Why is NOW the perfect time to apply for global entry?
I know, I know, we all aren’t traveling right now. Some of us are still on lockdown, while others are slowly beginning to find a “new normal” as they venture out without restrictions. International vacations are still a ways off, but there are some exciting ways to get your travel fix over this summer season:
National Parks are reopen
Beaches are now open for lounging ( 6ft apart )
Pools and theme parks are beginning to slowly open
Outdoor family gatherings can occur after you’ve appropriately quarantined (less than 10 ppl)
Restaurants are taking over the streets to create more outdoor seating
Campsites are open and road trips can still be taken (mindfully)
More of these summer activities are ranked by their risk HERE. And while it’s exciting to see some normalcy return, international travel is still a ways out. In most countries, they are either only accepting tourists from a few bordering countries, or they require you to quarantine for 14 days in your hotel. I don’t know many who can afford the PTO to go somewhere a month and only explore for half of that time. So I’m sure many of you are wondering about the title of this blog…
Why am I saying that it’s a good time to apply for global entry if we can’t event travel outside the United States?? Couple reasons actually.
First, from my own experience, it takes MONTHS to get your application approved just to then get an interview. I applied for my global entry on September 9th, 2019. I wasn’t approved for an interview until May 14th, 2020. That’s EIGHT MONTHS. You know how many international trips I went on from the time I applied to now? Three. Oh, not to mention they took our $100 fee for the application back in September and I went to their office four times during to check on the status. Seemed very ironic that my stimulus check & my global entry approved within 24hrs of each other… but I digress.
Now that I am approved, I can make an apt for my interview. COVID-19 has really messed that up too because many offices are closed along the East Coast, but you can schedule your interview up to a year after approval.
Long story short- it takes a long time.
Wouldn’t it be great if your next trip abroad, you get to TSA with all the other eager travelers and breeze through TSA Pre-check, not even having to take off your shoes? Or when you come back home, you wiz past the immigration lines making a smooth journey? By starting the application process now, you will be set for your next big trip when the dust settles. And if cost is an issue, know that there are actually travel credit cards that will cover your $100 fee when you sign up. Bonus, you get access to the airline lounge too! Get more info HERE.
What activities will you be doing this summer? When do you think you'll travel abroad again?Sincerely,
Sarah
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