Global Entry for Families: How to Apply With Kids
This practical guide is for families researching Global Entry enrollment and traveling internationally with children. It clarifies eligibility, explains the step-by-step family application process, and helps avoid common pitfalls—so kids and parents can skip long airport lines sooner.
Eligibility
All ages (including infants)
Fee (per person)
$100
Interview Attendance
Required for all, including kids
Application Type
Individual (not family/group)
Family Travel Simplified
Every Traveler—Even Babies—Needs Their Own Application
Families often assume they can apply for Global Entry as a group, but every member, regardless of age, must complete their own application and attend an interview. Planning the process for everyone together saves time and minimizes stress come travel day.
How to Apply for Global Entry as a Family
Here’s a step-by-step process for parents and guardians getting started.
Create Individual TTP Accounts
Each family member (including kids) needs a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account.
Parents/guardians can manage TTP accounts for minors, but each application is separate and tied to the child’s profile.
Submit Applications and Pay Fees
Complete an application and pay the $100 fee for each person.
No family discount. Double-check details for minors before submitting.
Wait for Conditional Approval
You’ll receive notification via your TTP dashboard for each person.
Conditional approval times vary. Some accounts are processed quicker than others—even within a family.
Schedule Interviews
Find and reserve interview slots for each family member.
Try to book back-to-back or simultaneous slots. Kids and at least one parent/guardian must attend together.
Attend Interviews With Kids
Every applicant, regardless of age, must be physically present.
Bring documents for each child (passport, proof of address, birth certificate if applicable).
Global Entry: Families vs. Individual Applicants
| Topic | Family (Multiple Kids) | Individual Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Application Required | One for each family member | Just your own |
| Fee per Application | $100/per person, no discount | Improved approach for global entry for families: how to apply with kids |
| Scheduling | Manual, align times if possible | Single booking |
| Interview Attendance | All family members together; kids required | Only applicant attends |
| Account Management | Parents manage minors’ TTP accounts | Own account only |
Common Family Scenarios
Here’s how families approach the Global Entry process.
Single Parent with Multiple Kids
All children must have applications. Bring all to the interview with proof of custody or relationship.
Co-Parents with Different Last Names
Bring extra documentation (like birth certificates or court orders) to connect parent and child.
Large Families
Try scheduling interviews on the same day, even if not consecutive, to save trips.
Infants & Toddlers
Babies need to be present for fingerprints/photos, even if they don’t speak.
Family Global Entry Process Timeline
All Applications Submitted
Complete and submit separate applications for each family member.
Awaiting Conditional Approval
Parents may see kids approved at different rates—track each account.
Scheduling Interviews
Use a monitoring service to snag aligned appointments for the whole family.
Attend With All Kids
Everyone (including infants) must be present; plan for logistical needs (snacks, stroller).
Approval & Card Delivery
Receive welcome letter and card for each family member; activate in each profile.
Before & After: Family Airport Experience
Without Global Entry
Family waits in long customs lines after red-eye arrivals. Parents juggle cranky kids, forms, and luggage with jet-lag.
With Global Entry
Breeze through kiosks as a group, grab bags, and head home in minutes. Everyone’s less stressed and tantrum risk drops.
FAQ
Family Application FAQs
Do kids under 18 need their own Global Entry?
Yes. Every minor must apply and attend the interview in person.
Is there a family or sibling discount?
No. Each applicant pays the full $100 fee.
Can both parents accompany a child to the interview?
Yes, but at least one parent or legal guardian must attend with each minor.
What if my child and I get different interview dates?
Try to reschedule so all can go together, or monitor for new openings.
Keep exploring global entry for families: how to apply with kids
Global Entry for Parents: Timing Your Application Around Family Travel
How parents can time Global Entry applications to align with family travel plans, avoid common delays, and streamline international trips with kids.
What to Know About Applying for Global Entry for Children
Tips for parents applying for Global Entry for children, including step-by-step guidance, family interview scenarios, and what documents kids need.
Can Kids Get NEXUS or SENTRI Too?
Yes, kids qualify for NEXUS and SENTRI, but each child needs a separate application and interview—even infants. Here’s how to streamline the process.
Easier Family Interviews Start With Good Timing
Let Global Entry Sooner help you line up back-to-back family interview slots—so the whole crew gets approved faster.