Travel topic · Money
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS and other trusted‑traveler programs
Apply for Global Entry if you travel internationally often; otherwise consider TSA PreCheck for domestic flights. Canadians may find NEXUS useful. Check official sites for current fees and processing times.
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Applies to
Quick guide to US trusted‑traveler programs: who can apply, costs, processing times, and step‑by‑step enrollment. Includes Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS and other options.
Key facts
- Global Entry costcheck
- US$100 (check)
- Global Entry processingcheck
- Varies (check)
- TSA PreCheck costcheck
- US$85 (check)
- TSA PreCheck processingcheck
- Varies (check)
- NEXUS costcheck
- US$50 (check)
- NEXUS processingcheck
- Varies (check)
- Eligibilitycheck
- Depends on current CBP rules (check)
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Program overview
Trusted‑traveler programs speed up security and customs. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and provides expedited US customs entry. TSA PreCheck only covers domestic security lanes. NEXUS is a joint US‑Canada program that also grants TSA PreCheck.
Choose based on travel patterns: frequent international trips → Global Entry; mostly domestic flights → TSA PreCheck; regular US‑Canada travel → NEXUS.
| Program | Cost | Processing time | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Entry | US$100 (check) | Varies (check) | Customs, TSA PreCheck |
| TSA PreCheck | US$85 (check) | Varies (check) | Domestic security lanes |
| NEXUS | US$50 (check) | Varies (check) | US‑Canada border, TSA PreCheck |
Do
- If you have a valid passport from an eligible country, you can apply for Global Entry without a separate TSA PreCheck enrollment.
- Renewals are cheaper (US$50 for Global Entry) and often processed faster than new applications.
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Who can apply and how to apply
Eligibility depends on current CBP rules. Generally, US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain partner countries may apply for Global Entry; Canadian citizens and US‑permanent residents may apply for NEXUS; TSA PreCheck is open to US citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible travelers listed by TSA.
Applications are submitted online via the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) portal (travel.state.gov). After payment, schedule an in‑person interview at an enrollment center.
Do
- Bring a valid passport and, if applicable, a US permanent‑resident card (green card) to the interview.
- For NEXUS, you must attend a joint interview at a US or Canadian enrollment center.
Watch out
- If you have a criminal record or customs violations, your application may be denied (check).
Show 3 sectionsHideFees, renewal and special cases, Questions people ask, Related
Fees, renewal and special cases
Fees are paid by credit card at the time of application. All programs are valid for five years. Renewal can be done online up to six months before expiry.
Discounted fees may apply for active military personnel and seniors in some programs (check).
Do
- Renew early to avoid a gap in benefits; you can continue using the program while renewal is pending.
- If you already have Global Entry, you automatically receive TSA PreCheck; no extra enrollment needed.
Questions people ask
What is the short answer for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS and other trusted‑traveler programs?
Apply for Global Entry if you travel internationally often; otherwise consider TSA PreCheck for domestic flights. Canadians may find NEXUS useful. Check official sites for current fees and processing times.
Who does it apply to?
Eligibility depends on current CBP and TSA rules; generally US citizens, permanent residents, and certain partner‑country citizens for Global Entry; Canadian citizens and US permanent residents for NEXUS; a broader set of travelers for TSA PreCheck (check).
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Fees and processing times vary; see the official program pages for up‑to‑date information.
Do I need a separate TSA PreCheck enrollment if I have Global Entry?
No. Global Entry automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
Can I use Global Entry at non‑US airports?
Global Entry kiosks are available at US preclearance locations and at participating airports; availability varies, so verify before travel.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Sep 2026
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