Renew passport early?

More Cowbell

Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Joined
Mar 25, 2023
Messages
1,223
My passport expires early 2027 and I don't have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Now that we're both retired, DH has wants to start domestic and international travel starting next year (2025). DH has GE, and I would prefer to ease the flying hassles.

If I apply for GE now, do I need to reapply when my passport is renewed, or just update the passport info? Or does it make more sense in my situation to renew my passport early and apply for GE once the passport is renewed?

Getting the initial GE interview and approval can be a bottleneck in my area. I don't currently have a CC or airline flyer membership that offers GE or TSA fee benefits.

Appreciate your thoughts on this!
 
It is not necessary to reapply when you renew your passport. There is a link to update your passport information when you log in to your Global Entry account.

As far as getting the interview, there are two strategies I've heard mentioned: (1) keep checking, because people change or cancel their appointments all the time which opens up slots, (2) Try to get the interview done while on a trip - some airports have more availability (or allow walk-ins, I'm not sure which).

You probably know this, but Global Entry includes TSA Precheck, which makes the TSA process quite a bit faster and nicer.
 
Don't make this a bigger deal than it is. Just fill out the paperwork, give them their money, and wait for the system to grind. If there are any issues you can work them. You'll have to update your GE records when you get a new passport number but IIRC there is no fee for that, just do it promptly when you get the passport. Remember that many countries say that you must have six months left before expiration of your passport when you enter. So renew mid-year next year, sooner if the rules permit.
 
I'm leaving the country next week and will be back in 3 weeks. My colleague told me I might be able to get an interview when I return to SFO. That would be nice. I applied 10/2/2024. Status shows "Wait for conditional approval" whatever that means. Don't really care much. I get preferential line cutting at SFO for flying business class but I don't think it is full blown TSA Pre.

Application​

  • Select program
  • Fill out application
  • Pay fee
  • Wait for conditional approval
 
I'm leaving the country next week and will be back in 3 weeks. My colleague told me I might be able to get an interview when I return to SFO. That would be nice. I applied 10/2/2024. Status shows "Wait for conditional approval" whatever that means. Don't really care much. I get preferential line cutting at SFO for flying business class but I don't think it is full blown TSA Pre.

Application​

  • Select program
  • Fill out application
  • Pay fee
  • Wait for conditional approval
I don’t think you can do the interview until you reach that conditional approval status. Once you have that, you can request an interview upon arrival at an immigration entry point.
 
Don't make this a bigger deal than it is. Just fill out the paperwork, give them their money, and wait for the system to grind. If there are any issues you can work them. You'll have to update your GE records when you get a new passport number but IIRC there is no fee for that, just do it promptly when you get the passport. Remember that many countries say that you must have six months left before expiration of your passport when you enter. So renew mid-year next year, sooner if the rules permit.
I just updated mine after seeing these posts. No fee. There's an update documents menu on the right side after logging in.
 
It is not necessary to reapply when you renew your passport. There is a link to update your passport information when you log in to your Global Entry account.

As far as getting the interview, there are two strategies I've heard mentioned: (1) keep checking, because people change or cancel their appointments all the time which opens up slots, (2) Try to get the interview done while on a trip - some airports have more availability (or allow walk-ins, I'm not sure which).

You probably know this, but Global Entry includes TSA Precheck, which makes the TSA process quite a bit faster and nicer.
Thanks for clarifying that GE will not need reapplication at passport renewal time!

There are a number of different GE interview sites within driving distance. It's reportedly easier to get interviews at the less populated sites, or at less desirable times. I'll find out, hopefully soon!
 
Don't make this a bigger deal than it is. Just fill out the paperwork, give them their money, and wait for the system to grind. If there are any issues you can work them. You'll have to update your GE records when you get a new passport number but IIRC there is no fee for that, just do it promptly when you get the passport. Remember that many countries say that you must have six months left before expiration of your passport when you enter. So renew mid-year next year, sooner if the rules permit.
Thanks for the "Just do it!" message for GE. I put off applying because I didn't see my question answered in the GE FAQ, plus hadn't flown for a long time until just recently. So I needed to hear that!
 
Back
Top Bottom