Can Kids Get Global Entry? The Answer is Yes!
Yes, children can absolutely apply for and receive Global Entry approval. Unlike adults, children don't need to demonstrate travel history or meet complex eligibility requirements. The process is designed to be family-friendly, with higher approval rates and simpler procedures.
Key Benefits for Families
- Family coordination: All family members can use expedited lanes together
- Reduced stress: No more long security lines with tired children
- Time savings: 30-60 minutes saved per international trip
- Long-term value: Children's cards valid until age 21
- Educational value: Children learn efficient travel habits
Children's Global Entry Eligibility
Age Requirements
- No minimum age: Children can apply at any age, including infants
- Parental consent required: Minors under 18 need parent/guardian approval
- Independent application: Ages 18+ can apply without parental involvement
- No upper age limit: Valid until child's 21st birthday
- Renewal process: Every 5 years at standard $100 fee
Basic Eligibility Criteria
- U.S. citizenship or residency: Child must be U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Valid travel document: Passport or passport card required
- Clean background: Conducted on behalf of the child
- Physical presence: Must attend interview (or use enrollment on arrival)
- Parental relationship: Parent/guardian must provide consent for minors
The Application Process for Children
Step 1: Online Application
The online application is the same for children as adults, but with some differences:
- Parent applies: Parent/guardian submits the application for minors
- Child's information: Use child's legal name, date of birth, SSN
- Address: Child's primary residence
- Travel history: Not required for children
- Emergency contact: Parent/guardian information
Step 2: Background Check
- Scope: Checks both child and parents' backgrounds
- Timeline: Usually completes within 1-2 weeks
- Approval rate: Over 95% for children (much higher than adults)
- Common issues: Rare, but can involve family immigration history
- Notification: CBP contacts parent when complete
Step 3: Interview Scheduling
- Parent handles scheduling: Parent books appointment for child
- Location choice: Can choose any enrollment center
- Family coordination: Can schedule multiple children together
- Alternative options: Enrollment on arrival available
- Wait times: Generally shorter than adult applications
The Children's Interview Experience
What to Expect by Age
| Age Group | Interview Duration | Required Participants | Biometrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | 2-3 minutes | Parent only | None |
| Toddlers (1-3 years) | 3-5 minutes | Child + 1 parent | Fingerprints (index only) |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 4-6 minutes | Child + 1 parent | Fingerprints (index only) |
| School Age (6-12 years) | 5-8 minutes | Child + 1 parent | Fingerprints only |
| Pre-Teens (13-15 years) | 6-10 minutes | Teen + 1 parent | Full biometrics |
| Teens (16-17 years) | 8-12 minutes | Teen + 1 parent | Full biometrics |
Typical Interview Questions
Interviews are designed to be child-friendly and brief:
- "What's your name and how old are you?"
- "Where do you live?"
- "Who do you travel with?"
- "Have you traveled outside the United States before?"
- Simple verification of application information
Biometric Collection for Children
- Under 6 months: No biometrics required
- 6 months - 5 years: Index finger fingerprints only
- 6 years and older: Full fingerprints (all 10 fingers) + photo
- All ages: Iris scan if equipment is available
- Process: Quick and painless, explained in child-friendly terms
Parental Consent and Involvement
Legal Requirements
- Written consent: Parent/guardian must provide formal approval
- Presence at interview: One parent must accompany minor children
- Identification: Parent must show government-issued ID
- Relationship proof: May need birth certificate or custody documents
- Ongoing consent: Valid for duration of Global Entry membership
Parent's Role in the Process
- Application submission: Parent completes and submits child's application
- Interview accompaniment: Attends and participates in child's interview
- Card activation: Helps child use the Global Entry card
- Supervision: Oversees child's participation in the program
- Renewal handling: Manages renewal process before age 21
Cost Analysis for Children's Global Entry
Financial Investment
- Application fee: $100 per child (same as adults)
- No family discounts: Each child pays full fee
- Interview travel: Cost to reach enrollment center
- Processing time: Usually faster than adult applications
- Long-term value: Valid until child's 21st birthday
ROI Considerations
- Break-even point: Usually 2-3 international trips per child
- Family multiplier: Time savings benefit entire family
- Stress reduction: Priceless for family travel experience
- Future value: Children grow up with efficient travel habits
- Competitive advantage: Faster processing than standard lanes
Special Considerations for Young Children
Infants and Toddlers
- Interview brevity: Very short process (2-5 minutes)
- Parent-only interviews: Young infants don't need to attend
- Biometric timing: No biometrics until 6 months old
- Comfort items: Bring favorite toys or pacifiers
- Enrollment on arrival: Alternative for international arrivals
School-Age Children
- Active participation: Children can answer simple questions
- Fingerprints only: No iris scans for children under 13
- Educational approach: Frame as "special traveler" experience
- Confidence building: Positive reinforcement throughout process
- Family benefits: Children enjoy the expedited experience
Teenage Considerations
- Increased involvement: Teens can participate more actively
- Full biometrics: Complete fingerprint and photo collection
- Privacy considerations: Teens may prefer some independence
- Future planning: Valid until 21, then convert to adult membership
- Educational value: Learn responsible travel procedures
Family Application Strategies
Coordinating Multiple Children
- Sequential applications: Apply for children in age order
- Interview bundling: Schedule multiple children on same day
- Processing optimization: Start with oldest child first
- Documentation efficiency: Prepare documents once, adapt as needed
- Timeline planning: Account for varying processing times
Mixed Family Applications
- Adult first approach: Apply for parents before children
- Parallel processing: Adults and children can process simultaneously
- Status coordination: Ensure all family members are approved
- Travel synchronization: Plan trips when all have Global Entry
- Renewal alignment: Coordinate renewal timelines
Success Stories from Families
👨👩👧👦 Family Travel Transformation
"Getting Global Entry for our three kids was the best travel decision we've made. Airport mornings used to be stressful with long security lines and tired children. Now everyone goes through together in 10 minutes. The kids love the 'special line' and it takes the stress out of family travel."
- The Johnson Family, frequent cruisers
Common Questions About Children's Global Entry
Can infants get Global Entry?
Yes, infants can be enrolled in Global Entry. They don't need to attend the interview (parents can go alone), and no biometrics are collected until they're 6 months old. This is perfect for families who travel internationally frequently with young children.
Do children get the same benefits as adults?
Yes, children receive identical Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits. They go through the same expedited security lanes and use Global Entry kiosks for immigration (with parental assistance as needed).
What if my child is scared of the interview?
Most children handle the interview very well. The process is short (5-10 minutes), officers are trained to work with children, and parents can stay with their child throughout. Many children find it more like a game than a scary experience.
Can teenagers apply without parents?
Generally no - minors under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present for the interview and application process. However, 16-17 year olds can sometimes participate more actively in the process.
How long does children's Global Entry last?
Children's Global Entry memberships are valid until their 21st birthday, much longer than the 5-year adult validity period. This provides excellent long-term value for families.
👶 Family Pro Tip
If you have young children and travel internationally more than once a year, Global Entry pays for itself in saved time and reduced stress. The $100 investment per child is quickly recouped through faster airport processing on just 2-3 international trips.
Final Thoughts: Global Entry for Families
Global Entry is one of the smartest investments families can make for international travel. The combination of expedited processing, reduced stress, and long-term validity makes it especially valuable for children. While the application process requires parental involvement and coordination, the payoff is substantial. Families who travel internationally more than once every couple of years typically see their investment pay off quickly, and the benefits compound with every trip. The key is starting early, being patient with the approval process, and enjoying the peace of mind that comes from knowing your entire family can travel efficiently together.