How long is Global Entry good for? Everything you need to know

Gabriela Peratello

Global Entry is a popular Trusted Traveler Program, helping frequent international flyers speed through US customs and immigration when coming back to the country.

Understand how long your Global Entry membership is good for, including everything you need to know about the renewal process and what happens if your membership expires.

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How long is Global Entry valid for?

Global Entry is valid for 5 years before you need to renew it. Each membership costs 100 USD — and each renewal also costs 100 USD.

How long does it take to get Global Entry?

Getting a Global Entry membership is a simple process — but it’s important to apply well before your next trip abroad.

First, you need to send an online application using your Trusted Traveler Program account. This includes your personal details and a breakdown of your recent travel history.

After you receive conditional approval, you need to book your Global Entry interview. It may take some time to book a slot at your local enrollment center, especially if there’s a backlog. The current application processing time is 4-6 months (as of 10 May 2023)¹.

After you’ve completed your interview, you should receive your membership card in the mail within 10 business days.

You can also choose Enrollment on Arrival. When you come back to the US after your trip, you can complete your interview at any participating Global Entry airport as long as you’ve received conditional approval. This means you don’t have to wait for an enrollment center appointment to come up.

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Understanding the Global Entry renewal process

Renewing Your Global Entry Membership

You can renew your Global Entry membership one year before it expires.

You may have made your initial Global Entry application via Global Online Enrollment System, but this transitioned over to the Trusted Traveler Program site in 2017.

A step-by-step guide to renewing your Global Entry membership:

Step 1. Log into your Trusted Traveler Program account

Step 2. Select “Manage Membership”

Step 3. Select “Renew Application”

Step 4. Change any personal information, and select “US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Program List”

Step 5. Check the box next to “Global Entry”

Step 6. Click the enrollment center hyperlink to view available enrollment centers and select “Next”. Fill in any further information

Step 7. Select “Update” and then select “Certify”

Step 8. Answer “Yes” or “No” to “Do you certify?” and then select “Next”

Step 9. Check the box next to “Fees” and then “Make Payment”

Step 10. US Customs and Border Protection will contact you with any follow-up issues, including if you need to book a renewal interview or when you’ll receive your new Global Entry card²

Renewal Grace Period

If you submit your renewal application before your membership expires, you can continue to use the program for up to 24 months after your membership expiration date².

This gives current members a grace period if your application doesn’t get processed in time by Customs and Border Protection — and it’s recommended to submit your application at least 6 months before your membership expires.

As long as you send your renewal application before your initial expiration date, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of Global Entry.

What happens if your Global Entry expires?

If your Global Entry membership expires before you’ve had a chance to submit a renewal application, you’ll lose benefits to Global Entry kiosks at the airport until you renew your membership online.

We’ve put together some FAQS about Global Entry expiration and the renewal application process.

How do you know when your Global Entry expires?

There are two ways to know when your Global Entry membership will expire. The expiration date is on your Global Entry card — and it’s also available via your Trusted Traveler Program account, which you can use to renew your membership when the time comes.

Can you renew Global Entry before it expires?

Yes, you can renew your Global Entry membership one year before expiry. This gives you time to submit a renewal application for approval before you reach the expiration date.

How long does it take to renew Global Entry?

The time it takes to fill in your Global Entry renewal application can depend from person to person.

If you’ve changed your personal information or you’ve got a lot of travel details to add, it could take up to 45 minutes to complete the application form.

You may need to complete another Global Entry interview, so it’s important to check your application status for any follow-up questions or actions.³

How much does it cost to renew Global Entry?

It costs 100 USD to renew your Global Entry membership. You may be able to receive a reimbursement from your credit card company — so make sure to check out if this is the case before you apply.

Not sure if Global Entry is the right program for you? Check our comparison guides:

Global Entry is a helpful travel essential if you regularly fly in and out of the US.

A Global Entry card is good for 5 years, and you can renew your membership up to a year before the program officially expires.

To find out more about your overseas spending options, check out Wise.


Sources:

  1. Trusted Traveler Program
  2. CBP
  3. The Points Guy

Sources checked on 05.16.2023


*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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