Travel Tip: The Best Time to Look for Global Entry Appointments

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For U.S. citizens who travel internationally, Global Entry is an easy and convenient way to get through border patrol when returning to the U.S. For just a $100 application (or renewal) fee, you get to skip the “regular” entry line when re-entering the U.S. and go through a much shorter, faster line for expedited clearance for 5 years (the fact that you also get TSA PreCheck as part of your Global Entry package is just gravy). Having Global Entry status also may make you eligible to join similar “trusted traveler” type programs in other countries.

The Global Entry application process is multi-part. From U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account

   Regardless of your age, you must have your own Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account.

2. Log in to your TTP account and complete the application

   A $100 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application.

3. Schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center

   After accepting your completed application, CBP will conduct a review. If your application is conditionally approved, your TTP account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.

4. Complete the application process

   Bring your valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card, to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine readable permanent resident card.

The first two steps are easy enough – make a TTP account, and then fill out the form and pay the $100. Once your application has been reviewed, you’re told to schedule an interview. And that’s when things start to get more difficult.

Y’see, fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, Global Entry is very popular. Since the program’s inception as a pilot program in June, 2008, it’s now closing in on 13 million members, with as many as 12,000+ applications per day. Granted, not everyone gets as far as the interview process (some people wind up not being eligible) but those who do need to schedule an interview.

That’s the part that becomes difficult – scheduling an interview, especially if you’d like to do one in your home city (or at least nearby) can be…difficult. Granted, there are some alternative ways to find an interview appointment. However, to their credit, CBP acknowledged that getting interviews scheduled was something of a cluster (OK, they didn’t use that terminology LOL). So they announced a while back that they will release additional in-person interview times on the first Monday of the month at 9:00 a.m. local time in an effort to meet the increased demand.

Mark your calendar!

By the way, CBP is also currently piloting enrollment interviews with a CBP officer through video teleconferencing. However since it’s a pilot program, you never know when they may decide to shut it down.

Feature Photo: CBP/Wikipedia

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary