During our last trip from Japan to San Francisco, USA, with our 2 little toddlers in tow, the customs officer informed us that our toddlers would need Global Entry. This information was quite confusing, as we had previously read that toddlers could accompany their parents without needing their own Global Entry. However, to prepare for our upcoming trip, and given our frequent international travels, and we already had global entry for one of our tots, we decided to get Global Entry for our youngest as well. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting Global Entry for your toddler!
Global Entry for Parents and Toddlers: A Complete Guide
What is Global Entry and how does it work?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to expedite the customs and immigration process at major U.S. airports. Global Entry members can use automated kiosks to bypass long lines and enter the country more quickly.
The benefits of Global Entry for parents and toddlers
Global Entry offers a number of benefits for parents and toddlers, including:
-
- Expedited Customs and Immigration Clearance: Bypass long lines at customs and immigration with automated kiosks at major U.S. airports.
- TSA PreCheck Included: TSA PreCheck cost $78 alone, for additional $22 you can enjoy expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports. I have found that my toddlers has been able to leverage this perk without having to sign-up since they are traveling with us.
- Reduced Stress and Wait Times: The most significant benefit is the peace of mind and reduced travel-related stress. This is especially important when having little ones, as you can get situated such as use restrooms before the rush of people get through custom.
How to sign your toddler up for Global Entry
To sign your toddler up for Global Entry, they must have their own U.S. passport. Toddlers under 18 can use the same Global Entry kiosk as their parents when traveling together.
- Create an account on the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website.
- Fill out the online application and enter your toddler’s passport information.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee, which is currently $100. (There are various travel credit card that will reimburse you for this fee, we used Chase Sapphire Reserve)
- Schedule an in-person interview for each family member at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
- Pro Tip: Scheduling interview for the San Francisco area has been extremely tough. If you or your toddler is “conditionally approved”, you can participate in the Enrollment on Arrival (EoA). EoA is CBP program that allows Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved to complete their interviews upon arrival into the United States; including those entering the United States via a designated CBP Preclearance location. The EoA program eliminates the need for a Global Entry applicant to schedule an interview at an enrollment center to complete the application process. Check site to see if your arriving airport is on the list of participating EoA airports. – This is what we will be doing for our little one, as there is no interview availability at SFO prior to our trip.
Information needed for the Global Entry application
When filling out the Global Entry application for your toddler, you will need to provide the following information (of course leave blank it requested information is not applicable):
- Personal information
- Passport information
- Travel history
- Driver’s license information
- Employment and education
- Criminal history
- Additional information
- Emergency contact information
Conclusion
Global Entry is a valuable program for parents and toddlers who travel internationally frequently. It can help to reduce the stress and time associated with customs and immigration. If you are considering applying for Global Entry for your toddler, be sure to review the eligibility requirements and gather the necessary information before you begin the application process.
Check out video for more information:
