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What Global Entry Is and How It Works at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows pre-screened travelers to pass through expedited customs screening when returning to the United States from international travel. The program operates at more than 50 U.S. airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the world's busiest airports by passenger traffic.

When you use Global Entry at Atlanta's international terminals, you enter a dedicated lane at customs rather than waiting in standard lines with all other returning travelers. Instead of the typical wait times that can extend 30 minutes to over an hour during peak travel periods, Global Entry users often complete the process in 15 minutes or less. The program uses automated passport control (APC) kiosks where travelers scan their passport, take a photo, and answer declaration questions on a touchscreen.

Atlanta Airport handles approximately 110 million passengers annually, making it consistently the world's busiest airport. During peak travel seasons—holidays, summer vacation periods, and spring breaks—customs lines can become extremely congested. Global Entry specifically addresses this congestion by streamlining the reentry process for travelers who have been pre-screened and enrolled in the program.

The program includes membership benefits beyond customs screening. Global Entry members also receive expedited security screening through TSA PreCheck at U.S. airports, which means shorter lines at airport security checkpoints. Additionally, members can bring liquids, gels, and electronics through security without removing them from bags, and they can keep shoes and belts on during screening.

Practical takeaway: Understanding what Global Entry actually does helps you determine whether the program aligns with your travel patterns. If you frequently travel internationally through Atlanta or other major U.S. airports, the customs time savings alone can be substantial over the program's membership period.

The Costs and Membership Duration of Global Entry

Global Entry membership costs $100 for five years of coverage, which breaks down to $20 per year or approximately $1.67 per month. This is the standard membership fee set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Some travelers may receive reduced membership fees through alternative pathways, such as certain credit cards that offer Global Entry fee reimbursement as a cardholder benefit.

The five-year membership period is fixed. Once your membership expires, you must renew for another five-year term at the then-current fee. CBP occasionally announces fee adjustments, though the fee has remained at $100 for several years. When you complete the enrollment process and your membership is approved, your Global Entry membership becomes active immediately, though you will not receive your physical trusted traveler card for several weeks.

The cost comparison is helpful context. A single international round-trip flight through Atlanta during peak travel season might involve 45 minutes to an hour of total customs and security wait time. If Global Entry reduces that to 20 minutes total, the time savings over a five-year period—especially for frequent international travelers—can be significant. Someone traveling internationally four times per year would experience approximately 80 to 100 hours of potential time savings over five years, assuming moderate wait time reductions.

Additional costs to consider: You will need a valid U.S. passport to enroll in Global Entry. If your passport is expired or you don't currently have one, you will need to obtain a passport through the U.S. State Department. New passports cost between $130 and $165 depending on processing speed, and passport cards cost $35. These costs are separate from Global Entry membership and are not part of the membership fee.

Some credit card companies offer Global Entry membership fee reimbursement as a premium cardholder benefit. Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and several other premium travel credit cards include this benefit. If your credit card covers the Global Entry fee, your actual out-of-pocket cost for membership would be zero, though you would need to pay the credit card's annual fee to access this benefit.

Practical takeaway: Calculate whether Global Entry makes financial sense based on your travel frequency and current wait times at Atlanta Airport. A frequent international traveler will recoup the cost quickly, while an occasional traveler might consider whether the savings justify the expense.

The Global Entry Application and Enrollment Process

To become a Global Entry member, you must complete an application through the official CBP website at cbp.gov. The application process takes place entirely online and requires you to create an account in the Trusted Traveler Programs system. The online application asks for biographical information, passport details, travel history, and answers to background questions.

The application requires information including your full legal name, date of birth, passport number and expiration date, citizenship status, and contact information. You will also answer questions about your criminal history, immigration status, and travel background. These questions help CBP assess whether you meet the program's standards for approval.

After you submit your online application, CBP reviews your information. If approved, you receive notification to schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. Atlanta has multiple Global Entry enrollment centers, including locations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport itself. You can schedule your interview at a time and location convenient for you.

During your in-person interview—which typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes—a CBP officer will verify your identity, review your application responses, and may ask follow-up questions about your travel and background. You will provide your fingerprints, which CBP uses for background checks. If the interview goes well, CBP typically makes an approval decision on the spot or shortly thereafter.

The timeline from application to membership varies. Some applicants receive interview scheduling notifications within days, while others may wait several weeks. After your in-person interview, approval typically comes within days to a few weeks. Once approved, you can use Global Entry immediately, though your physical trusted traveler card arrives by mail within two to four weeks.

At Atlanta Airport specifically, enrollment centers are located in both the domestic and international terminals, making it convenient to complete your interview before or after a flight. You can schedule your interview online through the Trusted Traveler Programs website and choose a time that works with your travel schedule.

Practical takeaway: Plan to schedule your Global Entry interview at least several weeks before you need to use the benefit, as the timeline from application to approval varies. If you use Atlanta Airport frequently for business or personal travel, scheduling your interview at the airport itself minimizes additional travel time.

Documents You Need for Your Global Entry Interview at Atlanta Airport

When you arrive for your in-person enrollment interview at an Atlanta Airport Global Entry enrollment center, you must bring specific documents to verify your identity and background information. Preparation ensures your interview runs smoothly and prevents delays or rescheduling.

Primary identification is essential. Bring your valid U.S. passport or passport card, which is the document Global Entry uses to track your membership and trusted traveler status. If you don't yet have a passport, you cannot complete Global Entry enrollment until you obtain one through the U.S. State Department.

You will also need proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. If you're a U.S. citizen, your passport typically serves this purpose. If you're a permanent resident, bring your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) along with your passport. If you hold a different immigration status, contact CBP directly before scheduling your interview, as Global Entry may not be available to all non-citizen statuses.

Bring documentation that matches the information on your application. If you listed a current address on your application, bring a document showing that address—such as a utility bill, rental agreement, or recent bank statement. This document should be current (dated within the last 60 to 90 days). Your driver's license or state ID card can also serve as address verification.

If you've had any address changes, traffic violations, or other relevant background information since submitting your application, bring documentation related to those changes. Being transparent about your background prevents issues during your interview.

Bring payment for the membership fee. Global Entry membership costs $100 for five years. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or check during your interview. Some enrollment centers accept cash, but confirming payment methods when you schedule your interview prevents complications on interview day.

Practical takeaway: Gather all required documents before scheduling your interview to ensure you have everything on interview day. Missing documents may result in rescheduling your interview, delaying your Global Entry membership activation.