I don't think it is an unreasonable hypothesis that GE renewal could be cheaper than the first time application. There are a lot of things in this world that are cheaper to renew than to initiate. For example, the cost of a renewed passport is lower than the cost of a first-time passport.

In the case of GE, I would think that in the case of a renewal, they would not need to interview me again, and probably either not do a background check, or do a more cursory one, all of which would save the government money, which one would think they might pass on to me. And besides that, the more people who have GE, the less that CBP needs to spend on staffing immigration checkpoints at airports.

They are well marked with big signs and arrows!^

FYI, you cannot edit your passport data in GOES. After I got my passport renewed, I had to visit a Global Entry office for them to enter my new passport details. Only took a couple of minutes and I didn't need an appointment.

I've heard reports that they are 'working on' and 'negotiating' Global Entry access for UK Citizen Passport holders... Any one know if this is just a rumour, is really being negotiated and is in the pipeline, or has been postponed during current security clamp down?

I say that if we allow UK Passport holders we should be allowed to use their automated gates. Such as the ones they have put in place at London Stansted.

If they use the same approach as in the Netherlands, you will be able to sign up. (US Citizens through the Flux Alliance can now sign up for Privium). That's the whole purpose of Flux, to get mutual recognition.

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

I heard at one point that it was exclusive to Privium for awhile. A year or 2 if I remember right.

The UK automated system (IRIS) is not limited to UK passport holders. You are allowed to apply for IRIS if you meet one of the conditions shown in the attached link:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ma...iregisteriris/
The most likely one for US passport holders is the last bullet item
"are a short-term visitor to the United Kingdom and can show you have been given permission to enter the country as a visitor at least twice in the past six months, or four times in the past 12 months at the time of registration"
which is aimed a frequent flyers.
The application process is very straight-forward and you do it at the airport on your way out of the country (after you have cleared security). This thread has more info:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...ring-iris.html

You have heard right. I talked to a CBP agent yesterday. He said Germany was the next country to be added in April or May, then the UK.

FYI, I've done it. Added a new passport.

I am sorry I forgot about IRIS. When I posted I was just thinking about these gates at STN.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ukhomeof.../8/UB28Avk6VJQ

Interesting. I wasn't aware they were testing automated gates in the UK.

it is very much worth it and I would do it now while it is still 100 Bucks, a little mouse tells me that the price will be going up very shortly, so do it while its still 100 bucks

+1

If you travel internationally a number of times per year, $20.00 is a small amount for faster service...

If it is $100, you are better off getting NEXUS, saving 50% and getting land access to Canada too.