pleasantsn

Not exactly. See: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...EzbjFfbA%3D%3D
GE Card will get you back in from Canada, but it won't get you in to Canada, so not sure how useful.

Silver Fox

Yes, so it is not passport-like in that respect, hence my "no". If in doubt take the passport is always my advice, you only have to catch a CBP somewhere for you to have a nightmare of a day.

TOMFORD

Question about GE... is the GE card itself used anywhere / for anything? Or is everything stored in my passport / KTN?

Majuki

You use your passport or green card to enter at airports. The only use for the GE card would be by cross by land back into the US if you want to use the Nexus or SENTRI lanes. It cannot be used heading into another country though. It's also good as a second ID or to confuse the TSA travel document checkers at airports. It's handy too because it doesn't contain your home address like a driver's license or evidence of travel history like a passport book.

TOMFORD

Thanks for the answer. I guess I will keep it tucked in my drawer with credit cards I don't use.

frankmu

And required if going to New Zealand and using the Global Entry Lane (never asked for it though). Also a handy government ID/verification of birthday for children when abroad.

flyerCO

Couple of points. It can be activated for use of Nexus going to Canada, but that requires having an interview with CBP in Canada and submitting an application. As for coming back from Mexico, if you want to drive a vehicle through the SENTRI lanes you must have the vehicle inspected by US Customs at a SENTRI enrollment center. Otherwise the card just allows you to enter via the pedestrian SENTRI lanes.

Also the card will work for any sea entry or rail entry.

The only time I carry it though is when I go to Australia. They allow US citizens enrolled in GE to use the entry gates for immigration just like their citizens. However if you have problems getting the gate to recognize you I've found it's best to have proof of GE enrollment.

14940674

All travelers over 15 years old and holding U.S. e-Passports are now eligible to use SmartGate.

Silver Fox

As long as the passport holder is 16 or over.

flyerCO

Nice. I knew they were considering the change from GE enrolled only to all, but didn't know they had changed. Now I won't be the one getting stuck always getting the rental vehicle, while business associate/family/friend/whoever I'm with has to deal with immigration and customs.

Majuki

Just as long as you don't end up on an episode of Border Security.

14940674

Thank you. I have edited my post accordingly.

Boraxo

Another very annoying experience at LAX last weekend. Apparently the CBP supervisor decided that all GE luggage should be xrayed prior to exiting customs. Note that non-GE participants were not being harassed but simply permitted to exit after dropping off their forms. I was told this was part of the random "trust but verify" procedures to "keep everyone honest."

LAX is the definitely the worst place for GE holders - the only place I am repeatedly harassed by CBP in one way or another, either via interrogation or otherwise as was the case here.

I get that they have to spot check once in a while but to harass every single GE member is stupid and pointless.

On a more positive note, GE proves its metal once again at IAH. No less than half a dozen flights appear to arrive from Latin America and elsewhere at the same early morning hour with the resulting lines. But no delays for GE kiosks and also a special express line at the CBP exit.

Majuki

I've never been harassed at LAX with GE, and LAX has been my primary entry point into the US since signing up for GE. My experience has been limited to TBIT though, so I don't know if it's different at other terminals.

Silver Fox

That's all you had to say !