Returning to the United States after international travel is smoother when you know how to use Global Entry from the moment you arrive. This guide walks U.S. citizens and approved members through every practical step at the automated kiosk and beyond.
Prepare in advance, follow the prompts at the checkpoint, and use these details to avoid common delays so you can move from the port of entry to the curb in under thirty minutes.
| Checkpoint Stage | Action Required | Tool or Document | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disembark and proceed to hall | Follow signs to Primary Inspection | Passport and boarding pass | 2–5 minutes |
| Place face in rectangle | Look at camera for entry inspection | BI Safe Travel compliance | Under 1 minute |
| Present documents | Insert machine-readable passport | Global Entry card or printed NEXUS/FAST number if needed | 1–3 minutes |
| Receive baggage and customs outcome | Follow prompts, exit via green lane if cleared | Gate receipt or email summary | 3–7 minutes |
Before You Arrive: Enrollment and Document Prep
Being prepared before you step off the plane saves time and reduces stress at U.S. ports of entry. Your Global Entry membership speeds up the process by confirming your identity and risk ahead of arrival.
Check that all documents are valid, easily accessible, and ready for the automated kiosk workflow.
Using Global Entry Kiosks at U.S. Airports
Most major airports have dedicated Global Entry kiosks that streamline your entry into the United States. The process is mostly hands-off and screen-driven, so it is important to follow each on-screen instruction.
Approach and Positioning
Join the Global Entry lane, keep your bags visible, and make sure children are supervised. Do not place documents into the kiosk slot; instead hold your machine-readable passport at the required distance from the reader.
Scan and Biometrics
Place your passport into the designated reader area and look at the camera when prompted. The system captures your photo and confirms the passport chip data matches your Global Entry record.
Review and Exit
After the screen displays your information and entry status, take your documents and proceed to baggage claim. If there is an issue, follow the instructions to contact CBP officers nearby.
Secondary Inspection and Baggage Claim
Even with Global Entry approval, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may occasionally route you to a manual secondary inspection lane. This does not automatically indicate a problem; it can be a random procedural check or a targeted review based on risk algorithms.
Continue to comply with officer instructions, answer questions clearly, and present any requested documents. Once cleared, proceed to baggage claim and exit the secure area.
Land Ports and Non-Air Entry Points
Global Entry is not limited to airports; members can also use designated lanes at many land border ports of entry. At these locations, you will typically present your passport and Global Entry card at a booth or scan supporting documents at an automated kiosk where available.
Expect a visual inspection and possible bag search depending on the port’s procedures. The same expedited benefits apply, but requirements may vary slightly by location.
Key Takeaways for Smooth Reentry
- Ensure your machine-readable passport and Global Entry membership are current before travel.
- Use Global Entry kiosks correctly by following on-screen prompts and keeping documents in view.
- Know when to expect manual secondary inspection and remain cooperative if asked.
- Use dedicated lanes at land borders where available and confirm local requirements.
- Prepare children for the process and use manual lanes when biometric kiosks are unsuitable.
FAQ
Reader questions
My passport chip fails at the kiosk, what should I do next?
Ask a CBP officer for assistance at the podium; they may manually verify your identity and passport using handheld devices and let you proceed.
I was referred to secondary inspection after Global Entry, will this affect my future entry speeds?
A single secondary inspection usually does not impact future processing, but multiple flags may lead to additional questioning on subsequent trips.
Can I use Global Entry with a temporary or emergency passport after international travel?
Temporaries are not eligible for Global Entry; use the manual lane and provide your evidence of application or renewal when requested by the officer.
Do children enrolled in Global Entry need to use the same kiosks as adults when returning to the US?
Children may use the Global Entry kiosks if they meet the size and behavior requirements; otherwise an adult陪同 through the manual lane is required.