for all passengers. Nonetheless, children under the age of eighteen who have parents engaged in the programs are not required to pay the price.

Trusted Traveler Programs Fees Increase

The latest fee hike for the Trusted Traveler Programs marks a substantial rise in cost for travelers seeking speedier airport processing in the US. Fees for these programs increased by 20% as of October 1, 2024, affecting three important services:

• Global Entry: A $120 fee now applies instead of the previous $100. Pre-approved passengers can take advantage of fast lanes and expedite the customs process at US airports thanks to this scheme.
• NEXUS: The most noticeable increase is the more than twofold increase in NEXUS costs, from $50 to $120. Through accelerated border clearance, this initiative makes travel between the US and Canada easier.
• SENTRI: The cost of SENTRI has increased from $100 to $120, just like Global Entry. It provides a quicker route from Mexico to the US.

What Caused the Fee Increase?

The fee increase, in CBP’s opinion, is required to control and sustain the rising demand for Trusted Traveler Programs. The modified price schedule will contribute to the programs’ sustained efficacy as they grow.

What Is Global Entry?

Global Entry, founded in 2008, is one of the most popular Trusted Traveler Programs. It enables expedited customs clearance at US airports for travelers who have been pre-approved to use dedicated lanes. For a more seamless travel experience, the program was enhanced in 2018 to incorporate biometric and facial recognition technology.

The Global Entry application procedure entails:

• An application cost that is not refundable
• A face-to-face interview
• Membership is valid for five years after it is authorized, at which point it can be renewed online. Frequent travelers love Global entrance because it allows them easier entrance into the US.

The Benefits of Global Entry

Quicker Customs Clearance: Get expedited entrance and avoid long lineups.
Dedicated Fast Lanes: Use designated lanes to expedite processing.
Pre-Approved Status: Take advantage of this status, which eliminates the need for additional verification.

Who Is Eligible for Global Entry?

US citizens can use Global Entry. As long as they fulfill the requirements, nationals of 15 other countries and permanent residents (commonly known as Green Card holders) may also apply.

Do You Qualify? You must fulfill certain requirements to be eligible for the Global Entry Program. Applicants have to be at least eighteen. Minors may apply as well, but they will require parental or guardian approval. Participants in the program can come from:

• Bahrain
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Brazil
• Germany
• Dominican Republic
• Mexico
• India
• Panama
• Netherlands
• South Korea
• Singapore
• United Kingdom
• Taiwan
• Switzerland

Before application, candidates are advised to confirm that they meet all requirements, as fees must be paid in US dollars.

Final Thoughts

The advantage of avoiding lengthy airport queues and expediting the customs process may outweigh the charge rise. To determine whether it’s worth the expenditure, travelers must balance the expenses and advantages.