Had a chance to use Global Entry for the first time a couple of days ago.

Arrived from NRT to SFO Monday AM. Didn't rush off the plane, stopped by the restroom, by the time I walked into the immigration area the citizen's line was two or three back-and-forths deep.

Global Entry signs were large and prominent. I walked up to the kiosk (there was no one else nearby) and went through the process. It printed me a little receipt (no X, I stayed under my allowance on everything) and off I walked.

It was *awesome*

Oh, before heading off to the kiosks I walked past the lines and kissed Mr 999 good bye - he was in the middle of the long line having run for it ahead of me. He will be schedule his NEXUS interview ASAP and presumably getting GE right after that! :)

Does Global Entry require you to enter the USA a certain number of times per year? I probably leave the country only 1-3 times per year, and I wonder if they would care about that.

I don't believe so. Ive only used it twice this year, and will only use it once more this year..

No.

They may tell you (they did me) that is designed for "frequent" international travelers. But really $20/year to skip the line for 5 years seems worth it for anyone who takes an international trip even only occasionally.

To me it's like EZPass (or whatever the electronic toll payment things are called elsewhere). Even if you're not a commuter and only occasionally go on a toll road/bridge/tunnel, putting a little money towards that convenience is entirely worth it.

Apply for the Nexus program first for YYZ and other Canadian airports. Once approved for Nexus, Global Entry is free. In fact you will be approved as soon as you apply since your info is already in the system from your Nexus application and the total cost for both program is $50 instead of $150

Note: Make sure the GOES system reconize you as a approved Nexus member before submitting your Global Entry application to avoid the $100 fee.

Also make sure that you have some Canadian travel planned before applying to NEXUS. Once you are conditionally approved you only have 30 days to make an appointment at a NEXUS office for your interview. Most of these are at Canadian airports. Though there are some at US/CAN border crossings and a few in downtown areas (but even those are close to the border).

While Nexus will save you fifty bucks, it probably isn't worth having to schedule a separate trip to do the interview.

Actually, that's precisely what I did. I took a Friday off, flew up to YYZ, did my interview at the airport, and got on the next plane back home. It was very straightforward. I simply told the CBSA officer at immigration that I was in Canada for 2 hours to finalize my NEXUS membership. He said, "of course, welcome" and stamped me right in.


Initially, I was worried that I would have to repeat this trip every 5 years for renewal (and then again every time my passport renews, to have my new passport registered in the system). However, more recent reports here have indicated that for both NEXUS and GE, it is possible to update passport information through GOES without the need to go back to an enrollment center (or, in Canada, an enrolment centre). ;)

Does anyone happen to know for sure? Are renewals possible exclusively through GOES? Thanks!

For Global Entry you can update your pp info on line, provided you remembered your user id (which should be in an email you got when you registered) and your password (which you should have kept). But in order to get the CBP sticker for the new pp, you have to visit a GE office.

I believe you have to return for another interview at the 5 birthday mark (My NEXUS card lasts almost 6 years because my birthday is in November and I got the card in January).

Global entry is not worth it!!!
 

From plane to curb it took me less than 10 minutes to clear. If too many people sign up, it may cause delays at the terminals and as a result, it may take another 4 minutes. Who can afford wasting time like that? We must discourage others from joining this program.

I wouldn't w:eek:rry about that. Around here they've been pushing electronic toll collection on highways for well over 10 years yet there are always huge lines of cars waiting to pay as I zip on through the automated lanes.

Plus it's easier to put in more kiosks than hire more inspectors.

Data point: returned via SFO yesterday afternoon. Slow walk (with a pit stop) to the checkpoint rather than rushing off with the rest of J, there was probably a short (probably 10 minute) line. Went straight to the kiosk, wife and I got our Xs (carrying back some items that needed inspection), popped into the crew line after two pilots, and through in about 2 minutes total. Didn't see anyone else around the kiosk, although anyone in a rush would have made it there long before we did.

Still had to wait for checked bags, so I'm not sure any actual time was saved, but much nicer not to spend the time standing in line.

Will be out on my own mid-Nov and assuming I don't bring anything back needing customs attention, will be carryon-only and am looking forward to breezing through quickly.

Just to be clear, I was being sarcastic and recommend GE to all my traveling friends. But now a new question, why would anyone check luggage? It's sacreligous.

Two reasons I can think of:
1) Overpacking
2) Goods forbidden in carryon luggage (ie liquids over 100ml/3.4oz - mostly, in my case, bringing back samples of local beer and soft-drinks I can't get here at all or at least not inexpensively here.)