Global Entry is a great way to avoid long lines when re-entering the U.S. after traveling abroad. We review who’s eligible, how you can apply and how to use it at airports.

If you’re tired of waiting in long lines to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad, now is a good time to apply for Global Entry, especially if your credit card offers a statement credit to cover the application fee.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. after traveling internationally. You must submit an application and a non-refundable $100 fee. If you’re approved, your five-year membership includes both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck (which provides expedited security checks at select airports in the U.S.).

Below, CNBC Select reviews who are eligible for Global Entry, how you can apply and how to use it at airports.

Who’s eligible for Global Entry?

To qualify for Global Entry, you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident. Residents of select countries can also qualify, and you can learn more about international application requirements.

Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent to participate in Global Entry.

Learn more about eligibility for Global Entry.

Eligibility for Global Entry:

Are You Eligible?

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of the following countries are eligible for Global Entry membership:

• Citizens of Argentina
• Citizens of Brazil
• Citizens of Bahrain
• Citizens of India
• Citizens of Colombia
• Citizens of United Kingdom
• Citizens of Germany
• Citizens of The Netherlands
• Citizens of Panama
• Citizens of Singapore
• Citizens of South Korea
• Citizens of Switzerland
• Citizens of Taiwan
• Mexican nationals

Note: There may be additional requirements you must meet depending on your country of citizenship. To find out if additional requirements must be met, select an International Arrangement and your country of citizenship.

Canadian citizens and residents are eligible for Global Entry benefits through membership in the NEXUS program.

If you are under the age of 18, you must have your parent or legal guardian's consent to participate in the program.

Reasons for Ineligibility:

You may not be eligible for participation in the Global Entry program if you:

• Provide false or incomplete information on the application;
• Have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants (to include driving under the influence);
• Have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country;
• Are the subject of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state or local law enforcement agency;
• Have been denied for the purchase of a firearm;
• Are inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulation, including applicants with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation; or
• Cannot satisfy CBP of your low-risk status.

How to apply for Global Entry:

Applicants are required to submit a Global Entry application and pay a $100 fee. Depending on the credit card you have, you might be able to be reimbursed for the fee. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, for example, offers a statement credit of up to $100 toward a Global Entry application every four years.

Here are the application steps:

1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account.
2. Log on to your TTP account and complete the application and pay a $100 non-refundable fee.
3. After submitting your completed application and paying the fee, your application will be reviewed. If your application is conditionally approved, then your TTP account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
4. You will need to bring your valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine-readable permanent resident card. During the interview, a CBP officer will ask you questions, take your photo and collect biometric information (scan your fingerprints).

The CBP doesn’t provide an exact time frame for how long the whole application process takes and states it can take up to several months.

How does Global Entry work

When you arrive in the U.S., simply navigate to the Global Entry automated kiosks at select airports. Then scan your machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place your fingerprints on the scanner for verification and complete a customs declaration. You’ll receive a transaction receipt and be directed to baggage claim and the exit.

The CBP provides this disclaimer: “While Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.”