Are these programmes only for US citizens?

TSA PreCheck is for US citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Global Entry is open to US citizens and residents plus citizens of certain partner countries. Always confirm current eligibility on the official US Customs and Border Protection website before applying.

TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry: Which Is Right for You?

Q: Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?

Yes. Global Entry members receive TSA PreCheck benefits for departing US flights as well, so you get faster security screening plus expedited customs and immigration when arriving back in the United States. That combination is why many international travellers choose Global Entry.

Q: Who should get TSA PreCheck instead?

If you fly almost entirely within the United States and rarely travel internationally, TSA PreCheck alone covers your needs at a lower cost and with a simpler interview. It speeds up domestic security lanes without paying for customs benefits you would not use.

Q: How long does enrolment take?

Both require an online application and a background check, followed by an in-person interview or enrolment step. Processing times vary and can be several weeks or longer, so apply well ahead of any trip you are hoping to use it for.

Reviewed by the ScanFlyGo team · Last updated: August 2026. Programme details and fees change — confirm on the official US government sites before applying.

Quick answer

TSA PreCheck speeds up airport security for departing US flights. Global Entry speeds up customs and immigration when you arrive back in the United States — and it includes TSA PreCheck as well. If you ever fly internationally, Global Entry is usually the better value because it covers both ends of the journey for a modest amount more. If you only fly domestically, PreCheck alone is enough.

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What each programme actually does

Programme	Main benefit
TSA PreCheck	Faster security screening on US departures — often no need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids
Global Entry	Expedited customs and immigration on arrival in the US, using automated kiosks — and includes TSA PreCheck

Think of it as two different pain points. PreCheck fixes the security queue on the way out. Global Entry fixes the arrivals hall on the way back and throws in the security benefit too.

Why Global Entry often wins

The two programmes cost a similar amount, and Global Entry bundles PreCheck at no extra step. For anyone who takes even one or two international trips a year, the arrivals-hall time saving can be significant, because immigration and customs queues after a long-haul flight are often the slowest part of the whole trip. Paying slightly more once to cover both directions tends to be the smarter choice for international flyers.

When PreCheck alone is the right call

If your flying is almost entirely domestic, you will rarely if ever use the customs benefit. PreCheck delivers the security speed-up you actually need, usually with a simpler enrolment and a lower fee. There is little reason to pay for Global Entry's border features you would not use.

Eligibility and how enrolment works

TSA PreCheck is open to US citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents.
Global Entry is open to US citizens and residents, plus citizens of certain partner countries — check current eligibility first.
Both involve an online application and a background check.
Both require an in-person step: an interview or enrolment appointment, sometimes available on arrival at a US airport for Global Entry.
Membership lasts several years before renewal — set a reminder so it does not lapse.

Costs, cards, and family

Many travel credit cards reimburse the application fee for one of these programmes as a benefit, which can effectively make membership free if you already hold such a card. Note that enrolment is per person — there is no family rate — so children who travel internationally generally need their own Global Entry membership to use the fast lane with you.

A quick decision guide

Ask yourself one question: do you fly internationally, even occasionally? If yes, lean towards Global Entry for the combined benefit. If no, PreCheck covers you. Either way, apply early, because background checks and interview slots can take weeks, and you want the membership active before your next big trip.

Frequently asked questions

Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?

Yes. Global Entry members also get PreCheck benefits on departing US flights, which is why it appeals to international travellers.

Who should get TSA PreCheck instead?

Travellers who fly almost entirely within the US and rarely go abroad — it covers domestic security at a lower cost.

Are these only for US citizens?

PreCheck is for US citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Global Entry also covers citizens of certain partner countries. Confirm eligibility officially before applying.

How long does enrolment take?

Both need an application, a background check, and an in-person step. Processing can take several weeks or more, so apply well ahead.

The bottom line

Choose Global Entry if you ever fly internationally — it covers both security and customs for a little more. Choose TSA PreCheck if you stay domestic. Apply early either way, and check whether your credit card refunds the fee. When you are planning your next trip, search live fares on ScanFlyGo, browse popular routes, and track your flight live on the day.

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