Later this year the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is making monumental changes in Global Entry application fees as of October 1, 2024. The upcoming Global Entry changes include fee restructuring that will result in an increase in cost for adults but families can expect to see a big decrease in price.
Traveling with children, no matter the age, is known to have potential challenges, especially at an inbound arrival point after any trip outside the U.S. From long wait times to drawn-out paperwork and the missed airline connections that can ensue, the upcoming change in Global Entry program pricing could bring a welcome transformation for membership, particularly for new and renewing Global Entry member families traveling with children.
New Global Entry Fee Structure for Children Applicants Under the Age of 18
Beginning October 1, 2024, enrollment or renewal in the CBP’s Global Entry membership will be more affordable for families. A significant savings will come with the elimination of the $100 application fee for children under the age of 18–as long as the application is submitted at the same time as an adult family member application or it is applied for using an account of an adult family member who is already a Global Entry member. It’s a move that can save families a significant amount of money for Global Entry memberships.
Fee Increase for Adult Global Entry Member Applicants
The savings from the elimination of fees for children comes alongside a 20% increase in the adult Global Entry membership cost. Beginning October 1, 2024, the fee for Global Entry membership will rise from $100 per adult applicant to $120 per adult applicant. Still, in spite of the adult price increase, the savings for families with children under the age of 18 could provide a significant offset for the adult fee increase.
...Global Entry membership will rise from $100 per adult applicant to $120 per adult applicant
Offset the fee increase by getting credit back on those fees for Global Entry membership when using the right credit card. Some travel credit cards offer a credit when they are used to pay for Global Entry membership fees.
The Larger the Family, the Bigger the Savings
The fee elimination for kids, paired with the 20% increase for adult family members, means savings for even small families. For example: a new or renewing applicant family of four (two adults, two children under the age of 18) will pay a total of $240 at the time of Global Entry member application(s) under the new fee structure versus a total of $400 under the soon-to-expire fee structure.
Is a Global Entry Membership Worth it?
If approved, a Global Entry Membership comes at the end of a lengthy application process that ultimately allows members to skip long general U.S. Customs lines upon re-entry into the U.S. after a trip abroad. For those who often travel internationally or simply prefer to avoid long lines and have a more seamless, enjoyable experience upon arrival back in the U.S., yes, it’s worth it.
Benefits of Global Entry Membership
- Global Entry technology expedites the entry process upon arrival, resulting in less wait time at arrival points.
- Members can avoid filling out paperwork upon arrival.
- Global Entry membership includes TSA pre-check (currently a $79 value), allowing members to bypass long waits in security lines at the airport.
Summary
Later this year, new pricing structures for both adults and children will affect Global Entry application fees. For those who travel abroad, the perks of a GE membership are soon to be even more affordable (and accessible) for family units. It’s a significant move that eliminates the $100 membership application fee for family members under the age of 18 beginning with new or renewal Global Entry applications submitted beginning October 1, 2024. Meanwhile, a fee increase for adults coincides with the savings for kids. The new fee for adult member applications as of October 1, 2024 is $120.
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