The fees are being raised for the first time in 15 years to align with the NEXUS and SENTI trusted traveler programs.
The fee for joining the Global Entry trusted travel program is set to increase by 20% in October. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has disclosed today that it is updating the fees for three of its most popular Trusted Traveler Programs: Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI.
What is changing?
This will be the first time the Global Entry fees have been updated in over 15 years. The new rate of $120 (up from $100) will align the three programs to the same fee schedule and cover five years of membership. The changes will come into effect on October 1st, 2024. This allows travelers interested in joining the program the entire summer to enroll before the price rises. According to the agency, the new pricing structure better reflects the program costs as it continues to add new locations:
“As these programs have matured and expanded, updating the fee structures is critical to the continuation and management of the programs.”
Two other programs are revising their pricing to align with the new Global Entry fees. NEXUS, a joint program managed by CBP and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), will increase the cost of a five-year membership from $50 to $120. The program provides swifter processing between the US and Canada with self-serve NEXUS kiosks and eGates at nine major international airports, dedicated vehicle lanes at 20 designated land border crossings, and TSA Pre-Check/Expedited clearance through CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) security screening lines.
A third program will also move to the flat rate application fee. The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI), which provides pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States dedicated primary lanes at Southern land border ports, will move from an “a la carte” fee structure to a uniform fee of $120. The payment will be collected in full when each application is submitted.
According to the CBP filing, applicants under the age of 18 will be exempt from the application fee when a parent or legal guardian is concurrently applying for NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry. The fee will also be waived for children of existing program members.
Currently, minors applying for the Global Entry program are charged the full application fee, so it might be worth waiting till October if you are looking to enroll your family.
What does Global Entry provide?
The Global Entry program allows passengers entering the United States to receive expedited immigration clearance. Members are entered to use automated kiosks to verify their identity and are no longer required to fill out immigration cards. The fast-track kiosks are available at airports nationwide and select overseas airports with US Preclearance facilities.
Applicants are still required to undergo rigorous and recurring background checks and sit for an in-person interview before enrollment. While the programs aim to expedite travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States.
Source SimpleFlying
