Is it possible to skip customs?

Ugh, customs. Just thinking about it makes me tired. Is it possible to skip it entirely? I wish! I remember that one time coming back from Mexico – the line snaked around the entire terminal! It felt like I’d been standing there for hours, my feet aching, just staring at that never-ending queue. Seriously, what is it with airport lines?

So, no, you can’t completely skip customs when you get back to the US. That would be amazing, wouldn’t it? Like, poof! You’re home. But there’s this thing called Global Entry. It’s like, a VIP pass for people who are, I guess, deemed trustworthy enough. They’ve vetted you, checked you out, and basically given you a stamp of approval saying, “This person’s probably not smuggling a llama in their suitcase.”

Global Entry lets you zoom through customs way faster. You don’t have to stand in that crazy long line with everyone else. Think of it: no more wrestling your suitcase over grumpy feet, no more listening to the guy behind you cough incessantly… instead, you’re breezing through a much shorter line. Sounds dreamy, right? It’s a little bit like magic, honestly. But, you know, you have to apply and get approved. It’s not just handed out like candy. They actually check you. Which, I guess, makes sense.

I heard from a friend that the application process takes a little while, though. They had to do interviews and everything. But he says it was worth it. He travels a lot for work and the time he saves is pretty substantial.

So yeah, skipping customs completely? Nope. But Global Entry? That’s the closest you’ll get.