Global Entry is now available at no cost for children—here’s how to enroll

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program that provides expedited customs processing for preapproved, low-risk travelers entering the U.S. via dedicated security lanes at over 75 airports.

Recent updates to the Global Entry program bring both good and bad news.

First, the downside. Starting on Oct. 1, the application fee for a five-year Global Entry membership will increase to $120. This is the first price hike for Global Entry since 2009, but the 20% increase still hits hard for travelers relying on the program.

The good news is that applicants under 18 can now skip the application fee if a parent or legal guardian is already a member or applying for Global Entry. Previously, a family of four would need to pay $400 to apply for Global Entry ($100 per person, regardless of age). Now, a family of four with two children will only pay $240 for the application ($120 for each adult and $0 for each child under 18).

You'll need to create a new account and start the application for your child, which might involve setting up an email address for them if they don’t have one. During the application, you'll be asked to enter your application ID or KTN number to waive the $120 fee for your child.

While this might not be great news for individuals or couples applying, families with children can now save a significant amount on application fees. This could also be a good time to enroll your kids for the first time, as the program is now more affordable than it used to be.

Similar to Global Entry, the application fees for Nexus and SENTRI—both part of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Trusted Traveler Programs—are now $120. However, children under 18 can apply for free. Nexus is a cooperative program between the CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency, facilitating faster processing between the U.S. and Canada, while SENTRI does the same for U.S. and Mexico crossings.

To apply for any of the aforementioned Trusted Traveler Programs, head to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website and select the "Get Started" button for your chosen program. If you’re a first-time applicant, you will need to create a new Trusted Traveler Program account or log into an existing one.

Next, you’ll fill out the online application by providing your personal details, travel and residency history, undergoing a criminal background check, and verifying your U.S. citizenship with your passport and driver's license. Upon completing the online application, you'll need to pay the $120 fee.

An in-person interview is still required for full approval of your application. If you receive conditional approval, you might complete this step upon returning to the U.S. at an airport that participates in Enrollment on Arrival. Otherwise, you'll have to book an appointment at an enrollment center before your next international journey if you wish to take advantage of expedited entry upon your return. Generally, applications are approved within two weeks, but the CBP notes that some may take 12 months or more to process.

While children under 18 can apply for free, adults can also save on Global Entry application fees by using specific credit cards. You will still need to pay the fee upfront, but numerous credit cards will reimburse this fee via a credit statement when you pay your application fee with them.

Here are some of the best credit cards offering a Global Entry application fee reimbursement benefit:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• United℠ Explorer Card
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

In conclusion

Families looking to save on expedited reentry to the U.S. are in a fortunate position now that kids under 18 can apply for free. It might be the perfect opportunity to start planning your next family getaway.