The Global Entry Mobile Application is a free tool for eligible Trusted Traveler Members. This app allows users to securely submit their travel documents and a photo of themselves via their mobile device up to one hour prior to arriving to CBP inspection. The app is designed to streamline entry for eligible Trusted Travelers upon arrival at US airports or before departure at Preclearance locations, with a goal of reducing overall wait times. Users of this app can walk right past the portals or kiosks and proceed directly to a CBP officer, making the process quicker and more efficient.
Traveling With Pets? No Problem!
One of the biggest advantages of the Global Entry Mobile app is how it simplifies traveling with pets for Trusted Traveler Members. While your pets don’t need their own TTP membership, they benefit from your status as a member of Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. As always, you still need to declare your pets to the CBP officer and present any necessary health documents upon request. But the streamlined process can make the overall experience less stressful for both you and your pets, especially during peak travel periods.
Using The Global Entry App For The First Time (Without My Dogs)
On May 23, 2024, I used the Global Entry app for the first time at Vancouver (YVR) Preclearance before a flight to Chicago without my dogs. Arriving at YVR with just a carry-on and 30 minutes before boarding began, I had plenty of time to test out the Global Entry App as a NEXUS member. After passing through CATSA’s Verified Traveller security screening, I opened the Global Entry Mobile app and submitted a selfie.
When I approached the CBP officer about one minute later, my submission had not yet been received. The officer mentioned that sometimes it takes a few minutes for submissions to process from the app. He suggested to me that when the Global Entry/NEXUS lines are not crowded, it’s often best to use the portals. Moments later, my information appeared on his screen, and after answering the usual CBP questions, I was cleared to proceed to the terminal.
Second Time Using The Global Entry App
On June 5, 2024, I used the Global Entry app before a flight by myself with both of my dogs, Chewie and Leia, at Vancouver (YVR) Preclearance Airport. While waiting in an unusually long United Airlines check-in line to get their pet-in-cabin tags, I submitted my selfie through the Global Entry Mobile app. I did this knowing we would be done with check-in and CATSA inspection within the next 20 minutes. After passing through CATSA inspection, I bypassed the Global Entry touchless portals and proceeded directly to a CBP officer. Because I had submitted my selfie about 20 minutes prior, there was no delay in it appearing on the CBP officer’s end. Within seconds of approaching the officer, I was given permission from the officer to proceed with my dogs into the terminal.
Is It Worth Using?
My personal experience suggests that while the app is useful, it may not always save a significant amount of time on non-peak travel days. However, it’s a handy tool to have in your travel arsenal, especially if you frequently travel with pets to the US. Here are the times when I think the Global Entry Mobile App is worth using for eligible travelers:
- Flying to the US during peak travel seasons and on major holiday weekends
- Traveling with large groups of eligible Global Entry Mobile app users
- While waiting in a long check-in line for a US-bound flight at a Preclearance airport
- Traveling with humans or pets who may find waiting in lines stressful
Have You Used The Global Entry Mobile App?
Have you used the Global Entry Mobile app since its launch, either with or without pets? Did you find it sped up your entry into the US compared to using the Global Entry portals or kiosks? Share your experience by emailing me at aliza@bodzinpettravelsolutions.com.
