Let’s say your passport was stolen and you had to get a new one. OR you’re renewing your passport for the 8th time (hey, it’s possible, and if that’s you, you GO, girl).
ANY time you get a fresh new passport in the mail, there’s one thing you have to do to avoid a cluster**** at customs the next time you return to the U.S.
My husband has had Global Entry for several years, and he recently renewed his passport (which, as many of us have probably never noticed, changes the passport number). What he DIDN’T know – and what never occurs to most people to check about – is that your Global Entry profile is NOT automatically updated with this new passport number.
You have to go in and do it manually.
For my husband, an entertaining (for me) half hour ensued when the kiosk failed to work for him. He is, let’s say kindly, Type A+, which is great for some things but not so much when you’re dealing with government officials. He stomped around, huffing and puffing, then begged and cajoled the customs agents, then finally relented and got into the regular customs line – which, given that three international flights had now arrived, was now a delightful 1,000 people strong.
Meanwhile, I sailed through. Of course, I had to wait for him on the other end.
Good times.
DON’T MAKE THIS MISTAKE.
The Customs and Border Patrol website specifically states this about renewed passports:
Your Trusted Traveler Program membership date is not dependent on the passport expiration date. Membership will remain valid and active, even if the passport expires. However, you will NOT be able to use your membership at kiosks and land crossings until you update your new passport in the system.
If you are an approved Trusted Traveler (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) member, you may update certain documents through the TTP website. Once logged in to the TTP website, click on Update Documents on the right hand side of the Dashboard page. Please note, this option will not be available if you have a pending application. Follow the prompts to update your document.
Let our blunder be your blessing. When you get a new passport, DON’T FORGET TO CHANGE THE NUMBER ONLINE AT:
