Global Entry
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that provides expedited border clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travellers arriving in the United States.
Global Entry is a trusted traveler program administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that enables pre-vetted international travellers to bypass standard customs queues and use automated kiosks upon arrival at participating U.S. airports. Enrollment requires a background check, an in-person interview, and payment of an application fee. Members benefit from faster immigration processing and, since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, also gain access to expedited security screening for domestic flights. The program is particularly valuable for frequent international business travellers who cross U.S. borders regularly.
Why it matters
For frequent business travellers who regularly enter the United States, Global Entry delivers a meaningful reduction in arrival processing time — the difference between a 5-minute kiosk experience and a 45-minute queue at peak times. Global Entry membership also includes TSA PreCheck automatically, which speeds security screening on domestic and international departures from US airports. For organizations with employees traveling to the US regularly, reimbursing or paying for Global Entry enrollment is one of the highest-value, lowest-cost traveler welfare investments available.
How it works in practice
Travellers apply online through the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs portal, pay the application fee, and, if conditionally approved, schedule an in-person interview at a CBP enrollment center or partner location. If approved, the membership is valid for five years. The Known Traveler Number (KTN) associated with the membership is added to the traveler's profile and guarantees automatic PreCheck and Global Entry access on eligible flights.
The takeaway
For any employee who travels to the US more than two or three times a year, Global Entry membership represents an immediate and durable quality-of-life improvement. Organizations that include Global Entry reimbursement in their travel policy or corporate card benefits — as many leading travel programmes do — see measurable improvements in traveler satisfaction and a reduction in arrival-related disruption claims.