As a Global Entry member, you benefit from expedited entry into the United States, allowing you to bypass long customs lines. However, this privilege comes with the responsibility of complying with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. Failing to adhere to these laws can lead to fines, penalties, or even revocation of your Global Entry membership. At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we handle more Global Entry appeals than any other firm, and we know what it takes to stay compliant.
Here’s everything you need to know to avoid costly mistakes and protect your trusted traveler status.
1. Understanding What to Declare
The most crucial rule for Global Entry holders is: declare everything. Any failure to do so can result in penalties, seizure of goods, or loss of Global Entry membership.
General Rule:
- Declare All Items: Whether purchased, gifted, or received for free, if you acquired it abroad, you need to declare it. This includes items for personal use or gifts you’re bringing back for others.
Specific Items to Declare:
- Food Products: Many food items are restricted or prohibited, especially meat, fruit, and dairy products. If you are unsure, declare the items and ask a CBP officer for clarification.
- Agricultural Products: Seeds, plants, and soil can carry pests and diseases harmful to U.S. agriculture. Failing to declare these items can result in hefty fines.
- Currency and Monetary Instruments: If you’re carrying more than $10,000 in cash or financial instruments, you must declare it. Not doing so can lead to seizure of the money.
- Merchandise for Commercial Use: Goods intended for sale or business purposes must be declared, and additional regulations and duties may apply.
Key Tip: When in doubt, declare. It’s always better to be overcautious than to risk penalties.
2. Completing the CBP Declaration Form Correctly
Upon arrival in the U.S., you must complete a Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B). This form requires detailed information about your trip, the items you’re bringing into the U.S., and their value.
Important Details:
- Personal Information: Include accurate information like your name and passport number.
- Trip Details: Be precise about the countries you visited, the length of your stay, and the nature of your trip.
- Items to Declare: Clearly list the items you’re bringing back, including their value and purpose.
3. Understand Your Duty-Free Exemptions
Global Entry holders can bring back items duty-free, but the amount depends on the length of your trip and the types of goods you’re importing.
Personal Exemptions:
- Value Limits: U.S. residents can bring back up to $800 worth of goods duty-free. This applies if you’ve been abroad for at least 48 hours and haven’t used your exemption in the last 30 days.
- Alcohol and Tobacco: You’re allowed to bring back 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars duty-free. Anything above these limits is subject to duty.
4. Avoid Prohibited and Restricted Items
One of the quickest ways to lose your Global Entry status is by attempting to bring prohibited items into the U.S.
Common Prohibited Items:
- Illegal Drugs: Strictly prohibited with serious legal consequences.
- Counterfeit Goods: Includes fake currency, branded goods, or electronics.
- Endangered Species Products: Items made from protected animals or plants are banned.
Restricted Items:
- Firearms and Ammunition: You need to comply with ATF regulations and declare these items.
- Certain Foods: Meat, dairy, and some plant-based products are restricted due to biosecurity risks.
5. Reporting Currency and Monetary Instruments
If you’re carrying more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments when entering the U.S., you must declare it using FinCEN Form 105. Failing to do so can result in confiscation of the funds, fines, and potential revocation of your Global Entry membership.
What to Report:
- Currency and Checks: This includes U.S. or foreign currency, travelers’ checks, money orders, and securities.
- Family Travel: Remember, this rule applies to the total amount carried by your entire family when traveling together.
6. Comply with Agricultural Regulations
Violating agricultural regulations is another common reason for Global Entry suspensions. The U.S. has strict rules about bringing in agricultural products to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.
Common Violations:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Bringing in prohibited produce without declaration can result in steep fines.
- Plants and Seeds: Importing plants, seeds, or soil without permits is a serious violation.
7. Keep Your Personal Information Updated
As a Global Entry member, it’s your responsibility to keep your personal details up to date. Failing to do so can lead to delays during re-entry or even loss of your membership.
How to Update Information:
- Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) Website: Log in to update your passport number, contact information, or address.
- Travel History: Always ensure that your travel details are up to date and accurate.
8. Prepare for Reentry
Having your documentation ready and being cooperative with CBP officers will help ensure a smooth reentry process.
Be Prepared:
- Documents Ready: Have your passport and Global Entry card handy, even if you’ve used your fingerprints at the kiosk.
- Mobile Passport Control: Consider using the CBP Mobile Passport Control app for faster processing at participating airports.
Conclusion
Staying compliant with U.S. customs and duty laws is essential for keeping your Global Entry membership. By declaring all items accurately, understanding duty-free exemptions, avoiding prohibited goods, reporting large amounts of currency, adhering to agricultural regulations, and keeping your personal details updated, you can ensure a smooth travel experience and retain your Global Entry status.
At National Security Law Firm, we specialize in helping Global Entry members resolve issues with their membership. If you’ve had your Global Entry privileges revoked or are facing challenges with CBP, contact us for expert guidance on filing an appeal and restoring your status.
For the latest updates and detailed information, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, or schedule a consultation with NSLF for personalized advice!
Our Guaranteed Global Entry Appeal Service – Get Approved or Your Money Back!
At the National Security Law Firm, we understand how frustrating having your Global Entry denied or revoked can be. That’s why we offer our Guaranteed Global Entry Appeal Service—designed to relieve the stress, handle every step of the appeal, and get you approved quickly. When you choose us, you’re putting your case in the hands of seasoned experts with a track record of success in Global Entry appeals.
Here’s what our comprehensive service includes:
- Guaranteed Approval or Your Money Back:
We are confident in our ability to secure your Global Entry on appeal—we guarantee it. If we fail, we’ll refund your money in full—no questions asked. Your success is our priority. - Quick and Easy Onboarding:
We respect your time. Our fast and straightforward electronic onboarding process takes less than 15 minutes. Once you’re on board, our experienced Global Entry lawyers handle everything, freeing you to focus on what matters most. - Complete Handling of Court Records:
Don’t worry about gathering court documents—we’ve got you covered. Our team will track down and obtain any necessary court records for your appeal, ensuring everything is in order and saving you the hassle. - Expert Analysis of Your Denial:
Unsure why your Global Entry was denied? Our team, with its deep experience in reviewing Security Threat Assessments (STAs) from years working for the government, will thoroughly analyze your case. - Guidance Through the Interview and Renewal Process:
Once your appeal is granted, we’ll continue to guide you through the Global Entry interview and renewal process, ensuring you’re fully prepared and know what to expect. - Insider Tips for Fast Interview Scheduling:
We know how to get your Global Entry interview scheduled quickly and at a convenient location. Our insider knowledge will help you navigate the process smoothly and without delay. - All of this is available for a flat, all-inclusive fee of $2,995.
No hidden charges, no surprises—just straightforward, experienced service from trusted Global Entry appeal lawyers.
With our Guaranteed Global Entry Appeal Service, you’re backed by a team of dedicated attorneys who know the process inside and out. Contact us today to get started!
*The use of the word “guaranteed” in attorney advertisements refers explicitly to a refund policy and does not imply a guarantee of any particular outcome in your legal case. Legal cases are inherently unpredictable, and the result of any legal matter cannot be assured. The National Security Law Firm guarantees that you will receive a full refund of our legal fee if you do not obtain Global Entry on appeal. This guarantee applies solely to the refund and not to the success or outcome of your case.
Get Professional Help and Stay Informed: Join Our Free “Ask a Global Entry Lawyer” Facebook Group!
Have you recently faced a denial or revocation of your Global Entry membership? The appeals process can be complex and overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We invite you to join our “Ask a Global Entry Lawyer (Global Entry Q&A)” Facebook Group. In this dedicated space, you can get answers directly from experienced Global Entry lawyers and connect with others facing similar issues.
Why Join Our Facebook Group?
- Experienced Legal Advice for Free: Our skilled Global Entry lawyers are here to provide you with valuable insights, answer your questions, and guide you through the appeal process.
- Community Support: Connect with others who have gone through the same process. Share your experiences, learn from others’ stories, and get support from a community that understands your situation.
- Stay Up-to-Date: Get the latest updates on Global Entry policies, appeal procedures, and best practices to increase your chances of success.
- Easy Access: Simply join the group, post your questions, and get reliable advice from NSLF’s Global Entry lawyers.
Don’t face your Global Entry appeal alone. Join our “Free Global Entry Q&A (Ask a Global Entry Lawyer)” Facebook Group now and get the professional guidance you need to navigate the process confidently.
Explore Our Comprehensive Global Entry Resources
At the National Security Law Firm, we believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge and guidance they need to navigate the complex world of Global Entry. Whether you’ve faced a denial, are confused about your eligibility, or want to know how to maximize your case, we’ve got you covered. Our Global Entry practice area page links to dozens of detailed articles and blogs designed to answer your questions and help you feel confident in every step of the process.
What You’ll Find in Our Resource Library:
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Not sure where to start? Our FAQs cover everything from basic eligibility to what happens during the Global Entry interview. We break down common concerns and provide straightforward answers.
- Maximizing Your Global Entry Case: Learn expert strategies to strengthen your appeal, avoid common mistakes, and increase your chances of success. Our guides walk you through how to prepare your documentation, handle criminal records, and more.
- Understanding Your Denial: If your Global Entry was denied or revoked and you’re unsure why, we offer detailed resources to help you uncover the reasons and plan your next steps. Our blogs cover everything from criminal records to unexplained denials.
Our extensive collection of articles also covers specific issues like FOIA requests, traffic violations, customs violations, and Global Entry appeals. For a complete list of topics and resources, visit our Global Entry Appeals page and take advantage of the insights shared by our trusted team of Global Entry lawyers.
Our blog posts provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you confidently navigate your Global Entry appeal. For personalized answers and additional guidance, don’t forget to join our “Free Global Entry Q&A (Ask a Global Entry Lawyer)” Facebook Group and connect with our experienced Global Entry lawyers today!
Why Trust the National Security Law Firm?
1. The Insider Advantage
The National Security Law Firm (NSLF) is led by Brett O’Brien, a former Intelligence Law attorney with the Army’s counterintelligence agency. NSLF’s Global Entry team is trusted by countless clients to secure Global Entry privileges for those who have been denied or had their membership revoked. Brett O’Brien developed NSLF’s Global Entry program based on his extensive experience conducting Security Threat Assessments (STAs) for the Army. Global Entry investigations are a type of Security Threat Assessment. Brett’s deep involvement in overseeing these investigations gives NSLF a unique and trusted insider advantage in handling Global Entry appeals.
Don’t make the mistake of trusting civilian lawyers who lack military or intelligence law expertise. They often miss the critical firsthand experience needed to conduct and review STAs for the government—knowledge that is essential for effectively representing you in your appeal or revocation. When you choose NSLF, you are placing your trust in a team with insider knowledge, a proven track record, and an unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcome for you.
2. Guaranteed Results or Your Money Back
When you hire the National Security Law Firm for your Global Entry appeal or revocation, you can trust that you’re in the hands of experienced, results-driven attorneys. We are so confident in our ability to secure your Global Entry that we offer a guarantee: if we do not succeed in obtaining your Global Entry on appeal, we will refund your money in full. This guarantee reflects the trust we place in our team and our commitment to your success.
3. Trusted by Top Business Leaders
The National Security Law Firm is the nation’s original Global Entry law firm, trusted by top business leaders, CEOs, and executives from Fortune 500 companies and beyond. Our trusted reputation for success in Global Entry appeals makes us the go-to firm for those who cannot afford delays or mistakes.
By partnering with NSLF, you can trust us to handle the complex legal work involved in your Global Entry appeal, allowing you to focus on your business with confidence.
4. Glowing Reviews and Proven Success
Our clients consistently trust us to deliver results, and our track record speaks for itself. NSLF’s Global Entry lawyers have helped numerous clients secure their Global Entry status, and our glowing Google reviews are a testament to the success we’ve achieved. Clients across the nation praise our professionalism, dedication, and unmatched expertise, all of which contribute to our trusted reputation as one of the top Global Entry law firms.
5. The Five Pillars of Success
At NSLF, trust is at the core of everything we do. Our practice is built on our “Five Core Pillars of Success,” which reflect our military-inspired strategy, dedication, and precision in delivering the highest level of legal service. From how we hire and train our attorneys to how we handle every case, these principles are what our clients trust to set us apart from the competition. Visit our About Us page to learn more about the Five Pillars that define our trusted approach and commitment to our clients.
Enlist The National Security Law Firm: Secure Your Global Entry Status Today
When you choose The National Security Law Firm, you’re trusting a team that approaches every Global Entry appeal with the precision, strategy, and determination of an elite military unit. Our insider knowledge and relentless pursuit of success set us apart in helping clients regain their Global Entry privileges. We are committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Take Action Now: Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first critical step toward reclaiming your trusted traveler status. With our proven experience and commitment, we’ll guide you through every phase of the process.
Global Entry Appeals. Done Right.
Don’t wait—begin your Global Entry appeal today. Our onboarding process is fast and easy, and consultations are always free. Schedule your free consultation now and let our trusted team stand by your side in this important journey.
