Why gringos need Global Entry
Prove you're not a drug mule
“Do you want to be searched in a room or in front of everyone?” the airport security said to me as we stood to the side of the baggage check in the Miami airport.
I was confused and asked why I would need a room, thinking this would be a normal security check like when you trigger the alarm in the metal detector.
He explained that since I had just arrived from Colombia (hours before), I was flagged for drugs. This was going to be an invasive search that involved tickling my balls and other nooks and crannies not normally touched in security.
This seemed pretty fucking weird to me, so I told him to do it front of all the other travelers. I figured if I had to do something this stupid, it should be in front of everyone.
As the search started, I had to pull down my pants while this guy felt around my nuts for cocaine in front of every person passing through security.
After the body search, every item in my bag was emptied onto the table and checked individually.
About 40 minutes after I was “detained”, it was determined I was cocaine free and I was told I could go.
Over the next several months, I had similar issues flying numerous times between the US and Mexico. This was getting annoying as fuck.
I was on some type of government shitlist, getting an SSSS code on my airline ticket every time, meaning I was searched automatically.
To get off the shitlist, I needed to apply for Global Entry.
What is Global Entry
Global Entry is a whitelist for the US government. It tells security you have a clean criminal record and not to bother with you. A VIP list if you will.
For domestic flights and international flights originating in the US, you are sent to TSA Precheck, which is a more relaxed airport security. You pretty much are never searched.
On international flights, you skip the normal immigration line when you re-enter the US. Instead, you go to a seperate short line that takes just a couple of minutes. It is very fast because you are already vetted.
Some foreigners, including Mexicans, Brazilians, Panamanians, Colombians, and Argentinians seem to be eligible as well. You can check if you are eligible.
If you travel often to Latin America, it’s a great investment.
If you’re a long haired, drug mule looking gringo like me, it’s a necessary investment.
How to apply for Global Entry
Create a Trusted Traveler Programs account.
Login and complete the Global Entry application which asks for things like previous addresses and employment. Don’t lie because the government will notice.
Pay a non-refundable $100 application fee.
Schedule an appointment, which typically takes place in an airport. You will bring your identification and have an interview with a government agent.
Once you’ve gone through these steps, it’s a waiting game of 4-6 months. The government will run background checks on you and make sure you have a clean criminal record.
Assuming everything comes up clean, you will be approved.
If you are someone who gets searched often or hates waiting in long security lines, the $100 is well worth it. Global Entry lasts for 4 years before the renewal, so it’s $25/year to not deal with bullshit in airports.
If you have a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, one of the perks is that the cost of Global Entry application will be fully refunded. All future renewals will be refunded as well.
Global Entry Renewal
When the 4th year of your Global Entry starts, you are eligible to renew it.
Log in to the Trusted Traveler Program website and select the option to renew.
Once you pay the renewal fee, you need to wait for several months until your application status changes. You may need to do another interview or follow other steps, based off the review of your renewal.
I’m currently in this phase and have been waiting for months with no update. The demand for Global Entry is high so they have been very slow on this front.
Because of the government lag, there is a grace period where your Global Entry will continue to work for an additional 2 years if you renew before it expires.
I can personally verify it’s still working for me in the grace period. (I filed the renewal before my Global Entry expired)
I have had Global Entry for almost the entire time I have been living in Latin America (6+ years) and I can honestly say it’s been worth every penny.
For $25/year, I no longer get searched in US airports after I visit Latin America.
It hasn’t happened one time since I was approved (around 2018).
I’m always in short security lines in US airports.
And I get through US immigration and exit the airport in a few minutes after long flights from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, etc.
Being able to skip a long immigration line after a 10 hour flight from South America is clutch.
To all my fellow Latam enthusiasts and drug mule, cokehead looking friends, I highly recommend Global Entry.