Traveling with kids can be a challenge for parents, especially when it involves international flights.

Experienced travelers know the benefits of Global Entry to reduce wait times at airport security and customs. But can kids get Global Entry? The answer is yes.

Unlike TSA PreCheck, which allows kids 12 and younger to use the expedited lanes with adults, Global Entry is required for travelers of any age.

Learn more about Global Entry, including how much it costs, how children can apply and what the interview is like for kids.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a program from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows expedited processing of travelers through customs when returning from international travel.

Membership pre-approves low-risk travelers so they have access to expedited security lanes when returning through customs.

At Global Entry kiosks, returning travelers present their passports and answer a customs declaration. The kiosks also use fingerprints or facial recognition to identify the traveler and provide a transaction receipt they give to the customs agent.

Global Entry members also receive access to the TSA PreCheck lanes at airport security. They benefit from less invasive searches and body scans, and carry-on bags that streamline their way through airport security.

Get a reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry with our favorite cards

Check out our nerdy picks for the best cards for travelers that want TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

BROWSE CARDS

How much is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a membership program that costs $100 for five years. This breaks down to an average of $20 per year. There is no difference in price whether you're an adult or a child.

A lower-cost option is TSA PreCheck, which is $78 for five years. However, it only covers domestic travel.

Credit cards that reimburse Global Entry application fees

Instead of paying for application fees out of pocket, numerous credit cards offer $100 credits for Global Entry.

Credit cards that reimburse Global Entry fees

Aeroplan® Credit Card.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment required.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment required.

IHG® One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card.

IHG® One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Enrollment required.

The Platinum Card® from American Express. Enrollment required.

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card.

United Club℠ Infinite Card.

United℠ Explorer Card.

United Quest℠ Card.

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card.

Terms apply.

Most credit cards limit the reimbursement to once every four to five years. Check with your credit card for specific details on how often you can use this benefit.

If you have a credit card that reimburses these fees, you can use this benefit to pay for anyone's application fees. It can be anyone you choose, including your spouse, children, siblings, parents and friends.

At what age are kids required to have their own Global Entry membership?

When returning from Cancun when my daughter was six months old, we learned the hard way that everyone needs Global Entry — even a baby.

Unlike TSA PreCheck, there's no minimum age requirement. You must have a Global Entry membership to use the Global Entry security lanes.

My wife, son and I all had Global Entry, but our baby didn't.

As we handed the customs agent our passports and interview slips, he asked for the baby's documentation. I replied that she didn't have an interview slip because she was so young. He said, "Sorry, but everyone needs Global Entry to use these lines."

Fortunately, we plead ignorance, and the agent was sympathetic and let us through. However, we received a stern warning and were reminded that our baby needed a Global Entry membership.

When we returned home, I applied for that Global Entry membership. Then, we booked her interview appointment as soon as she was conditionally approved.

How to apply for Global Entry for kids

The Global Entry application for kids is the same as for adults. It starts by setting up an account and answering questions through the online application.

The application questions include identifying information, such as date of birth, home address and Social Security number. Additionally, you'll need to provide information about recent travel, including listing the countries you've been to in the last five years.

When your application is complete, pay the application fee through the CBP website. This fee is nonrefundable (though, as discussed above, can be reimbursed by certain credit cards). The fee is charged to your debit or credit card whether you're approved or not.

The CBP conducts a background search based on your child's application. Once this process is completed, you'll be conditionally approved and can book your child's interview.

Booking an interview

Once your child has been conditionally approved, you can book their interview at an appointment location.

However, booking an interview for Global Entry can be a challenge. Many offices are understaffed, and appointment slots are in high demand. You may have to wait weeks or months for an appointment at your local interview office.

For example, there were no appointments available at the Nashville Enrollment Center for the next three months as I was writing this article.

One way around this is to drive or fly to another city that has more availability. When my wife first applied for Global Entry, we booked her appointment during a layover at New York-JFK. For my son, we drove about 90 minutes south to Huntsville, Alabama for his interview.

Enrollment on arrival

If you're having trouble finding available appointment times, another option is to conduct an "Enrollment on Arrival." These interviews are unscheduled and conducted at customs when you return from an international trip.

Simply go through the Global Entry line, walk up to an agent and let them know that you'd like to do an interview upon arrival.

We did this with my son a couple of years ago on a return flight from Cabo. Our Southwest Airlines flight had a stop in Phoenix. He answered a few questions from the customs agent, then he was fully approved. The entire process took just a few minutes.

Keep in mind that not all Global Entry interview locations participate in enrollment on arrival. Visit this page for the current list of participating locations.

What is the Global Entry interview like for children?

At your Global Entry enrollment interview, the agent asks numerous questions to verify your identity and the information on your application. Additionally, they'll take your photo and fingerprints. However, the process is a little different for kids.

Depending on their age and comfort level, your child might be unable to respond to the interviewer's questions. Parents or legal guardians are required to be present at the child's Global Entry interview for this reason. Instead of the child answering the questions, the adult does so. Once again, the main goal of the interview is to confirm the data on the application.

At the conclusion of the interview, the interviewer takes a photo and fingerprints the child. However, the CBP does not fingerprint children under the age of four.

Global Entry for children recapped

Global Entry is an invaluable membership that saves time while traveling internationally. Unlike TSA PreCheck, you need Global Entry for kids of any age — even infants.

The program application and fees for children are the same as for adults. However, the interviews are often quicker, and your child may not need to be fingerprinted depending on age.

Frequently asked questionsHow long does Global Entry last?

Global Entry membership is good for five years. With benefits lasting for multiple years, the average yearly cost is $20. Many credit cards also cover the cost, which makes it easier for travelers to benefit from this program.

Is Global Entry or TSA PreCheck better?

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are two Trusted Traveler programs that can minimize your travel wait. TSA PreCheck provides access to special lanes at airport security for domestic travel. Global Entry members get access to TSA PreCheck and special kiosks that accelerate the U.S. customs process when returning from international travel.

At what age do you need Global Entry?

Global Entry is required for all international travelers, no matter how old you are. Whether you’re a senior citizen or a newborn, all travelers must have Global Entry to use the expedited customs lanes when returning from a foreign country.

Does a parent need to have Global Entry in order for the child to apply?

Children cannot apply for Global Entry on their own. They must have a parent or legal guardian's permission to apply. However, the parent is not required to have Global Entry membership for the child to become a member.

How long does Global Entry last?

Global Entry membership is good for five years. With benefits lasting for multiple years, the average yearly cost is $20. Many credit cards also cover the cost, which makes it easier for travelers to benefit from this program.

Is Global Entry or TSA PreCheck better?

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are two Trusted Traveler programs that can minimize your travel wait. TSA PreCheck provides access to special lanes at airport security for domestic travel. Global Entry members get access to TSA PreCheck and special kiosks that accelerate the U.S. customs process when returning from international travel.

At what age do you need Global Entry?

Global Entry is required for all international travelers, no matter how old you are. Whether you’re a senior citizen or a newborn, all travelers must have Global Entry to use the expedited customs lanes when returning from a foreign country.

Does a parent need to have Global Entry in order for the child to apply?

Children cannot apply for Global Entry on their own. They must have a parent or legal guardian's permission to apply. However, the parent is not required to have Global Entry membership for the child to become a member.