How to enter the United States quickly and easily with your visa and without waiting in endless lines?

Long lines are one of the most common headaches for travelers, especially those who travel regularly. Upon arriving at their destination, all they want is to get through immigration quickly and easily.

The United States, as a country that receives a significant number of tourists (72.5 million arrived in 2024, according to The New York Times) , is strict with its immigration controls. Consequently, immigration lines are often long.

The United States offers a program that streamlines these immigration controls: it's called Global Entry, and it's part of the Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Program.

The Global Entry application costs $120, and membership is valid for five years. As part of the process, all applicants must undergo a background check conducted by U.S. immigration authorities.

Global Entry is designed to facilitate entry into the United States for frequent international travelers, especially those traveling on business.

The process for accessing Global Entry begins with the submission and payment of the individual application. Minors can enroll free of charge if one of their parents is already registered or is applying for admission to the program.

Once the application is submitted, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducts a background check. While most applications are processed within about two weeks, some can take up to 12 months or more, depending on the applicant's history.

The final step is to schedule and attend an in-person interview, a mandatory requirement for first-time applicants. After completing this process, users begin enjoying the benefits of the program.

Visiting the United States during spring (March-May) or summer (June-August) means the opportunity to see the country in all its splendor.

Destinations and attractions flourish with new activities, events, and fun during peak and off-peak travel seasons.

From an epic cross-country road trip or train ride to enjoying natural beauty by day or the wonders of state parks by night, there are plenty of opportunities to create the perfect trip to the United States in 2025, whether traveling solo, with friends, or with the whole family.

“The United States is a year-round destination, but spring and summer offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the country at its most vibrant. From breathtaking landscapes to world-class events, this is the perfect time to travel. We invite travelers from around the world to experience the best of the United States this season,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA, the organization responsible for promoting the country’s tourism industry.

Communities are still recovering and cleaning up from the devastation caused by natural disasters in parts of Los Angeles and Western North Carolina. While some areas hardest hit by fires and flooding remain restricted to the general public, Los Angeles and Western North Carolina remain open for business, safe to visit, and, most importantly, ready to welcome visitors again.

Now, more than ever, travelers can visit Los Angeles to support local businesses, large and small, from hotels, restaurants, and shops to theme parks, museums, and community spaces. In addition to Los Angeles, cities welcoming visitors include West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Pasadena, to name a few.

Travelers can enjoy the attractions at the Santa Monica Pier and stroll along the Third Street Promenade, where they'll find modern and vintage items, before attending a performing arts show at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage. They can also head to Culver City and enjoy Parisian bites or gastropub fare at local downtown restaurants while staying a few nights at one of the city's nationally designated historic hotels, the Culver Hotel.

Art and history lovers can plan visits to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the La Brea Tar Pits, and the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena.