Welcome back to Paws Before Takeoff, your go-to blog for all things travel! Today, we’re diving into a topic that can make your international travels smoother and faster: Global Entry and why Enrollment on Arrival is a game-changer.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Imagine bypassing those long lines at customs and having a more streamlined entry process after a long flight. That’s what Global Entry offers.
Benefits of Global Entry:
- Expedited Entry: Skip the long lines at customs.
- TSA PreCheck Eligibility: With Global Entry, you automatically qualify for TSA PreCheck, meaning shorter lines and less hassle at security checkpoints.
- Ease of Use: Automated kiosks at select airports make the entry process quick and straightforward.
Global Entry is not just a time-saver; it’s a stress-reliever, especially after a long-haul international flight.
Why Choose Enrollment on Arrival?
Now, let’s talk about Enrollment on Arrival, an incredibly efficient way to complete your Global Entry application process. If you’re planning any international trips in the next year, this is something you don’t want to miss. Many places in the US (and specifically Denver) have RIDICULOUS wait times for appointment slots.
Enrollment on Arrival: A Convenient Solution
- No Separate Interview Appointment Needed: Normally, Global Entry applicants need to schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers. With Enrollment on Arrival, you can complete your interview as part of the immigration process when you return to the U.S. from an international trip.
- Time-Saving: It merges two processes into one. Instead of setting aside extra time for an interview, you can do it while you’re already at the airport.
- Widely Available: It’s available at numerous airports across the U.S., making it accessible for most international travelers.
How to do your Global Entry Interview on Arrival
- Apply for Global Entry: Complete the online application and pay the fee (make sure to use a credit card that reimburses you for the $100).
- Conditional Approval: Wait for conditional approval, which will include instructions for completing the enrollment process. This can take up to a week or more depending on how slammed Customs is, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time.
- Enroll on Arrival: After an international trip, follow the signs for Enrollment on Arrival at a participating airport. An officer will conduct your interview during your immigration process.
- Get Fingerprinted: Assuming your background check comes up clean, it should be a short and sweet process. Get your picture and fingerprints taken, and you’ll be on your way out of customs and home in no time. If not (or you something pops up against the eligibility requirements) your enrollment on arrival interview is your chance to prove to CBP that you are a low-risk traveler.
Final Thoughts
Global Entry, with the convenience of Enrollment on Arrival, is a fantastic tool for international travelers. It not only saves time but also reduces the stress of navigating through busy airports. If you travel internationally even just once a year, Global Entry is worth it. Travel more inside the US? Global Entry gets you TSA PreCheck as well, is only like $40 more, and just slightly harder to get, so you might as well, right?
If you’re planning any international travel coming up, consider applying for Global Entry and take advantage of Enrollment on Arrival. It could be the best travel decision you make this year!
Safe travels, and remember, always keep your paws prepared before takeoff!
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