Global Entry renewal: A how-to guide

If you’ve ever traveled abroad, you may be familiar with the Global Entry Program. It’s a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) designed to get international travelers through airport customs checkpoints faster when they reenter the U.S.

Learn how to renew your Global Entry membership before it expires, how long renewal lasts and more.

Key takeaways

• Global Entry is a TTP administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). 
• Membership in Global Entry lasts for five years; renewal extends it for another five years.
• You can renew your membership starting one year before it expires.
• Capital One Venture and Venture X cardholders can receive up to a $120 statement credit toward their Global Entry renewal.*

Global Entry is a TTP run by CBP. The program is designed to help expedite airport customs screening for travelers reentering the U.S. after traveling abroad. 

Benefits of Global Entry include helping members reduce wait times at security checkpoints and navigate airports more easily.

Global Entry membership is open to U.S. citizens, legal permanent U.S. residents, Mexican nationals, citizens of certain other countries and more. It’s available at dozens of airports in the U.S. and abroad.

Here are things to know about renewing your Global Entry membership.

• You can renew your membership starting one year before it expires. And if you submit a renewal application before your membership expires, you can use the program’s benefits for up to 24 months after the expiration date.
• You’ll need to submit a renewal application. You can complete your Global Entry renewal application and pay your renewal fee on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website.
• You may need to attend an in-person interview. An interview may be required once your renewal has been conditionally approved. But since this interview isn’t always necessary, be sure to check your account periodically for updates on next steps.

Here are specifics on the Global Entry renewal process.

You can fill out your renewal application on the DHS website. Here are the steps:

1. Sign in to your account on the TTP portal. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll be directed to create one.
2. Select the option for Global Entry renewal and follow the prompts.
3. Submit your renewal application.

Once you’ve submitted your renewal application on the TTP portal, simply follow the prompts to pay your application fee.

When it comes to paying the renewal fee, there’s good news: Some travel credit card issuers reimburse cardholders for the fee. In fact, Capital One reimburses Venture and Venture X cardholders up to $120 for Global Entry fees every four years.

When you first apply for membership, you’ll typically be required to attend an in-person Global Entry interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officer. But an interview isn’t always required for renewal.

If you’re asked to attend a renewal interview, you can schedule it at a Global Entry enrollment center or at a major airport to coincide with your travel plans.

Here are commonly asked questions about renewing Global Entry membership.

Global Entry is one of several U.S. government TTPs. Its goal is to help travelers get through customs screening faster when they land in U.S. airports after traveling abroad.

Capital One Venture and Venture X cardholders can receive up to a $120 statement credit toward their application fee or renewal fee every four years.