Global Entry Travelers Now Have a 24-Month Renewal Grace Period

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 applied for renewal but hadn't yet been approved by their expiration date. That grace period has 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?

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.)

To take advantage of the extended grace period, you must submit a renewal application before your current membership expires. Travelers arriving in the U.S. during this grace period don't need to show any special documents to use Global Entry lanes.

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.

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.

If it’s about time to renew, check your wallet. Several popular travel credit cards reimburse the application fee for Global Entry, if you pay the fee with the card. Among those cards:

» SEE the best credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

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.