LAST UPDATED: 9/12/26 – Is Global Entry Still Worth It?

Travelers love exploring new places, but almost no one enjoys the process of re-entering the United States after an international trip. Long customs lines, tired passengers, and slow-moving queues can turn the end of a great adventure into a frustrating experience.

That’s why programs like Global Entry became so popular. For years, it was the fastest, most reliable way to get back into the country without spending half your afternoon in line. But technology has evolved, CBP has modernized its systems, and new tools have entered the picture — which raises a fair question:

Is Global Entry still worth the investment today?

Let’s break it down.

A Quick Look Back: Why Global Entry Was a Game-Changer

When U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched Global Entry, it offered something travelers desperately wanted: expedited re-entry. For a $100 fee, a background check, and an interview, you could skip the long immigration lines and head straight to a dedicated kiosk.

For years, Global Entry was unquestionably the fastest option.

Then Came Mobile Passport

A few years later, CBP introduced the Mobile Passport app, available on both iOS and Android. It allowed travelers to:

• Enter basic personal and trip info.
• Answer customs questions digitally.
• Submit the form.
• Receive a QR code for dedicated Mobile Passport lanes.

It was free, fast, and surprisingly efficient.

On one of my trips — returning from Tanzania through Atlanta — I used Global Entry while the rest of my group used Mobile Passport. I only beat them by a few minutes.

For a while, this made people wonder whether Global Entry was still worth the hassle and cost.

But that comparison doesn’t hold up anymore.

What’s Changed Since Then (A Lot!)

Travel tech has evolved dramatically, and CBP has invested heavily in modernizing Global Entry. The landscape in 2026 looks very different.

1. Global Entry Now Has Biometric “Walk-Through” Lanes

CBP has rolled out biometric facial recognition lanes — sometimes called “On the Move” lanes — at major airports including:

• JFK
• LAX
• SFO
• ATL
• MIA

These lanes allow Global Entry members to:

• Walk straight through without stopping.
• Skip kiosks entirely.
• Be identified automatically via overhead cameras.

This is a massive upgrade. In airports where these lanes exist, Global Entry is now dramatically faster than Mobile Passport.

2. Global Entry Has Its Own Mobile App

CBP launched the Global Entry Mobile App, which lets members complete the process on their phone instead of using a kiosk. This reduces bottlenecks and makes the program more flexible.

This didn’t exist when Mobile Passport first became popular.

3. Mobile Passport Isn’t What It Used to Be

Mobile Passport still works — but:

• Fewer airports prioritize it.
• Some airports have removed dedicated lanes.
• CBP is clearly focusing its innovation on Global Entry.

Mobile Passport remains a good free option, but it’s no longer competitive with the newest Global Entry tech.

4. Many Travel Credit Cards Now Cover the Fee

Most premium travel cards — and even some mid-tier ones — now reimburse the Global Entry fee every 4–5 years. That means for many travelers, Global Entry is effectively free.

This dramatically changes the value equation.

5. Interview Wait Times Are Still Long

This part hasn’t changed. Depending on your airport, interview wait times can still range from 30 to 180+ days. Enrollment on Arrival helps, but it’s not always available.

So… Is Global Entry Still Worth It?

My opinion: Yes, for most frequent international travelers.

With biometrics, walk-through lanes, and the new app, Global Entry has pulled ahead again. If you travel internationally even twice a year, the time savings add up quickly.

However, mobile passport still has its place. If you’re a once-a-year traveler, don’t want to deal with interviews, or simply prefer free tools, Mobile Passport is still a solid option — just not as fast or widely supported as it once was.

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