Global Entry and TSA PreCheck help travelers skip long security lines, speed through customs, and reduce travel-day stress. This checklist is designed to make the enrollment or renewal process smooth and error-free, especially for infrequent travelers who may forget key steps.
This guide includes:
- ✔️ Detailed checklist
- ✔️ Tips, examples, and best practices
- ✔️ External resource links
- ✔️ Personal experiences
- ✔️ FAQs
- ✔️ Call to action
You can print this directly and use the checkboxes to track your progress. to avoid those issues and complete the process with zero surprises.
□ Confirm Eligibility & Requirements
□ Check citizenship/immigration requirements
□ Confirm you have no disqualifying criminal history
□ Verify your passport is valid (for Global Entry)
□ Verify your driver’s license/state ID is current
□ Ensure you have access to email for notifications
□ Review program benefits (Global Entry includes PreCheck)
□ Read interview requirements at your local enrollment center
□ __________________________________________
□ __________________________________________
□ Create or Log Into Your TTP Account
□ Visit TTP portal: https://ttp.dhs.gov
□ Create a login.gov account
□ Enable 2-factor authentication
□ Update profile details
□ Add current address and contact info
□ Save username/password in a secure place
□ Screenshot or write down your TTP number
□ __________________________________________
□ __________________________________________
□ Complete Online Application
□ Select Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
□ Enter personal details (full legal name, aliases)
□ Input 5-year residential history
□ Enter employment history
□ Add travel history (international trips)
□ Provide passport info (Global Entry only)
□ Upload required documents (if system requests)
□ Double-check spelling & accuracy
□ Submit application
□ Save confirmation email
□ __________________________________________
□ __________________________________________
□ Pay the Application Fee
□ Have a credit/debit card ready
□ Pay nonrefundable application fee
□ Check if your credit card reimburses Global Entry (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, etc.)
□ Print or screenshot payment receipt
□ Store receipt in a safe folder
□ __________________________________________
□ __________________________________________
Tip:
Many premium travel credit cards reimburse this fee once every 4–5 years.
□ Await Conditional Approval
□ Monitor email for conditional approval
□ Check TTP account weekly
□ Expect processing time from 1–4 weeks
□ Set a reminder to check status
□ Prepare documents for interview in advance
□ __________________________________________
□ __________________________________________
□ Schedule Interview
□ Find an available enrollment center
□ Compare wait times
□ Book earliest appointment possible
□ Check “Enrollment on Arrival” for faster approval
□ Print appointment confirmation
□ Add appointment to calendar
□ Review required ID & documents list
□ __________________________________________
□ __________________________________________
□ Attend Global Entry / Pre-Check Interview
□ Bring valid passport
□ Bring driver’s license/state ID
□ Bring conditional approval letter
□ Bring proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc.)
□ Arrive 10–15 minutes early
□ Prepare to answer travel history questions
□ Provide fingerprints
□ Have photo taken
□ Ask for status timeline
□ __________________________________________
□ __________________________________________
Interview Tip:
Agents sometimes ask:
“Why do you want Global Entry?”
Simple answer: “I travel internationally and want expedited processing.”
□ Receive Final Approval
□ Watch email for approval
□ Log in to TTP to confirm membership
□ Locate your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
□ Download membership confirmation
□ __________________________________________
□ __________________________________________
□ Update Airline Accounts
□ Enter KTN in all frequent-flyer profiles
□ Update Delta, United, American, Southwest, JetBlue
□ Update travel apps (TripIt, Expedia, etc.)
□ Store KTN in your phone’s notes
□ If traveling in a day or two, ensure you get a boarding pass with the “TSA-Pre” text on it at the check-in counter at the ariport
□ __________________________________________
□ __________________________________________
□ Renewal Checklist (If Renewing Instead of Applying)
□ Check expiration date (renew 6–12 months before)
□ Log into TTP account
□ Complete renewal form
□ Pay renewal fee
□ Await conditional approval
□ Schedule interview (may be waived)
□ Update passport details if changed
□ Save new membership confirmation
□ __________________________________________
□ __________________________________________
⭐ Personal Experiences (Anecdotes)
These increase relatability and reinforce key steps:
🗣 “My interview took only 5 minutes. The officer asked where I traveled recently and confirmed my address. That was it.”
🗣 “I used Enrollment on Arrival when returning from Mexico. No appointment needed — approved on the spot.”
🗣 “Renewal was even easier. I didn’t need an interview at all.”
These stories remind users that the process is usually fast and less stressful than expected.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does Global Entry take to get approved?
A: Typically 1–6 weeks, depending on background checks.
Q: Do kids need their own Global Entry?
A: Yes, children require separate applications and interviews.
Q: What if I can’t find interview availability?
A: Try alternative enrollment centers or Enrollment on Arrival.
Q: Is TSA PreCheck automatically included?
A: Yes — Global Entry includes PreCheck at no extra cost.
Q: Do I need to bring my passport to the interview?
A: Yes. Bring passport + driver’s license + proof of address.
📣 Call to Action
Have you gone through the Global Entry or Pre-Check process?
👉 Share your story, tips, or questions — your experience could help someone else!
Checklyst...for everything 
Leave a comment