US Global Entry Fee Hike: What It Means for Your Next Trip
Frequent travellers looking to breeze through US airport security and skip long customs lines with Global Entry will now have to pay more for the convenience.
For the first time in over 15 years, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has increased fees for its Trusted Traveller Programs (TTP), which include Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI.
As of October 1, 2024, all three programs now come with a standardised fee of $120. This price hike, which follows a rule passed earlier this year, harmonises the cost across the programs.
Each of these TTP memberships is valid for five years and can be renewed up to a year before they expire. Last year alone, 4.1 million travellers applied for or renewed their TTP memberships.
With Global Entry, travellers not only receive expedited customs clearance at 77 US airports but also TSA PreCheck, which makes navigating airport security faster and less stressful.
Since its inception in 2008, Global Entry had kept its fee at $100, but with the growing demand the $20 increase feels like an inevitable cost of convenience.
SENTRI, designed for faster entry at US-Mexico land borders, has also moved to the new $120 standard.
The biggest impact of the price hike hits NEXUS members. NEXUS, which facilitates expedited travel between the US and Canada, saw its fee soar from $50 to $120. For those who frequently travel across the US-Canada border, the increase is hard to ignore.
Why the Price Hike?
In a statement, CBP explained that as the programs have grown and expanded, updating the fee structures is crucial for sustaining and managing them effectively. Travellers might be frustrated by the increase, but the programs' long-standing popularity shows they’re still a solid investment for frequent flyers.
One silver lining: children under 18 who apply alongside a parent or legal guardian will no longer need to pay the $120 fee. This is a change from the previous system, where families had to pay $100 per person regardless of age.
While no one likes paying more, the benefits of these Trusted Traveller Programs particularly Global Entry are hard to beat for those who value convenience.
With demand for faster, smoother airport experiences growing every year, this price adjustment may well be worth it for travellers looking to save time and avoid hassle at airports.
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