Learn About Global Entry Programs for Children

Understanding Global Entry and Programs for Children

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows pre-screened travelers to move through customs and immigration lines more quickly when returning to the United States from international travel. The program costs $100 for five years of membership. While Global Entry itself focuses on adults, the program has specific provisions and related options for families with children.

When a parent or guardian holds Global Entry membership, children under 15 in their household may be included at no additional cost. This means the child's name and information can be added to the parent's account, and they receive a trusted traveler identification number. Children ages 15 and older must have their own Global Entry membership, which costs the same $100 for five years.

Understanding how Global Entry works for families is important for planning international travel with children. The program operates at more than 50 U.S. airports, and enrollment requires an in-person interview where applicants answer questions about their travel history and background. For children included on a parent's account, the child does not need to attend this interview separately.

Several related trusted traveler programs exist beyond Global Entry. TSA PreCheck, which costs $78 to $85 for five years, provides expedited security screening at domestic U.S. airports. NEXUS and SENTRI are programs focused on travel to Canada and Mexico respectively. Each program has different rules about how children participate. Families should review all options to determine which programs match their travel patterns.

Practical takeaway: Before pursuing any trusted traveler program, review your family's typical travel destinations. If most trips stay within the U.S., TSA PreCheck alone may serve your needs. If you frequently travel internationally, Global Entry provides benefits at U.S. entry ports that TSA PreCheck does not cover.

How Children Are Included on Global Entry Accounts

Parents and guardians who hold Global Entry memberships can add children to their accounts without paying additional fees. This is one of the most valuable features of Global Entry for traveling families. A child under age 15 can be included on either parent's or guardian's Global Entry account.

When a child is added to an account, they receive their own trusted traveler identification number, sometimes called a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This number must be entered when booking airline tickets for the child. When the KTN is attached to the ticket, the child can use the trusted traveler line alongside the parent during customs processing.

At the airport, children included on Global Entry accounts do not need separate documentation or cards. They simply enter the trusted traveler lane with their parent and proceed through the expedited customs process together. The process works the same as when the parent travels alone—the child's information is verified in the CBP system using their identification documents.

One important detail: while children can be added to accounts at any time, the parent must have an active, valid Global Entry membership. If a parent's membership expires, the child's access through that account ends as well. Parents should monitor their membership renewal dates to ensure continuous coverage for their children.

Children ages 15 and older must hold their own separate Global Entry memberships. They cannot be listed as dependents on a parent's account. However, family members of any age can hold their own accounts simultaneously, allowing multiple household members to travel through trusted traveler lanes together.

Practical takeaway: If you have one child under 15, adding them to your Global Entry account costs nothing and requires only that you update your account profile. Keep your membership renewal dates visible on your calendar so coverage doesn't lapse unexpectedly during peak travel times.

The Global Entry Interview Process and What to Expect

Global Entry requires an in-person interview conducted by a CBP officer at an enrollment center. These centers are located at major U.S. airports and certain other locations. The interview is a standard part of the vetting process and typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. During the interview, the CBP officer reviews your background, discusses your travel history, and asks questions about your intentions for using Global Entry.

Common interview questions include: Why do you want Global Entry? Where do you travel internationally? Have you ever been denied entry to any country? Have you had any criminal convictions? Do you have any outstanding warrants? These questions help CBP determine whether you present a security concern. Most applicants pass this interview without issues.

When you bring children to appointments, they do not need to sit in on the interview itself. Check with your specific enrollment center about their policies for children in the waiting area. Many centers allow one adult to have the interview while another supervises children nearby. Some centers may ask you to reschedule if you cannot arrange separate supervision.

You should bring specific documents to your interview. For yourself, bring a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license. You'll also need proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Bring two forms of identification and proof of your address, such as a recent utility bill or lease. Some enrollment centers accept specific documents while others may require different items, so checking your local center's website beforehand prevents unnecessary trips.

After passing the interview, you receive your Global Entry card in the mail within a few weeks. You can use your trusted traveler number immediately while you wait for the physical card to arrive. Children included on your account do not receive separate cards; they use your membership number along with their passport.

Practical takeaway: Schedule your Global Entry interview at least three months before you plan to travel internationally. This timeline gives you enough time to receive your card and familiarize yourself with the trusted traveler process before your trip. If you need Global Entry sooner, you can often use your temporary KTN right after passing the interview.

Comparing Global Entry to Other Trusted Traveler Programs for Families

Several trusted traveler programs exist in the United States, each with different benefits and different rules for including children. Understanding the differences helps you choose programs that fit your family's travel patterns.

TSA PreCheck is the most widely used program for domestic travel. It costs $78 to $85 for five years and provides expedited security screening at U.S. airports. Children ages 12 and under can be added to a parent's account at no additional cost. Children ages 13 and older must have their own TSA PreCheck membership. Unlike Global Entry, TSA PreCheck does not provide any benefits when returning through customs from international travel.

NEXUS is a program for travelers who frequently visit Canada. It costs $120 for five years and provides expedited processing when crossing the Canada-U.S. border by car, at airports, or at sea ports. Children ages 15 and under can be included on a parent's account at no additional cost. Like Global Entry, children ages 15 and older need their own NEXUS membership.

SENTRI is similar to NEXUS but focuses on the Mexico-U.S. border. It costs $122.50 for five years. Children ages 16 and under can be included on a parent's SENTRI account. The enrollment process for SENTRI is slightly different, with interviews conducted at the border.

Some families hold multiple programs simultaneously. For example, a family that travels domestically and also makes frequent trips to Canada might maintain both TSA PreCheck and NEXUS. A family that travels to Mexico might add SENTRI to their portfolio. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can be held together; Global Entry includes some TSA PreCheck benefits when traveling domestically.

Trusted traveler programs do not override security screening entirely. CBP and TSA officers retain the right to conduct secondary screening of any traveler at any time. Program membership means you typically avoid long lines and routine screening, but it does not guarantee that you will never experience additional security measures.

Practical takeaway: Review your family's travel patterns over the past two years. Count how many international trips you took, how many domestic flights, and how many land border crossings. Match your typical travel profile to the programs that provide the most value. A family taking one international trip every two years may not see enough return on the Global Entry investment, while a family traveling internationally four times annually almost certainly would.

How to Use Global Entry When Traveling with Children

Using Global Entry with children involves a few practical steps at the airport and during customs processing. Understanding the process beforehand makes the experience smoother for your entire family.

Before your