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Renewing your Global Entry? CBP is allowing select travelers to schedule remote interviews

June 08, 2021
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3 min read
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Renewing your Global Entry? CBP is allowing select travelers to schedule remote interviews
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The Global Entry program has been severely hampered during the pandemic, but the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is trying out a new innovative approach to alleviate the backlog of renewals for Trusted Traveler Program members. The agency is launching a remote interview pilot that allows eligible TTP members to complete their enrollment renewal interviews with a CBP officer through video teleconferencing.

"Remote interviews will benefit all TTP applicants by reducing the number of applicants waiting for an interview at a traditional enrollment center," A CBP spokesperson told us when we reached out for comment.

As people resume taking vacations and flying for business, much of the infrastructure that helps shore up the travel industry is having a bit of trouble getting back up to speed after more than a year of inactivity due to the pandemic. One of the things they are having trouble catching up on is the renewal process for those all-important travel documents.

For example, passport processing is so backed up because of the "unprecedented backlog" in appointments caused by COVID-19 that the U.S. government is allowing American citizens overseas to return home with expired passports. Plus, Global Entry was already struggling to keep up with demand before COVID-19 brought the global travel industry to a halt. Therefore, this new approach should come as quite a relief to those lucky enough to take part.

The CBP notes that the remote interview process will have high security and privacy standards to protect members. This is a pilot program, so participation will be limited for the time being. According to the CBP's official website, only renewing Global Entry members who are conditionally approved are eligible to take part in the pilot.

Related: Top credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

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Here are the criteria TTP members must meet to be eligible to participate:

  • Be conditionally approved for a TTP renewal;
  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Have a photo on file with CBP that was taken (1) within the past 10 years, and (2) after the applicant was 14 years of age;
  • Have previously submitted fingerprints to CBP.

Renewing NEXUS, FAST and SENTRI members will be phased into the pilot over the next several weeks. First-time TTP applicants are not yet eligible to participate.

Due to the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel at U.S. land borders, NEXUS and FAST-North interviews at U.S. and Canadian enrollment centers also remain suspended until further notice.

CBP will use Zoom as the teleconferencing platform, so you'll want to make sure your computer or smartphone has the app if you hope to participate in this pilot program. You can find more details on eligibility and document requirements on the CBP's website.

When asked if this program could become a permanent option in the future, the agency spokesperson would only say, "CBP will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the program, and its impact on the enrollment process."

It should be noted that TTP centers around the country are still booking in-person interviews. But keep in mind it could take a while to schedule an appointment.

Featured image by Shutterstock
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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