Is he flying home more than one time? If only once, it will take as much time to get the GE as it would take him to just wait in the immigration line coming home the one time.

Anonymous wrote:I love global entry. But it is often a pain to get. I got it for me, my husband and my child all at three different times. Each time was waiting for an hour or two at the airport waiting for an "interview" after a long flight. Extraordinarily worth it for us, as we travel internationally often. But just going abroad once seems silly; I mean when would he even get the interview.

Sounds like you used the "Enrollment on Arrival" option, which yes may end up meaning a long wait, because you don't know how many others will be using it at that time.

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-arrival

The main way is to do a scheduled appointment- there are interview locations at Dulles Airport, BWI, and at the Reagan Building in downtown DC. You get a specific appointment time and usually are in/out within around 20 minutes.

https://ttp.dhs.gov/schedulerui/schedule-interview/location?lang=en&vo=true&returnUrl=ttp-external&service=up

For a while it was very hard to get appointments post-covid backup, but its much better now.

I love global entry. But it is often a pain to get. I got it for me, my husband and my child all at three different times. Each time was waiting for an hour or two at the airport waiting for an "interview" after a long flight. Extraordinarily worth it for us, as we travel internationally often. But just going abroad once seems silly; I mean when would he even get the interview.

Anonymous wrote:What all is required for Global Entry?

If only there was a website with all of this information laid out.

Unless he’s going to make frequent trips to and from the US, it’s not necessary. It might save time when he returns, but it won’t help in other countries.

Check your credit card benefits. Many reimburse you for Global Entry fees.

What all is required for Global Entry?

There used to be more of a price differential with GE and TSA Precheck, but that has changed. We have had great use of Mobile Passport but will likely get Global Entry next when our Precheck expires.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:20 year old DS will study abroad in the fall, and I am wondering whether he should apply for either of these programs. What is the actual benefit and is there one you would recommend? Thanks.

Global Entry includes TSA Precheck automatically. That is the best choice unless studying in Canada.

For Canada, get NEXUS, which is cheaper than GE and includes both GE and TSA Precheck. Only NEXUS also provides fast-track entry *into* Canada.

Nexus is more logistically difficult, as you have to interview at only a few locations along the border, or you have do to 2 interviews, one in the US and one in Canada.

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/travel-voyage/prog/nexus/centres-eng.html

Anonymous wrote:20 year old DS will study abroad in the fall, and I am wondering whether he should apply for either of these programs. What is the actual benefit and is there one you would recommend? Thanks.

Global Entry includes TSA Precheck automatically. That is the best choice unless studying in Canada.

For Canada, get NEXUS, which is cheaper than GE and includes both GE and TSA Precheck. Only NEXUS also provides fast-track entry *into* Canada.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do Global Entry, it includes TSAPre so you get both.

I don't really understand why anyone just gets TSA pre instead of the bundle with GE. It really only makes sense if you're pretty sure there is no possibility of you ever traveling outside of the US in the next 5 years. The cost difference is negligible.

Because it's quicker and easier. I agree GE is worth it, but also now with Mobile Passport Control, the gap is narrower.

Anonymous wrote:Do Global Entry, it includes TSAPre so you get both.

I don't really understand why anyone just gets TSA pre instead of the bundle with GE. It really only makes sense if you're pretty sure there is no possibility of you ever traveling outside of the US in the next 5 years. The cost difference is negligible.

TSA pre has no benefit for study abroad as it only applies to US airports. Global Entry will help DC get back into the US but will provide no benefit for travel outside the US.

But I'd go ahead and get GE - it's pretty cheap and lasts 5 years.

Do Global Entry, it includes TSAPre so you get both.

20 year old DS will study abroad in the fall, and I am wondering whether he should apply for either of these programs. What is the actual benefit and is there one you would recommend? Thanks.