The Global Entry system uses kiosks at U.S. border entry ports. Instead of standing in line for a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, travelers with Global Entry can simply use the kiosks for quick clearance to reenter the U.S.
But what about families traveling with kids? Do children need to enroll in Global Entry, or can they simply tag along on their parents’ memberships?
The answer: Every person in your entourage must be approved by Global Entry. Even infants. (You can start the application process here).
Adults and kids go through almost the same process, although youngsters might not be fingerprinted, as adults are.
Your child needs a passport, visa, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident Card as well as an email address to create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account.
Since your 6-month-old isn’t likely to peruse her inbox, create a secondary account for yourself and use it for your child. More than one child means more than one email address.
The application fee is $100 per person no matter the age, but you might be able to charge that amount to a credit card that refunds the fee as part of the card's standard benefits.
After CBP notifies your child of preliminary acceptance, the child must be interviewed while accompanied by a parent or guardian. In practice, this usually amounts to meeting with someone at a CBP office. The experience will not scare most kids.
If you have more than one child to enroll, reserve back-to-back appointments since only one person can be interviewed at a time.
Applicants will need to bring all documents submitted for their application to the interview. Minors are not required to provide proof of address, but their parents or guardians will need to show that documentation. Be sure to bring your own passport, driver's license, or other government-issued photo I.D. along with a utility bill or other official document that displays your address.
For applicants ages 13 years old and younger, CBP staff members will make a determination about fingerprinting. That’s because younger children’s fingerprints often register as “low quality” on digital readers.
Once CBP notifies your child of acceptance via their TTP account, a Global Entry card with a 9-digit PASS ID membership number will be mailed to you.
That number also serves as a TSA Known Traveler Number—Global Entry automatically comes with enrollment in TSA PreCheck. TSA membership alone, without Global Entry, costs $85, so it’s smarter to spend $100 to get both.
