How to Skip the Lines at US Customs

Make your trip to Jamaica a breeze by skipping the line at US Customs.

With growing lines, extensive wait times, and increasing airport security, international travel is becoming more and more challenging. Luckily there are several ways to decrease your wait time and skip the line at US Customs when you fly back from your luxurious stay at Villa Serenity in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

In this article, we will discuss two options for your travels. Choose the one that suits you and your family’s needs. If you have questions about traveling to Jamaica, don’t hesitate to contact us here.

Global Entry

Global Entry is a pre-approval system for travelers deemed low risk in the US. All US citizens and permanent residents, and citizens of Argentina, India, Colombia, Canada, UK, Germany, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Mexico, are eligible. Children under 18 are eligible for Global Entry with parental approval.

You may be ineligible if you have been convicted of any criminal offense, have pending criminal charges, have been deemed inadmissible to the US, or if the CBP cannot determine if you have low-risk status.

How to Apply for Global Entry

1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs account.

This account will determine if you are in a low-risk category by asking a series of questions. The website will also determine which membership is best for you. If you are coming from Jamaica, the recommendation will likely be Global Entry.

1. Pay a $100 non-fundable fee for your application.

1. Schedule an Interview

If your application looks good, you will be conditionally approved into the program and be invited to schedule an interview with Customs and Border Protection. You can schedule an interview here. You must schedule an individual interview for everyone in your family.

When you go to the interview, don’t forget to bring your valid passport and another form of picture ID. If you are a permanent resident, you need to bring your green card.

Mobile Passport

The Mobile Passport App is a partially free app that takes minutes to download. Unlike Global Entry, which requires an interview and fees, Mobile Passport will take minutes to set up. If you have an apple device, download the app here or here for Android.

The cost to use Mobile Passport to store your passport and personal information is $14.99/year or $4.99/month.

The Mobile Passport is available in 29 US Passports and four cruise ports.

What You Need to Set Up Your Account

• Passport
• Personal Information

How to Set up Your Account in 4 Easy Steps

1. Click on the airplane icon, which will lead to where you can enter your traveler information.
2. You will be asked to scan your passport on your phone. Your personal information will be populated from your passport. Double-check to make sure everything is correct.
3. The app will prompt you to take a selfie. Take and save on the app.
4. Pick a 4-digit PIN you will be able to remember.

How to Use at Mobile Passport at the Border

1. Once the plane has landed in the US, turn your phone off airplane mode and click on the Mobile Passport App.
2. Enter your trip information, including arrival airport and airline.
3. Answer the standard Border Police inspection questions.
4. Confirm your answers, hit submit, and wait for the receipt to show up on the following page. This receipt is a digital QR code.
5. After deplaning, look for the designated Mobile Passport lane in the arrival hall. Show the officer your QR code and your passport.
6. The officer will scan the passport and ask further questions if necessary.
7. You’re done!

Airports with Mobile Passport

• Baltimore (BWI) – Baltimore-Washington International Airport
• Boston (BOS) – Boston Logan International Airport
• Chicago (ORD) – Chicago O’Hare International Airport
• Dallas (DFW) – Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
• Denver (DEN) – Denver International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale (PEV) – Port Everglades Cruise Port
• Honolulu (HNL) – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
• Houston (IAH) – George Bush Intercontinental Airport
• Houston (HOU) – William P. Hobby Airport
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Los Angeles International Airport
• Miami (MIA) – Miami International Airport
• Miami (MSE) – Miami Seaport Cruise Port
• Minneapolis (MSP) – Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport
• New York City (JFK) – John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Newark (EWR) – Newark Liberty International Airport
• Oakland (OAK) – Oakland International Airport
• Orlando (MCO) – Orlando International Airport
• Philadelphia (PHL) – Philadelphia International Airport
• Phoenix (PHX) – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Pittsburgh (PIT) – Pittsburgh International Airport
• Portland (PDX) – Portland International Airport
• Raleigh (RDU) – Raleigh Durham International Airport
• Sacramento (SMF) – Sacramento International Airport
• Salt Lake City (SLC) – Salt Lake City International Airport
• San Diego (SAN) – San Diego International Airport
• San Francisco (SFO) – San Francisco International Airport
• San Jose (SJC) – Mineta San Jose International Airport
• San Juan (SJU) – Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
• San Juan (PUE) – Port of San Juan Cruise Port
• Seattle (SEA) – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
• Tampa (TPA) – Tampa International Airport
• Washington Dulles (IAD) – Dulles International Airport

For a list of the best airports to fly into in Jamaica, click on our other article here. (insert link to airport article here).

Stress-free Travel at Villa Serenity

With so much to consider when planning an international trip, your accommodations should be the least of your worries. With the knowledge that you can zip through the lines at security, you will be able to fully enjoy the all-encompassing experience at your private Jamaican Villa.

Relax in your personal 8000 square foot ocean-view villa with your own personal chef, butler, driver, and housecleaner. Lounge by the pool or on the beach, or take a short trek to the picturesque town of Ocho Rios on the Caribbean Sea. Vacations shouldn’t be stressful. A trip to Jamaica Villa Serenity will open your eyes to luxury and ease on holiday.

If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Jamaica is, it is whenever you want! For more information, read our article here;  the ideal seasons to visit Jamaica.