In the event you journey internationally (even simply a couple of times a 12 months), chances are high you’ve heard of the  International Entry program. This Trusted Traveler Program permits accredited vacationers to hurry via customs after a global journey, and the time and power saved by avoiding these lengthy traces may be properly price the price of the applying.

To be accepted into the International Entry program, you should fill out an software, pay a price, and full an in-person interview. The International Entry interview might sound intimidating, however it’s really a fast and straightforward course of. Right here’s every part you should know in regards to the International Entry software course of, together with find out how to schedule and full the interview and a few suggestions for making the complete course of fast and straightforward.

Associated: How Many Passports Can You Have? 

What’s International Entry? 

International Entry is certainly one of 5 Trusted Traveler Packages obtainable within the U.S. Administered by U.S. Customs and Border Safety, it affords pre-approved vacationers an expedited screening course of upon arrival in the US after a global journey. 

International Entry is offered to U.S. residents, U.S. lawful everlasting residents, and choose overseas nationals, in line with the U.S. Division of Homeland Safety. Kids should have their very own International Entry membership to make use of the expedited lanes. 

Frequent vacationers and journey professionals agree that International Entry is well worth the problem of making use of and going via the interview course of. “In the event you journey in a foreign country greater than annually, you want this,” says Religion Ann Liuzzo-Bartholomew, a journey advisor with FAB Journey Group who’s a member of the American Society of Journey Advisors. “I’ve seen so many individuals miss their connections due to the traces at customs,” she says.

It’s a good suggestion to use for International Entry lengthy earlier than you wish to use it. In accordance with the Division of Homeland Safety, the whole software processing time may be so long as 4 to 6 months.

International Entry vs. TSA PreCheck

International Entry shouldn’t be the identical as TSA PreCheck. International Entry affords expedited processing when returning to the U.S. after a global journey, whereas TSA PreCheck is a program that provides expedited screening at TSA airport safety checkpoints. 

You generally is a member of each packages; in truth, International Entry consists of TSA PreCheck, so in the event you’re a frequent traveler, it is sensible to use for International Entry in lieu of TSA PreCheck.

Value of International Entry

International Entry prices $100 for a five-year membership. The price is non-refundable, even when your software is denied. 

The excellent news is that it’s simple to get that price reimbursed with the precise bank card. Lots of right now’s prime journey rewards bank cards include a International Entry price credit score that can cowl the complete $100 value. The Capital One Enterprise X Rewards Credit score Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and The Platinum Card from American Specific are just some of the 30+ playing cards that supply this profit. 

The credit on these playing cards can be found as soon as each 4 years, so that you’ll be eligible for a brand new credit score every time you should renew your membership. When you have a couple of bank card that has a International Entry price credit score, you should utilize the extra credit to pay for the applying charges for associates or relations.

Scheduling a International Entry Interview 

Earlier than scheduling your International Entry interview, you’ll have to create a Trusted Traveler Packages (TTP) account. After filling out the applying and paying the $100 price, your account will probably be reviewed, and a background verify will probably be accomplished. After you have conditional approval, you’ll be instructed to schedule your in-person interview at a International Entry Enrollment Heart.

Sadly, that is simpler mentioned than executed. Not solely do interviews guide months prematurely, however many states solely have one or two International Entry Enrollment Facilities, whereas some states have none.

In case your interview is scheduled later than you’d like, maintain checking the schedule for any openings that will pop up sooner.

International Entry Interview Course of 

As soon as the day of your International Entry interview lastly arrives, plan to be at your appointment 15 to half-hour early so that you don’t danger being late and shedding your time slot. Once you arrive in your interview, be sure you have these required paperwork:

• A sound passport (when you’ve got a couple of, convey all of them to the interview)
• Proof of residency, together with your driver’s license exhibiting your present tackle, mortgage assertion, rental fee assertion, utility invoice, and so forth. (not required for minors)
• Everlasting resident card, if relevant

The interview itself is quick. Normally, the Customs and Border Patrol officer will confirm your paperwork and ask a couple of questions on your software and/or journey plans. Then, your fingerprints and photograph will probably be taken. 

Whereas a International Entry interview might sound intimidating, it’s a easy and easy course of that usually takes simply quarter-hour or much less. 

“I used to be shocked at how temporary and easy my interview was,” says Lillie West, President and CEO of Lillie West and Associates, LLC, a member of the American Society of Journey Advisors.  “The U.S. Customs officer validated the knowledge on my software, checked my identification, and requested if I had any questions. The complete course of took about 10 minutes.”

In case your software is accredited, you’ll obtain a Identified Traveler Quantity (KTN) and may begin utilizing the advantages instantly. You’ll additionally obtain a International Entry card within the mail after your interview which can be utilized when coming into the U.S. via SENTRI or NEXUS lanes at land crossings.

Enrollment on Arrival

Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) permits conditionally accredited candidates to finish the International Entry interview at choose airports upon arrival from a global flight. This may be executed as a substitute of scheduling a separate interview.

When arriving at an airport that provides Enrollment on Arrival, search for International Entry indicators directing you to the place a Customs and Border Patrol officer can full your interview. You’ll want the next gadgets for Enrollment on Arrival:

• A sound passport (when you’ve got a couple of, convey all of them to the interview)
• Proof of residency, together with your driver’s license exhibiting your present tackle, mortgage assertion, rental fee assertion, utility invoice, and so forth. (not required for minors)
• Everlasting resident card, if relevant

There are presently Enrollment on Arrival providers at 65 airports all over the world. No appointment is critical for an EoA interview, however have in mind there will probably be instances when it isn’t obtainable, so it’s a good suggestion to schedule an interview as a backup.

When you have a scheduled interview however are capable of make the most of EoA, your authentic interview will probably be robotically canceled as soon as your full International Entry membership is accredited.