step-by-step guide + FAQ
If you travel internationally—even just once or twice a year—Global Entry is one of the best investments you can make. It saves time, reduces stress, and makes re-entering the U.S. a breeze. Our family applied for Global Entry before a trip to England, and the process at Chicago O’Hare International Airport couldn’t have been easier. Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect, step-by-step.
Step 1: Apply Online
Head to the Trusted Traveler Programs website to start your Global Entry application. You’ll answer background questions and pay a $100 application fee (valid for five years and includes TSA PreCheck).
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Some credit cards will reimburse your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee—so check your benefits before paying out of pocket.
Step 2: Apply for Kids at the Same Time
Children need their own Global Entry profile, but when you apply alongside your own, kids are free if they’re connected to an adult application or an existing adult cardholder. I submitted my kids’ applications at the same time as mine, which made it seamless.
Step 3: Wait for Conditional Approval
Most people receive conditional approval within a few weeks (ours came even faster, like a day or two). Once approved, you can schedule your in-person interview.
Step 4: Book Your O’Hare Appointment
Chicago O’Hare has a Global Entry Enrollment Center in Terminal 5. Appointments can fill up quickly, but if you check often, cancellations pop up. Once my kids and I all had conditional approval, I was able to book our interviews together a couple weeks out from approval—a huge time saver for families!
Step 5: Complete the Interview
Our interviews took less than 15 minutes each. Officers verified passports, asked a few easy questions, and took fingerprints and photos. The staff was patient and helpful with the kids, making the process stress-free. Truly, our Customers Officer was so nice and thought it was SO cool I was a full-time blogger. I wish I could remember his name, but kudos to that guy!
Step 6: Enjoy the Benefits
The first time we used Global Entry was on our return from England. Instead of waiting in a really long customs line with tired kids, we went straight to the kiosk. After a quick scan of passports, fingerprints, and photos, we were cleared in minutes and on our way to baggage claim. Honestly, we spent more time in baggage claim than in customs. We event beat Tom who was parking when we came out of baggage claim, expecting to be inside for at least another 30+ minutes.
It felt like magic—and worth every penny.
Story time: On our last TWO trips back from the UK, we were in customs for over TWO hours between the lines, meeting with the Customs Officer, and my husband (a UK citizen) being pulled aside for more info both times. It was then and there that I decided I would be getting Global Entry for our family before any more international travel.
Global Entry for Families: FAQ
Do kids need Global Entry?
Yes, each child must have their own Global Entry membership. However, kids are free when tied to an adult application or cardholder.
How long does Global Entry approval take?
It varies, but many people receive conditional approval within 2–6 weeks. Booking your interview depends on availability at your chosen airport.
Is Global Entry worth it if you only travel once a year?
Yes—especially for families. The time saved at customs (and stress avoided with kids in tow) makes it worth the cost, even if you only travel internationally once every year or two.
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Yes! Your membership includes TSA PreCheck benefits for domestic travel, making security lines faster and easier.
Can credit cards cover the fee?
Yes. Many premium travel cards (like Chase Sapphire Reserve, AmEx Platinum, and Capital One Venture X) offer reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four to five years. Always check your card perks before applying.
Final Thoughts
Applying for Global Entry at O’Hare was straightforward, family-friendly, and absolutely worth it. Between the quick interviews and the stress-free re-entry experience, I’d recommend it to any Chicago family planning an international trip. It’s one of those investments that pays for itself the very first time you use it.
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