U.S. Customs to Hike Global Entry Program Fees by 20%
Skift Take
Key Points
- Global Entry fee increases by 20% to $120 starting October 1, 2024.
- NEXUS fee increases by 140% to $120; TSA PreCheck fees remain unchanged.
- Minors exempt from application fees if their parent or guardian is enrolled or applying.
Summary
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will increase fees for certain Trusted Traveler Programs, including a 20% hike for Global Entry, starting on October 1, 2024. The Global Entry fee will rise from $100 to $120, while the NEXUS fee will see a staggering 140% increase to $120. The fee structure has not been updated in over 15 years. TSA PreCheck fees will remain unchanged. Some premium credit cards currently cover the $100 Global Entry fee, but it remains to be seen if they will cover the increased amount. Minors will no longer have to pay an application fee if their parent or guardian is enrolled or applying. Global Entry has over 12 million members, who must renew their membership every five years for a fee.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will increase fees for some Trusted Traveler Programs, including Global Entry, on October 1, 2024.
The Global Entry application fee will be $120, a 20% increase from its current $100 cost, CBP said Tuesday. Global Entry allows pre-approved travelers expedited entry into the United States. Programs designed to ease crossings at the Mexican and Canadian borders — SENTRI and NEXUS — will have the same price tag. The fee for NEXUS will see a steep 140% increase from its original $50 cost.
“As these programs have matured and expanded, updating the fee structures is critical to the continuation and management of the programs,” the statement said. The fees “have not been updated in over 15 years.”
TSA PreCheck will not be affected by this price hike.
Some premium credit cards — such as those offered by American Express, Chase, Capital One, and U.S. Bank — dedicate credits to cover the current $100 Global Entry application fee. While some credit cards provide travel credits that would cover the higher fee, other companies must determine whether they will continue covering the full expense.
A spokesperson for Chase Bank said it does not have any updates at this time. Skift contacted several other credit card companies but did not get an immediate response.
There is one bright spot: Minors will no longer pay an application fee for these programs, as long as their parent or legal guardian is already enrolled or actively applying. Members under 18 currently pay the full $100 fee.
As of August 2023, Global Entry had over 12 million members. Members must renew every five years, paying a fee each time.
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