Global Entry remains one of the best ways to speed up international arrivals into the United States in 2026, but some important details have changed in the last couple of years. Fees are higher, children can now join at no cost in many cases, and new technology is changing how the arrival process works at major airports. This guide highlights what’s new and what travelers should consider before applying—and how it fits into your broader travel planning.
If you’re already thinking ahead to future trips, you can also look at where you might use Global Entry by browsing our Active Trips.
What Global Entry Still Does for You
Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Approved members can use dedicated kiosks or automated lanes when arriving in the U.S. from abroad, skipping the regular passport control line. Membership also includes TSA PreCheck, which speeds up security screening on many domestic and international departures.
Main benefits in 2026:
- Shorter lines at passport control when re‑entering the U.S.
- TSA PreCheck eligibility, which can reduce wait times at security checkpoints.
- More predictable connection times after international flights.
- Less time on your feet in crowded arrival halls after long journeys.
For a step‑by‑step look at how to apply, you can also read our detailed Global Entry application guide, which covers the enrollment process in more depth.
Key Changes Travelers Should Know About
In recent years, several important updates have been introduced that affect new and existing Global Entry members.
Higher Application Fee
The Global Entry application fee has increased compared with previous years. The current fee is higher than the older $100 rate many travelers remember and is paid when you submit your application. The fee remains non‑refundable, whether or not you are ultimately approved, and membership is typically valid for five years.
Some travel‑focused credit cards still reimburse this fee as a cardholder benefit, so it is worth checking your card’s benefits to see if you can offset the cost.
Children Can Now Join at No Cost
One of the most traveler‑friendly changes is that children under 18 can now apply for Global Entry at no fee in certain situations. When a child applies at the same time as a parent or guardian, or when the parent or guardian already has a Trusted Traveler membership, the child’s application fee can be waived.
This makes it easier for families and multi‑generational groups to use Global Entry together so that everyone can move through arrivals in the same lane. Each child still needs to complete the application process and be approved individually, but the lack of a fee removes a major barrier for families.
More Automation and New Technology at Airports
CBP has been expanding the use of automation and digital tools at ports of entry. Many airports now use a combination of kiosks, facial recognition, and streamlined flows to move Trusted Traveler members more efficiently.
For Global Entry members, this can mean:
- Automated identity verification at arrival kiosks or special lanes.
- Less manual document handling by officers during routine arrivals.
- Faster movement through inspection areas during peak travel periods.
In some locations, CBP has introduced mobile and “on the move” options that allow parts of the process to be completed on a phone or while walking through the arrival hall, rather than stopping at a traditional kiosk.
Improved Online Account Tools
The Trusted Traveler Programs online portal has also been improved. Members can now handle more tasks in their online account, including updating document details, checking membership status, and starting renewals.
This is especially helpful when:
- You renew your passport and need to update your Global Entry profile.
- You change your name or address and want to keep your account current.
- Your membership is approaching expiration and you want to renew without a gap in coverage.
Stricter Enforcement and Revocations
With the program’s popularity has come closer attention to how it is used. Membership can be revoked if a traveler breaks certain rules, and revocations have become more visible in recent years.
Important points to remember:
- Global Entry is a privilege based on trust and accurate information.
- Providing false information in your application or at the border can lead to loss of membership.
- Failing to declare items that must be declared on customs forms can also put your status at risk.
Global Entry speeds up the process, but it does not change the rules travelers must follow. Answering questions honestly and making accurate declarations remains essential.
Who Global Entry Makes the Most Sense For in 2026
Global Entry is not necessary for everyone, but it can be very valuable for certain types of travelers.
Global Entry may be a good fit if you:
- Travel internationally at least once or twice a year.
- Often arrive through busy U.S. airports where lines can be long.
- Value having TSA PreCheck included for many domestic and international departures.
- Are willing to complete an application, pay the fee, and attend an interview if required.
It may be less critical if you:
- Rarely travel outside the United States.
- Do not mind waiting in regular arrival and security lines.
- Primarily take occasional domestic trips and already have TSA PreCheck or similar benefits.
How Global Entry Fits into Overall Travel Planning
Global Entry is one part of a broader strategy to make travel smoother and less stressful. Combined with good planning for documents, packing, insurance, and airport timing, it can greatly improve the arrival experience after international trips.
To put Global Entry in context, it can help to review your broader preparation as well. Our Travel Prep resources and other travel tips are designed to help with the rest of the puzzle.
When deciding whether to apply, consider:
- Your expected international travel over the next five years.
- How often you connect through large, busy U.S. airports.
- Whether you travel with children or teens who could now join the program at no cost.
- Whether your credit card or employer helps offset the application fee.
For many travelers, especially those who expect to travel abroad several times in the coming years, Global Entry in 2026 still offers strong value. Understanding the higher fee, the new child policy, the growing use of automation at airports, and the importance of following program rules will help you decide if it is the right choice for the way you travel.
When you’re ready to see where you might use Global Entry next, you can view our Active Trips and start imagining your next journey.
