Your Guide to Renewing Global Entry

Global Entry is a trusted traveler program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to enjoy expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. With a Global Entry membership, you can skip the long lines at customs and breeze through airport security with TSA PreCheck. But what happens when your Global Entry membership is about to expire? Here's everything you need to know about renewing your Global Entry membership.

When to Renew Global Entry

You can renew your Global Entry membership starting one year before its expiration date. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends renewing as early as possible to avoid any lapse in benefits. If you submit your renewal application before your membership expires, you can continue to use Global Entry benefits for up to 24 months after your expiration date while your renewal is being processed[2].

To check your Global Entry expiration date, log in to your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and look under the "Program Membership" section. Your membership expiration date will be listed there.

How to Renew Global Entry

Renewing your Global Entry membership is a straightforward process that can be completed online in a few simple steps:

1. Log in to your TTP account at https://ttp.dhs.gov/.
2. Scroll down to the "Program Membership" section and click the "Renew Membership" button next to your Global Entry membership.
3. Update your personal information, travel history, and any other relevant details in the renewal application.
4. Submit your renewal application and pay the $100 non-refundable fee. Some premium travel credit cards will reimburse this fee.
5. Wait for conditional approval of your renewal application. Processing times can vary from a few days to several months.
6. If required, complete an updated interview. CBP may waive the interview requirement for some renewing members[2].

Once your renewal is conditionally approved, you will receive a notification to schedule an interview (if required). Interviews can be scheduled at any Global Entry Enrollment Center. Some travelers may be eligible to complete their interview upon arrival from an international trip at participating airports, a program known as Enrollment on Arrival[2].

Tips for a Smooth Renewal Process

• Renew early. Don't wait until the last minute to submit your renewal application. Renewing early ensures you can keep enjoying Global Entry benefits without interruption.

• Update your personal information. Make sure all your personal details, such as your address, employment, and travel history are up-to-date in your renewal application.

• Check your credit card benefits. Several premium travel credit cards will reimburse the $100 Global Entry renewal fee. If you have one of these cards, be sure to charge the fee to that card[4].

• Consider Enrollment on Arrival. If you have international travel plans coming up, you may be able to knock out your renewal interview when you arrive in the U.S. at certain airports. No appointment is needed[4].

• Keep your documents handy. When you go for your Global Entry renewal interview, be sure to bring your valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card[4].

What If My Global Entry Membership Has Already Expired?

If your Global Entry membership has already expired, you may still be able to renew it without having to start over as a new applicant. As long as you submit your renewal application within a year of your expiration date, you should be able to renew without needing to redo the entire application process[5].

However, once your membership expires, you will no longer be able to use the Global Entry kiosks or enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits until your renewal is approved. If it's been more than a year since your membership expired, you will unfortunately need to apply again as a new applicant.

Scheduling Your Renewal Interview

One of the biggest pain points in the Global Entry renewal process can be scheduling an interview appointment. Many enrollment centers are booked up for months in advance, making it difficult to find an available interview slot that fits your schedule.

Some savvy travelers have discovered a workaround by using third-party services that scan for canceled interview appointments and send alerts when a slot opens up. One such service is globalentrytexts.com, which allows you to select your preferred enrollment centers and receive text message alerts as soon as an appointment becomes available.

Here's how it works:

1. Sign up for an account at globalentrytexts.com and select the enrollment centers you're interested in. You can choose up to 3 locations.

2. Opt in to receive text message alerts. The service will continuously scan for interview appointments at your selected locations.

3. As soon as an appointment opens up, you'll receive a text message alert with a link to claim the slot. Appointments can get snatched up quickly, so be sure to act fast!

4. Log in to your TTP account, select the open appointment slot, and confirm your interview.

Using a service like globalentrytexts.com can save you hours of frustration refreshing the interview appointment page and help you renew your membership faster. The service offers 30 days of text alerts for a small fee.

The Bottom Line

Renewing your Global Entry membership is an important step in maintaining your trusted traveler status and enjoying expedited clearance when entering the United States. By starting the renewal process early, ensuring your personal information is up-to-date, and being proactive about scheduling your interview, you can make your Global Entry renewal as smooth as possible.

And if you're struggling to find an available interview appointment, consider using a service like globalentrytexts.com to get alerted as soon as a slot opens up. With a little planning and preparation, you can renew your Global Entry membership and get back to breezing through customs in no time.

Citations: [1] https://www.travelandleisure.com/how-to-renew-global-entry-membership-8404443 [2] https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/frequently-asked-questions [3] https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/more-than-money/global-entry-renewal/ [4] https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/rewards-benefits/renew-global-entry [5] https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/global-entry-renewal-guide [6] https://www.wendyperrin.com/how-to-renew-global-entry-even-if-its-expired/ [7] https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/credit-cards/credit-intel/renew-global-entry-membership/?linknav=us-creditintel-click-article_link-RenewGlobalEntryMembership [8] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/DHS-Trusted-Traveler-Programs.html [9] https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry [10] https://globalentryalerts.com/en [11] https://www.ttptracker.com [12] https://appointmentscanner.com