Like all Trusted Traveler Programs run by the U.S. government, Global Entry is valid for five years and must be renewed for continued use.
The U.S. Customs and Border program facilitates expedited arrival into the U.S. for preapproved, low-risk travelers via automatic kiosks at more than 75 airports across the U.S. and select pre-clearance locations abroad.
Membership to Global Entry also includes a five-year membership to TSA PreCheck, which allows preapproved, low-risk travelers to expedite their way through airport security at more than 200 U.S. airports without removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets.
Here are the steps to renewing your Global Entry membership.
When to renew Global Entry
Global Entry users can renew their membership up to one year before it expires, and there’s no penalty for renewing early.
As long as you submit a renewal application before your membership expires, you can continue using Global Entry up to 24 months after your membership expiration date should your renewal not be processed ahead of its expiration.
Once your renewal is approved, a five-year period is added to your current membership period.
Though people renewing their membership are usually not required to interview again, this is not guaranteed. If you need to schedule an interview, we recommend setting a calendar invite to start the renewal process one year from your expiration date.
After you submit your renewal application and fee, check your Trusted Traveler Program account periodically for updates on necessary actions to complete the renewal process. You should also receive an email with any membership status changes.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
Global Entry renewal process
Necessary documentation
Before you start the renewal process, have the following documents and information ready to go to expedite the application:
- U.S. passport
- Drivers license
- Work history, including address and phone number for each place you worked since you first enrolled as a Trusted Traveler member
- The countries you’ve traveled to since you first enrolled
- Vehicle make, model, year, color, VIN and license plate if you plan to drive across the U.S. border
This process should take about 45 minutes to complete, though it could go significantly faster if you haven’t moved, changed jobs or traveled overseas much since originally applying.
Online application
CBP provides step-by-step instructions detailing how to renew a Global Entry membership.
First, log onto the TTP website, select manage membership and click the box for Global Entry to renew. Respond “yes” to certifying your application on the Program Application page and proceed with paying the application fees.
Throughout this process, you’ll be asked to acknowledge that there will be a background check and that an interview may be required. It’ll also ask you to confirm the aforementioned series of personal information and questions.
After submitting your application, monitor your account for any status changes.
Other Global Entry membership renewal tips
Enrollment on Arrival
Enrollment on Arrival allows conditionally approved applicants to complete the Global Entry enrollment interview as part of the immigration process at the airport upon returning back to the U.S. from abroad.
The program is currently available at more than 60 airports globally. To enroll upon arrival, you’ll need your U.S. passport. Also, verify if any other proof-of-residency documents, such as mortgage statements and rent stubs, are needed to complete the interview.
We’d recommend double-checking the hours of this service at your desired airport as well.
To do this, follow signs in the airport for the “Enrollment on Arrival” lanes — and be sure your flight arrives during hours when interviews are offered. A CBP agent will complete your Global Entry interview during your admissibility inspection.
Use the right credit card
Many credit cards will reimburse the Global Entry application fees, up to $100 via a statement credit issued once every four years, including:
If you start the renewal process a couple of months in advance, you can still get a credit card that will reimburse the fee. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides a month grace period between completing your application and paying the fee before your application is purged.
That means you can save your application, apply for a credit card and get the card in the mail before submitting payment.
Bottom line
If you’re a frequent international traveler, Global Entry is essential in helping expedite your return to the U.S., as it can help you clear customs in a matter of minutes. If you’re departing from a preclearance location like Canada, sometimes you can clear customs before you even physically reenter the U.S.
Though the process of becoming a Global Entry member can be cumbersome due to the difficulty of securing an in-person appointment, enrolling in the program is well worth any application headaches.
Related reading:
