All travelers are familiar with the long lines at airports for departing flights, but international travelers often face similar delays when returning home. This is where Global Entry membership can be a real game-changer.
“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 United States,” explains Aaron Sutherland, travel expert and founder of Jetsetter Lifestyle. “Members enter through automatic kiosks, bypassing long lines and significantly reducing wait times.”
To apply for Global Entry, new applicants must set up a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and pay a $100 nonrefundable fee. After conditional approval, they must schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, according to the CBP website. This step can be one of the most challenging parts of the process. “Even though new appointment times are released on the first Monday of each month, they get snapped up fast,” says Anton Radchenko, CEO and co-founder of AirAdvisor. “Appointments are scarce and usually only available at specific airports or locations, mostly in larger cities.”
The CBP states that 80 percent of applications are approved within two weeks, but some can take up to 12 months or longer. Sutherland advises starting the application process as early as possible if you hope to use Global Entry for an upcoming trip. Once fully approved, you’ll receive a notification and a special membership card with important information, such as your ID number, which should be kept in a safe place. This membership is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed.
Just as with your passport, it’s crucial to monitor the expiration date of your Global Entry membership. “You can check your expiration date by accessing your TTP account on the CBP website,” says Kristin Espinar, travel blogger and founder of Must See Spain. “You can also find it on your membership card or the approval letter you received.”
To avoid missing the renewal date, Espinar suggests marking it in your calendar. There are specific requirements for renewing your Global Entry membership. “Your membership must be within one year of expiration or expired for no more than two years,” says Sutherland. “You must maintain a clean criminal history and comply with all program requirements.”
Additionally, you need a valid U.S. passport or a passport from another eligible country to renew. If you plan on driving across the border between the U.S. and Mexico, be sure to have your vehicle information on hand when applying. Keeping these details in mind will help ensure a smooth renewal process and continued benefits from your Global Entry membership.
