Every international traveler knows that the best travel perk to save you time and money is TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The expedited customs clearance program began in 2008, costs $100 ($120 beginning October 01, 2024) for five years and is for pre-approved low-risk air travelers entering the United States. This allows travelers to skip long security lines when they first arrive at the airport or have to pass through customs when returning from an international trip.
It’s available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and eligible citizens from the following countries: Argentina, Australia (just approved this week), Brazil, Colombia, India, Germany, Panama, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Select credit cards will pay your application fee (usually in a statement credit reimbursement). Here’s a list of them.
Global Entry enrollment centers are currently available at 78 U.S. airports and 15 pre-clearance locations in 6 countries: Dublin and Shannon in Ireland; Aruba; Freeport and Nassau in The Bahamas; Bermuda; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg in Canada.
The biggest beef travelers have with Global Entry is trying to get an appointment once they’re conditionally approved. Trying to find an appointment is not easy unless you get creative like visiting an enrollment center that’s not near a major city so it’s less busy.
One of my readers sent in this tip last week: “My husband and I decided to get the Global Entry to go with our passports. We looked at places hosting interviews and chose Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We scheduled our interviews within a week of deciding to do this! We interviewed on a Monday and had our global passes on Saturday the same week. My takeaway: We had a great mini vacation in an interesting city and accomplished our global pass interviews quickly. There are immigration centers in other parts of the USA which also are not swamped with people seeking assistance with passport items. Consider taking a domestic vacation to expedite your next international vacation!” Joanmarie W. ~ Frankenmuth, MI
Another method is to keep checking the government’s website for someone to cancel their appointment or better yet, use a service that notifies you when an appointment opens up at your chosen location. Here’s how.
Additionally, there’s now a new secret (for the time being) location as the US Customs and Border Protection announced that starting today (August 7), conditionally approved Global Entry applicants will be able to walk in for their interview without needing an appointment in St. Thomas at the WICO Pier.
According to the press release: “This new enrollment location will be the first of its kind in St. Thomas, specifically dedicated to serving the cruise community but also open to the public in St. Thomas for walk-in interviews.”
The Global Entry location at the WICO dock will operate from 9am to 3pm, coinciding with the arrival of the Enchanted Princess and Norwegian Breakaway. The enrollment location will also operate 9am to 3pm Aug. 14, 21 and 29. Additional dates will be released monthly to coincide with the arrival of vessels at port via social media @CBPCaribbean and @DFOSanJuan.
My family and I sailed on Enchanted Princess (here’s my review) in January and one of our stops was St. Thomas so it would have been great if it had been open then so my wife could have renewed hers.
For more information on Global Entry, check out this page or for specific information about Enrollment on Embarkation in St. Thomas, call 340-774-2510.
KEEP READING
–How to make sure the TSA Precheck checkmark is on your boarding pass
–Did you know your electronic devices should always be charged when going through security?
–10 airport security hacks every traveler needs to know
–Mom shares hilarious reason she’s not getting TSA Precheck anytime soon
–How to get a full bottle of water through airport security
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