TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are federal trusted traveler programs designed to simplify the airport checkpoint journey by offering expedited security screening. Although similar, these trusted traveler programs under the Department of Homeland Security are designed to serve 2 different audiences. If you are a frequent traveler, it’s important to understand the key differences and benefits of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
What is the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
The biggest difference between the two travel programs is that while TSA PreCheck is designed to help domestic travelers, Global Entry is for international travelers who are looking for faster U.S. customs screening.
What are the benefits of TSA PreCheck?
Having TSA PreCheck will get you expedited security screening for domestic air travel at over 200 major U.S. airports. This makes the security screening process faster. In other words, TSA PreCheck status gives you the ability to eliminate the need to remove belts and light jackets and lets you keep liquids and laptops in your bag while going through security.
What are the benefits of Global Entry?
Simply, Global Entry includes the benefits of TSA PreCheck plus some more. The most notable among them includes the expedited immigration and customs screenings when reentering the U.S. by using a Global Entry check-in kiosk. Other benefits include lack of paperwork or processing lines, expedited entry benefits in other countries, and availability at over 75 airports, including major U.S. airports.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
Depending on the enrollment provider, the price for PreCheck varies from $76 to $85 for a 5-year membership.
For the initial 5-year enrollment:
- IDEMIA: $76.75
- CLEAR: $79.95
- Telos: $85
For 5-year renewal:
- IDEMIA: $58.75 (online), $66.75 (in person)
- CLEAR: $69.95 (online), $79.95 (in person)
- Telos: $69.95 (online), $58.75 (in person)
How much does Global Entry cost?
A five-year membership application for Global Entry costs $120. The five-year renewal application also costs $120. Keep in mind that some credit cards provide reimbursements for Global Entry application fees (either partial or full). If you are under the age of 18 and a legal guardian is enrolled in the program, the application will be free of charge.
Who can apply for TSA PreCheck?
To apply for TSA PreCheck, individuals should be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents. Some foreign citizens enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI can also apply. Factors that could result in ineligibility include disqualifying criminal offenses and unfinished or doctored application information, among others.
Once the background check verification is done and you’re approved (usually within five days), the government will issue you a “Known Traveler Number,” or KTN.
Who can apply for Global Entry?
Similar to TSA PreCheck, Global Entry is open to adults who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The program is also open to select foreign nationals, including citizens of:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Brazil
- Bahrain
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- India
- Japan
- Jordan
- Germany
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Panama
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
If you are convicted of any criminal offenses, found in violation of any laws, subject to an ongoing investigation, or provide false or incomplete information on the application, you may not be eligible for participation in the Global Entry program.
Also Read: What is the difference between CLEAR and TSA PreCheck?
Is Global Entry or TSA PreCheck better?
Should you choose Global Entry or TSA PreCheck? Global Entry and TSA PreCheck have similar benefits, and the answer to which one’s better for you relies on how often you travel and where you travel. In addition, processing time also plays a big factor. While the entire process of getting Global Entry may take months, TSA PreCheck usually takes five days.
In other words, if you primarily travel within the United States, then TSA PreCheck would be a better option. And if you travel abroad about four or more times a year, it would be better to consider applying for Global Entry. Plus, Global Entry is also a bit more expensive and demanding than TSA PreCheck. Moreover, if you only travel once every year, it may not be worth your time to go through any of the programs.
Both programs will save you literally hours of waiting time at busy airports. And if you want the benefits of both, just apply for Global Entry, as it includes TSA PreCheck as well. If you are a regular international and domestic traveler, it’s likely worth the extra cost and time. Furthermore, you must have a valid passport to apply for Global Entry, and it has fewer enrollment locations compared to TSA PreCheck.
