Streamline Your Travel Experience with Global Entry, Clear, and Mobile Passport
Those headed to Trinidad Carnival 2024, take note!
Traveling the world is an exhilarating experience, but navigating through airport security and customs can often be a cumbersome process. That's where services like Global Entry, Clear, and Mobile Passport come to the rescue. These programs are designed to make your journey smoother and more efficient. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at each of these services and outline their key benefits, pricing, and approval times.
GLOBAL ENTRY
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows pre-approved travelers to breeze through customs and immigration upon arrival in the United States. We love it! Everyone in my family has it, including my 2-year old daughter.
Here are the top 5 benefits of Global Entry:
1. Expedited Immigration
Skip the long immigration lines and proceed to a dedicated Global Entry kiosk.
2. TSA PreCheck Included
Enjoy expedited security screening at U.S. airports.
3. Global Access
Use Global Entry at major U.S. airports and when entering the U.S. by land and sea from Canada and Mexico.
4. Cost & Turnaround Time
The application fee is $100, and the approval process typically takes a few weeks.
5. Online Registration
Register for Global Entry through the official CBP website: Global Entry Application
CLEAR
As an alternative, Clear is a private program that expedites your security screening process at participating airports and stadiums.
Here's what you need to know about Clear:
1. Biometric Authentication
Use your biometric data (fingerprint or eye scan) to verify your identity quickly.
2. No Need for ID or Boarding Pass
Clear members can move straight to security, bypassing the need to show IDs or boarding passes.
3. Wide Availability
Clear is available at 35+ airports and sports stadiums across the U.S.
4. Cost & Turnaround Time
The annual fee is $179, and approval is usually instant upon successful registration.
5. Online Registration
Sign up for Clear through their official website: Clear Membership
Point to Note
Clear will not be available in as many airports as Global Entry currently is. See list of available airports here.
MOBILE PASSPORT
As another alternative, Mobile Passport is a free app that enables U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to submit their passport and customs declaration information digitally.
The benefits of Mobile Passport include:
1. Fast Entry
Bypass traditional customs lines by using the app to submit your information.
2. Free Service Option
There's a free version of Mobile Passport, but a paid version offers additional features.
3. Available at Many U.S. Airports
The app is accepted at major U.S. airports, making it widely accessible.
4. Cost & Turnaround Time
The free version of the app is, well, free. The paid version costs $14.99/year and offers additional features. Approval is instant upon registration.
5. Online Registration
Download the Mobile Passport app from your smartphone's app store and follow the in-app instructions.
MY RECOMMENDATION
DEFINITELY GET GLOBAL ENTRY. If you can afford it, get all three.
These services can significantly enhance your travel experience by reducing wait times and simplifying the security and customs process. Depending on your travel frequency and preferences, one or more of these programs may be worth considering. Registering for Global Entry, Clear, or Mobile Passport can make your journeys more efficient and enjoyable, ensuring that your luxury travel experience is as seamless as possible.
Check if your credit cards offer free reimbursement
Check your credit card benefits! Some of them, including mine, do reimburse you for the membership fee once paid with the card! See Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard.
Safe travels!
Do you have any of these travel enhancers?
0%Global Entry
0%CLEAR
0%Mobile Passport
0%None of the above
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