Msp Airport: Global Entry Access Explored

Global Entry is a federal Trusted Traveler program that allows pre-approved members who have passed a background check to complete immigration and customs screening faster. It is available at 75 airports, and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is one of them. The Global Entry interview area at MSP Airport is located in Terminal 1, near baggage carousel #11 on the baggage claim level.

Global Entry interview area at MSP Airport

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport does have Global Entry. The Global Entry Enrollment Center is located at 4300 Glumack Drive St. Paul, MN 55111, in Terminal 1. The phone number for the center is 612-727-3415.

To get to the Global Entry Enrollment Center from Minneapolis, take I-35W south to I-494 east. Then, travel east on I-494 to the Highway 5 exit. Terminal 1 is located directly off Highway 5. Follow the highway signs to Terminal 1. The exit will be on the left beyond the Post Road exit.

The Global Entry interview area at MSP Airport is on the second floor of Terminal 2, across from the skyway to the parking ramp, next to TSA checkpoint number 2.

Interview appointments at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Global Entry EC can be difficult to come by, with next available appointments sometimes weeks or months away. However, people cancel their appointments all the time, and new interview times can open up. You can manually check the website for availability, or use a service that will send you an email alert as soon as an earlier appointment becomes available.

MSP Airport security screening

MSP Airport offers a variety of security screening options for passengers. Firstly, passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck should look for PreCheck lanes at open checkpoints to expedite their security screening process. This program allows eligible participants to keep their shoes and electronics on during screening.

CLEAR is another membership program that offers expedited access to airport security processing through biometric technology, using fingerprints or irises to identify travellers. CLEAR kiosks are available at both the North and South checkpoints in Terminal 1.

Additionally, MSP Airport has introduced the MSP RESERVE program, a free service that allows passengers to schedule a specific time for their TSA security screening. This program has its own dedicated lane, reducing wait times, and is available to all passengers, including those enrolled in expedited screening programs. However, members of expedited programs who choose to use MSP RESERVE will need to follow general screening practices. To sign up for MSP RESERVE, passengers can scan a QR code with their smartphone or book through the MSP RESERVE page.

For international travellers, Global Entry is a federal Trusted Traveller program that facilitates immigration and customs processes upon re-entry to the United States. While MSP Airport provides information and support for Global Entry, the program itself is not exclusive to the airport and is offered at 75 airports.

Furthermore, the Mobile Passport Control app is another option for expedited entry into the United States, which can be used in conjunction with Global Entry or as a standalone alternative.

TSA PreCheck clearance

TSA PreCheck® is a program that expedites traveller screening through participating TSA security checkpoints. TSA PreCheck® members can pass through special security lanes at hundreds of U.S. airports without removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, or light jackets.

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck®. Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS are also eligible.

To become a TSA PreCheck® member, you must enrol through one of the TSA's selected partners. Costs for enrolment vary by provider, and you can enrol with or without an appointment. Once approved, membership is good for five years.

It is important to note that approval for TSA PreCheck® does not include Global Entry membership. Global Entry is a federal Trusted Traveller program that requires applicants to pass a federal background check and complete an extensive application form. If you are a TSA PreCheck® member and later apply for Global Entry, you will have to pay a second application fee.

Global Entry application process

MSP Airport does offer Global Entry, which is a federal Trusted Traveler program available to pre-approved members that complete a screening process. The application process for Global Entry is as follows:

First, you must ensure that you are eligible for Global Entry. Most U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible, but applicants under 18 must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Individuals who have broken immigration laws in any country are ineligible for Global Entry, as is anyone convicted of a crime or the subject of an investigation.

Next, you need to create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account on the CBP website and complete an online application form. The form will cover personal details and background information. There is a $120 non-refundable fee, although some credit cards and elite frequent flyer programs will reimburse this cost.

Once you have submitted your application, you will need to schedule an appointment at an enrollment center to get your fingerprints and background check completed. You will also need to bring identification and attend an interview. If you are approved, the government will issue you a PASSID (also known as a "Known Traveler Number" or KTN), which you will need to include when making airline reservations.

The entire review process can take up to several months, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of any overseas travel. Once approved, membership is valid for five years.

Mobile Passport vs Global Entry

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport provides Global Entry services.

International travellers flying into the United States have several options to clear immigration. Two of the most popular options are Mobile Passport and Global Entry. Both options can help travellers expedite their immigration process, but they are two entirely different programs.

Mobile Passport is a free mobile application run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. It is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. It does not require pre-approval, a lengthy application process, an in-person interview, or renewal. The MPC app allows eligible travellers to submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information. The app stores this information in a QR code that passengers scan upon arrival. Mobile Passport is currently available at 38 airports, land borders, and cruise ports.

Global Entry is a federal Trusted Traveller program available to pre-approved members who complete a screening process. It is also run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. To apply, travellers must fill out a lengthy application form, pass a federal background check, and complete an in-person interview. If approved, the government will issue a PASSID (the same as a "Known Traveller Number" or KTN), which is required when making airline reservations. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck access for domestic travel, which can make the airport experience in the U.S. more convenient. It costs $120 to apply for Global Entry, and membership is good for five years. Global Entry is available at 75 airports.

Many frequent travellers prefer Mobile Passport when flying into airports that reliably offer dedicated Mobile Passport lanes. Mobile Passport lines are often short and just as easy and free. However, Global Entry is available at more airports and supports more nationalities and classes of admission for non-citizens.

Frequently asked questions