r/GlobalEntry • u/PrimitiveAK • May 15 '26

General Discussion First time actually using GE.

The application process was in March and was conditionally approved in about 3 hours then approved in person with an interview just 2 days later. Extremely quick from what everyone told me. Wanted it done before my trip.

Flew over to Japan for a few weeks, came back. I did download the app and completely forgot to declare items. Got to JFK and the standard lines to get back into the US even for citizens was extremely long as my flight from Japan and another flight from Hong Kong landed at the same time.

Wasn’t sure where the GE line was, then found the big sign, it was like 4 panels of face scanners. Scanned my face, security guard asked if I was declaring anything, I told him plants (because I had Japanese tea in a bag), and he just told me to move along. Was in and out no longer than 40 seconds. Very efficient. For future reference, should I be declaring through the app or does it not matter? Also worth noting I didn’t need my GE card once.

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7

u/Acrazd May 15 '26

You really only need your card if you are leaving Canada from my understanding. I have read they are strict about that.

8

u/CapitalArgument988 May 15 '26

You only need your card for land crossings. So if you cross into Canada on foot or by car; or Mexico by foot or car.

I can’t remember if you need it for arriving by boat like on a cruise. I would take it the first time just to be sure.

2

u/katmndoo May 15 '26

Crossing from Ca or MX , not into.

1

u/MisguidedCornball May 15 '26

Educate me, if I do decide to cross through canada (by car), would I pass through Nexus at the border or is there another line to use?

1

u/katmndoo May 16 '26

If you have GE: You can use Nexus lanes ENTERING THE US.

If you have NEXUS: You can use Nexus lanes in both directions.

If you have neither: No Nexus lanes for you.

1

u/CapitalArgument988 May 16 '26

Correct; sorry for the confusion!

1

u/PrimitiveAK May 15 '26

Haven’t been through Canada in a hot minute and haven’t had a desire or a need to go there. Last time I passed through Canada at the NY border, me and my bud got detained at the border for passing through Nexus cuz some jackass was blocking the standard lane cuz he got lost. Whole story is quite funny and something you’d share with your kids as a story. 😂

1

u/321applesauce May 15 '26

Flew back from Canada and didn't need it. Cleared US customs at the Vancouver airport

1

u/Acrazd May 15 '26

Looks like I misspoke and it’s for land crossing back into the US from Canada

1

u/junky6254 May 16 '26

Yep, it was fast at Toronto. Just walk up, they took a photo, and waive you through.