Global Entry: How to Avoid Long Waits at Customs

Texans going through at San Antonio International Airport.

Global Entry is a great way for Americans arriving back into the US from international travel, to get through United States Airport Customs in less time.

Line drawing of a passenger airplane with a swirly jet stream.

A Global Entry membership allows international travelers to get on their way quickly and easily by using automated kiosks when entering the United States. 

It’s About Time brochure, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Global Entry offers convenience, but may not be a value for everybody.

Upsides to Global Entry

• Once approved, valid for 5 years

• Automated kiosks, in most major US airports, to avoid traditional arrival process

• Paperless customs declaration forms

Downsides to Global Entry

• Non-refundable $100 application fee per person

• In person interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer

• Can take up to 11 months to attain

To see official guidelines and apply for Global Entry, visit this page.

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Related Good Things to Know

The US Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) is different than the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Although both are under the Department of Homeland Security umbrella.

We’ve accumulated a list of Texas airports, you can view that here.

Happy trails, y’all!

Hand illustrated yellow Lone Star with a swish on either side, punctuating Global Entry article.

To Recap

Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Becoming a member can save you time upon your return to the US.


Arnie the Armadillo also sports Journal Covers

Arnie the Armadillo journals are great for mixing and matching in red, white and blue AND 3 different designs :: TexansTouring.com

Texans Touring is proud to present the ruggedly handsome spokesmodel, Arnie the Armadillo, on the cover of NINE dotted-line journals. Take that other spokesmodels.

Unable to decide just what journal version of this hard-shelled ruffian to use, the choice now falls to you. The three designs shown above – Arnie in the spotlight, Texas Two-Step Arnie and Line Dancing Arnie – are each available in red, white and blue.

To order, please click on the photo or this link. Gracias!