I'm considering applying for Global Entry. I will be going to England next May. My question about that is: I understand you have to have an interview before you can get it, and it must be at an interview center. Does anybody know if any of these interviews are being conducted via Zoom?
Also, I read on here about an entry program for France. Is there one for the UK? It always seems like I am in an ungodly long line at Heathrow after being up all night. Maybe there's hope?
Thank you!
Americans can now use e-gates at Heathrow; this is not contingent on membership in any special entry program (such as a UK version of Global Entry). When I flew into Heathrow in June 2022, I was through immigration in 10 minutes, whereas in 2019 and prior years (before I used e-gates) I might have to snake through the immigration line for 45 minutes.
Did not have any trouble at Heathrow for spring 2022 trip- went through quickly.
Safe travels!
I think the lines will either be long or short. It took us over an hour in May. Here is the info for the remote interview, https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/remote-interview-pilot-trusted-traveler-programs
Does anybody know if any of these interviews are being conducted via Zoom?
No, you must be present for fingerprinting.
Global entry is only an advantage on returning to the US, it allows you a separate line through immigration. To get it, yes, you need to apply, pay a fee (a credit card you have may pay for it, or not) then schedule an interview, in person. Slots for interviews have been a problem, and unless you live in a larger hub, you have to travel to have the interview. So, you have cost, and travel cost, and time to get Global Entry. If you travel once a year internationally, I really do not see the payback. I used to travel 3-4 times a year internationally...and could not see the payback. My experience is that I spend about 20 minutes in immigration, some times less, some times more, but rarely over 30 minutes, if ever. My last time through immigration (last week) through Atlanta, I was through faster than the Global Entry people (Apparently there were a number of people who could not figure out the automated kiosks, backing things up). Of course most everyone was standing after immigration waiting for checked bags, so minutes gained, were pretty much lost after. (Global Entry does not get your bags quicker). I do have TSA precheck, that is handy leaving, but really, Global Entry seems more hassle than advantage. If I was stuck always using one of the horror airports where entry is a two hour process, then maybe, but flying Delta, and using ATL, MSP, DTW, or even JFK...just does not make sense.
I’ve had global entry for several years, using it primarily for my overseas travel a couple times a year, as well as the TSA pre-check when I fly domestically, and I love it. In answer to your question, an in person interview is required, as you will be fingerprinted in photographs at the interview. If you don’t get your interview before your trip but have already received conditional approval pending interview, you can do your interview in the airport in which you return. I’ve actually had friends who flew to the nearest overseas airport just to be able to turn right around and fly back and get their global entry interview at that time.
If you choose not to get global entry, an alternative is the mobile passport app, which is free and also has a dedicated line in the airport, although it is a much slower one. That said, it’s still faster than going through the cattle call which is regular immigration. Especially true if you fly through JFK, Atlanta, Chicago or LA
Thank you, everyone, for your advice and opinions. I will give it some thought before deciding for sure. I do only fly once a year internationally.
In any event, I am really glad to hear Americans can use the eGates at Heathrow. The last time I was there was 2019 and I didn't know about the change.
First-time TTP applicants are not yet eligible to participate.
I got home Wednesday. Renewed my Global Entry online Monday morning. I just got renewal confirmation for five years. 36 hour turn around.
SandraL, Global Entry is so worth it. I noticed on their website when I did the renewal, there are only a few interview sites, none of which are convenient. But you can also sign up to do the interview upon your arrival back to the US. Someone here will have more info than me.
Coming into EWR, it took me longer to figure out which line than to go through immigration using Global Entry. And TSA pre check was a breeze outbound thru PHX. Too bad it doesn’t work thru security overseas. Outbound I flew to LHR. The e-gates were quick and easy.
Note that if you are into churning credit cards for the bonuses, the United Airlines Explorer card will reimburse the $100 for global entry and there’s no annual fee the first year. You just pay the fee directly with the credit card and a credit will show up in your account in 1-2 days.
Is Global Entry worth it?
Last Thursday, at JFK Terminal 7. From the moment I stepped off the plane to the moment I stepped out of the terminal........seven minutes. I would have been out sooner but there were a couple of people ahead of me who had to be fingerprinted. When it was my turn I was asked three questions and I was done. The prior three trips no questions were asked. If there wasn't the delay of the people ahead of me and if no questions were asked it probably would have been five minutes.
It is $85 for five years of TSA Precheck and $100 for five years of Global Entry. Prior to Covid, I travelled internationally once or twice a year. With only a $15 price difference, for me it was worth it.
As a new applicant you will have to do the in person interview so they can fingerprint and photograph you. I did mine at LAX on my return from a trip to France. No appointment necessary or even possible. I had to wait through the regular immigration line for 45 minutes and tell them that I wanted to complete my Global Entry interview. After they checked me through immigration they sent me to another agent for the interview. I will enjoy skipping that immigration line on my next return home. The TSA Precheck is nice, also.
I agree Global Entry is worth it. It is a breeze coming back into the US. I used my AMEX card and got reimbursed for the $100 fee. We were lucky on the interview part, we went to a smaller regional airport and we were able to get an interview within a 1-2 month time frame. I also got Global Entry for my disabled adult daughter who sometimes has difficulty standing in line. Note that Global Entry is by individual only so you cannot take family members or friends through unless they also have Global Entry. The only problem I had this year was I couldn't figure out how to adjust the kiosk camera for my 4 ft 11 daughter. I finally realized I could actually move the camera rather than trying to move using the keyboard! Also, make sure your known travel number is in the airline passenger details. Sometimes, I swear AA kicks it out. For this reason, I didn't get my pre-TSA on my second trip to England this year.
Also, the e-gates at Heathrow (nothing to do with Global Entry), take 5-10 mins for US passport holders.
Margaret
Thanks, everybody for your help and advice. I'll give this a thought.
Hi,
My husband and I just returned from London last week. Heathrow was not a problem at all (terminal 3). We scanned our passports and the kiosk and walked right through. Easy Peasy..
I had applied for Global Entry 2 months ago and apparently my application was approved while we were in the UK. When I came through customs back in the States, the customs agent told me my application was approved he told me I could do my interview right there. Another agent showed me where to wait and a different agent came, did the in person interview, photo, fingerprinting etc. It was a quick process and I received my number quickly.
I like having a Global Entry card b/c it can be useful as another form of ID (as well as speeding up the process coming back to the USA – although similar to a comment above, at SFO the Global Entry line is often super long, if quick-moving). The Global Entry card will work in place of a Real ID for flying domestically, and according to these websites, it may also have advantages when entering Canada (TSA pre-check-type program? I just traveled to Canada and don't think I knew about this ... this Points Guy link is pre-Covid, FWIW) and entering the USA via land and sea ports (can it replace a passport? that's what it seems to imply and what I think I heard).
Would love to hear clarification on either of these points.
