Global Entry Travelers Now Have a 24-Month Renewal Grace Period
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection is giving international travelers more time to use their current Global Entry membership while they wait for a renewal. Global Entry is a program that allows preapproved travelers to use automatic kiosks at select airports to speed through customs when they arrive in the U.S. It also includes TSA PreCheck benefits when flying domestically.
Previously, there was an automatic six-month extension if Global Entry members had reapplied but hadn't yet been approved by their expiration date. That grace period has now been extended to 24 months because of the volume of applications. The extension of Global Entry benefits may give people more peace of mind that they can still travel without the hassle of waiting in long lines getting back into the U.S.
Here’s what you should know about Global Entry right now.
» Learn more: TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which is right for you?
How to qualify for the 24-month grace period
First, you must already be a current Global Entry member. You’ll become eligible to renew one year prior to your membership expiration date. (Membership lasts five years after you're approved.)
It’s imperative to submit a renewal application before your current membership expires to take advantage of the extended grace period. Travelers arriving in the U.S. during this grace period don't need to show any special documents to use Global Entry lanes.
Will you have to interview again if you're renewing your Global Entry membership?
You might not have to interview again if you already have a Global Entry membership. Some renewing applicants might need another interview if there are any major changes to your account, like a name change.
Certain Global Entry Enrollment Centers don’t have any available appointments until next year, so renewing applicants might have to wait months before completing the in-person interview step of the process.
Is there a grace period for new applicants to schedule their interviews?
Global Entry interviews are hard to snag these days at certain airports. If you've applied for Global Entry as a new member, you won't have access to the benefits until you complete your enrollment interview. However, there is a grace period for completing the interview after you've submitted your application.
New applicants now have more than a year (485 days) from the date of their application to complete the enrollment process, including the interview.
New and renewing applicants who have to complete an interview may also be able to use Enrollment on Arrival. Conditionally approved Global Entry applicants can do their in-person interview when returning to the U.S. on an international flight at any of the 60 airports that participate in the program.
Some credit cards cover the Global Entry application fee
If it’s about time to renew, check your wallet. You may not have to spend your own cash to pay for the application. Several of the best travel cards offer statement credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry. Here’s a list of some of those cards:
GENERAL TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS | ANNUAL FEE | HOW OFTEN DOES THE CREDIT RENEW? |
|---|---|---|
$95 | Every 4 years. | |
$395 | Every 4 years. | |
$95 | Every 4 years. | |
$550 | Every 4 years. | |
Citi Prestige® Card (this offer isn't currently available through NerdWallet) | $495 | Every 5 years. |
$49 | Every 4 years. | |
$95 | Every 4 years. | |
$695 | Every 4 years when used for a Global Entry application fee; every 4.5 years when used for a TSA PreCheck application fee. Terms apply (see rates and fees). | |
$0 | Every 4 years; maximum credit is $85 for either program. | |
$400 | Every 4 years. | |
AIRLINE CREDIT CARDS | ANNUAL FEE | HOW OFTEN DOES THE CREDIT RENEW? |
$95 | Every 4 years. | |
$450 | Every 5 years. | |
$250 | Every 4 years when used for a Global Entry application fee; every 4.5 years when used for a TSA PreCheck application fee. Terms apply (see rates and fees). | |
$550 | Every 4 years when used for a Global Entry application fee; every 4.5 years when used for a TSA PreCheck application fee. Terms apply (see rates and fees). | |
$0 intro for the first year, then $95 | Every 4 years. | |
$250 | Every 4 years. | |
$525 | Every 4 years. | |
HOTEL CREDIT CARDS | ANNUAL FEE | HOW OFTEN DOES THE CREDIT RENEW? |
$99 | Every 4 years. | |
$650 | Every 4 years when used for a Global Entry application fee; every 4.5 years when used for a TSA PreCheck application fee. Terms apply (see rates and fees). |
You shouldn't wait to renew
The bottom line is there’s a huge backlog to get or renew membership for Global Entry. You might have to wait months to get an appointment for an interview. As long as you reapply before your membership expires, you can continue to use the benefits for another 24 months while your renewal application is processed.
Traveling internationally requires a lot more preparation than it did before the pandemic. You should not only renew your Global Entry, but also renew your passport at least six months in advance (the U.S. Department of State is backed up, too). After all, you should be excited to travel again, not anxious that government delays will stop you from getting the documents you need for your next trip.
The information related to Citi Prestige® Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
