Another wave coming?
Looking ahead, CBP anticipates another Global Entry application wave — specifically, for renewals.
After historic sign-ups for the program between 2021 and 2025, a never-before-seen wave of travelers will likely look to re-up membership over the next few years, since memberships run on a five-year cycle.
Fortunately, renewals these days are frequently a far more seamless process than a first-time application, and often don’t require an in-person interview.
After submitting for renewal online in the fall of 2023, my full approval visa came within days. My wife had a similar experience this past spring.
CBP is working on new processes to move the vast majority of existing members through the renewal process that fast.
“We want to get to the point where it’s quick, it’s seamless, it’s easy,” Davies told me, “and really only in the most extreme cases does someone have to do something other than submitting an application before they’re able to continue their membership.”
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