If you travel internationally with kids and already have Global Entry, you know it’s a total game-changer. What used to be hours standing in customs and immigration lines—after a long flight, with tired, hungry kids—is now a breezy walk through the airport.
And now for the best part: Global Entry is free for kids under 18.
Yes, actually free. No hidden fees. No credit card hacks required.
If you’ve ever tried to keep exhausted kids entertained in a snaking immigration line while someone urgently needs the bathroom (speaking from experience), this update alone is worth acting on. Here’s everything you need to know about getting free Global Entry for kids, plus an alternative option families near Canada should seriously consider.
📌 Pro tip:
Planning a family trip? Start smart—check out our guide to finding cheap flights for families and save big before you even leave home.
Why Global Entry Is a Must-Have for Families
Global Entry dramatically improves the international travel experience—but it’s especially valuable when you’re traveling with kids.
Here’s what it does for families:
- Skips long immigration and customs lines when returning to the U.S.
- Reduces stress after long-haul flights.
- Saves time getting home or to your next destination.
- Streamlines airport security with TSA PreCheck included.
Picture this: you land after an overnight flight, your kids are tired, hungry and done with standing. Instead of corralling everyone through a long line, you walk straight through immigration and head home. That’s the magic of Global Entry.
And now that it’s free for kids? It’s a no-brainer.
Is Global Entry Really Free for Kids?
Yes. As of recent updates, children under 18 can apply for Global Entry at no cost as long as:
- A parent or legal guardian has Global Entry, or
- A parent or legal guardian is applying at the same time
Previously, every family member had to pay the full fee, which made it expensive fast. This change eliminates that barrier and makes Global Entry accessible for families.
Adults can still get Global Entry reimbursed through many travel credit cards, but kids now qualify for a $0 application fee without needing any credit card workaround.
What Is Global Entry (Quick Refresher)
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that provides:
- Expedited reentry into the United States after international travel
- TSA PreCheck for domestic flights
- Five years of validity once approved
It’s designed to pre-screen travelers so you spend less time in lines and more time moving.
How to Apply for Global Entry for Kids (Step by Step)
Even though Global Entry is free for kids, each child must have their own application. There’s no bulk family application—this part takes a bit of setup, but it’s manageable.
1. Create a Unique Email Address for Each Child
Each applicant must have their own email address in the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) system.
You cannot reuse an email already tied to another account. (Ask me how I know….)
Many families create simple Gmail addresses just for this purpose.
2. Submit a Global Entry Application
Go to the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website and complete a Global Entry application for your child. You’ll need:
- Passport information
- Basic identifying details
You can link the application to your own account. When you check out, the total should be $0.
3. Receive a PASS ID
Once submitted, your child will receive a PASS ID and their application will show as pending.
4. Schedule an Interview
A brief interview (usually 3–5 minutes) is required to finalize approval.
📌 Pro tip:
If your child is conditionally approved and you’re returning from an international trip, you may be able to complete the interview through Enrollment on Arrival.
For example, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), there’s a Global Entry interview area near passport control. Instead of joining the immigration line, tell a CBP officer you’re conditionally approved and they’ll direct you where to go.
Option 2: Apply for a NEXUS Card Instead
If you live in a border state or travel to Canada even occasionally, NEXUS is worth serious consideration.
Why NEXUS Can Be a Better Deal for Some Families
- Expedited entry into Canada and the U.S.
- Includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
- Free for children under 18
- Adult cost: $120 for five years
Unlike Global Entry, kids can apply for NEXUS even if the adult isn’t applying, which gives families flexibility.
This used to be the workaround for avoiding Global Entry fees. Even now, it remains a strong option if Canada is part of your travel plans.
How the NEXUS Application Process Works
The process is similar to Global Entry, but with one extra step.
- Create a TTP account for each person (again, unique email addresses required)
- Submit an application for each family member
- Complete a risk assessment
- Receive conditional approval
- Schedule an in-person interview at a NEXUS enrollment center or complete enrollment on arrival
Timing: The Wild Card No One Can Predict
This is the part no one can give you a straight answer on.
When we applied for NEXUS for all three of our kids, the entire process took over eight months. Most of that time was spent:
- Waiting for conditional approval
- Trying to secure three interview appointments on the same day
Federal shutdowns, staffing backlogs and seasonal surges can all impact timelines.
Global Entry can be just as unpredictable. My most recent reapplication was approved almost instantly. My husband applied the same day and waited about three weeks.
Bottom line: if you know you have a trip coming up, apply early. If you don’t? Apply anyway.
What You’ll Need for Both Programs
Whether you’re applying for Global Entry or NEXUS, plan to have:
- A valid passport for each child
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease or similar)
- Time flexibility for interviews
Don’t Have a Trip Planned Yet? Apply Anyway
Even if international travel isn’t on your calendar, both programs are known for unpredictable delays.
Since Global Entry for kids is currently free, it’s worth locking it in now. There’s no guarantee the fee structure won’t change in the future, and approval lasts five years.
Why Global Entry (or NEXUS) Is a Must-Have for Families
- TSA PreCheck included for smoother airport security
- Streamlined reentry after international trips
- Major cost savings with free applications for kids
- Less stress, fewer meltdowns and faster exits from the airport
If you travel internationally even once every few years, this is one of the best travel upgrades you can make for your family.
Still Wondering? Common Questions Parents Ask About Global Entry for Kids
Is Global Entry really free for kids?
Yes. Global Entry is free for children under 18 as long as a parent or legal guardian has Global Entry or is applying at the same time. Each child still needs their own application, but the fee is $0.
Do babies and toddlers need Global Entry too?
They do. Every person entering the U.S. through Global Entry lanes—including babies and toddlers—must have their own approved Global Entry status. There’s no minimum age.
Do both parents need Global Entry for a child to apply?
No. Only one parent or legal guardian needs to have Global Entry (or apply at the same time) for the child’s application to qualify for the free fee. However each parent needs to have Global Entry if the whole family wants to use the Global Entry lanes.
Does my child need an interview?
Yes. All Global Entry applicants must complete an interview, including children. The interview for kids is typically very short and focused on identity verification.
Can kids complete the interview when returning from an international trip?
Sometimes. If your child is conditionally approved, you may be eligible for Enrollment on Arrival at select airports. Availability depends on airport staffing and timing.
How long does Global Entry take for kids to get approved?
There’s no guaranteed timeline. Some applications are approved in days or weeks, while others take months. Delays are unpredictable, which is why it’s best to apply as early as possible.
What documents do kids need for Global Entry?
You’ll need a valid passport for your child and proof of residency for the parent or guardian, such as a utility bill.
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck for kids?
Yes. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, which can make domestic flights much easier when traveling as a family.
Is NEXUS better than Global Entry for families?
It depends on how and where you travel. NEXUS is often a better choice for families who live near the U.S.–Canada border or travel to Canada regularly, since it includes Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and expedited entry into Canada—and is free for kids under 18.
