My Global Entry Application Experience
Previously, I talked about how to apply for Global Entry, and noted that I’d share my own experience. Before I get started, I’ll make it known that I am boring as heck on paper. I don’t even have speeding tickets, and I’m guessing that that lack of shenanigans is why the process was fairly quick. My Global Entry application process took 25 days from initial application to approval. I began on June 23, 2018 and received my approval on July 18, 2018.
The Global Entry application experience
I began by completing the online application and paying the $100 fee. After that I waited, and 4 days later I received my conditional approval. That’s when things got interesting. Nashville, in all her small-big glory, didn’t have any appointments available until less than a week before my upcoming trip. The anxious control-freak in me was not okay with that, so I did the “logical” thing. I checked the 2 closest cities, Memphis and Atlanta. Memphis was as bad as Nashville, but Atlanta…oh sweet glory Atlanta had tons of appointments starting at the end of July.
That’s great, but I don’t drive. I can, but I don’t. Instead I just booked a flight using some miles because smart right…no, not really. In my defense it was before 7 AM and I hadn’t eaten anything or had anything with caffeine or sugar in it. Thankfully, Delta employs kind people who are clearly used to such foolishness and they refunded my ticket. I figured I’d buy the ticket with cash, and continue hoarding points. Then something occurred to me (because internet); I should check to see if any appointments opened up here in Nashville. It was bleak for a while with appointment availability moving further and further out. Then one day *poof* a July 18th appointment. I snatched that thing up so quick, it’s amazing that I didn’t sprain a thumb.
The day of my appointment
I gathered my documents (passport, drivers license, and a print out of my conditional approval letter*). I arrived at Nashville’s Global Entry center almost 30 minutes early, and they saw me immediately. The Customs and Border Patrol agent reviewed my documents, verified my address, and asked me 2 or 3 questions. He took my picture and fingerprints, and explained how things work at the airport. Next he noted that once both reports came back (apparently there are 2), he would approve me as he saw no reason not to. Finally, he explained that I’d receive an email once he approved me. At that point my KTN (Known Traveler Number) would be active. The email came about an hour and a half after I left. I immediately took my happy self over to Delta’s website and popped the number into my profile.
Overall, the application process was pretty painless. Actually getting an appointment for the interview was the worst of it, and I admittedly made that worse than it needed to be. I did have to wait for my physical Global Entry card to arrive in the mail. It’s only necessary for land border crossings so no big deal.
Now your girl is officially free to roam about the globe without waiting in as many ridiculous lines, and that feels good!
*Some sources say this isn’t required, but CBP prefers that you bring a printed copy.
