V-Flyer

My GE expires in Spet 26 started renewal 12 moths out as I am in the USA at the moment just in case they wanted a ne interview.

UK application submitted on 8th Sept at 12.49
UK application completed and access code Sept 8th at 18.11

USA Application submitted 8th Sept at 18.43
USA Application approved (no new interview) 11th Sept 01.25

Cant believe how quick this has been

Hi.
So my KT number for GE disappeared off VS profile.
So had to log back in to GE TTP account to find it to re-add.

I first got GE in May 2024 and it’s valid for 5 years, and expiration date was May 2029.
It now expires on Jan 24 2030 (Jan 24 is my birthday). So it’s been automatically extended until then. Weird, but great for me as I take an annual birthday trip in Jan every year.

OliverD241 wrote:I first got GE in May 2024 and it’s valid for 5 years, and expiration date was May 2029.
It now expires on Jan 24 2030 (Jan 24 is my birthday). So it’s been automatically extended until then. Weird, but great for me as I take an annual birthday trip in Jan every year.

The 5yrs + until your next birthday is normal. I got my original GE approval in April 2018. Birthday is late December (a week today) so my original GE was valid until 27/12/2023 - so I effectively got 5yrs 8mths.

I also went through the renewal process (like many have) with no new interview needed, going from UK access code to CBP approval in little over 48hrs. At the end of the day they can see that you have behaved in the UK as you got the access code. They can see your US entry / exit history & check you against relevant databases for anything serious. As long as you have behaved whilst in the USA it's in their interests to grant renewal without an interview.

That happens a lot! Just checked mine and mine has gone again from the VS website.

You also need to make sure all bookings also have your KTN saved as well as one of my bookings didn't.

mitchja wrote:That happens a lot! Just checked mine and mine has gone again from the VS website.

You also need to make sure all bookings also have your KTN saved as well as one of my bookings didn't.

Thanks for the tip! Will check all bookings now, just made another booking for September this morning and noticed it disappeared!

Check your DL bookings as well if you have connecting flights. Also pay attention to boarding passes at check-in as I find DL often loose your KTN if you are on a VS ticketed booking.

I got stung by that once flying TPA>ATL>LHR as I had a very awkward TSA person at TPA who refused me TSA-Pre entry as whilst my VS ATL>LHR boarding pass had TSA-Pre printed on it, the DL TPA>ATL boarding pass didn’t

I have Clear+ now which is leaps and bounds ahead and much much better than TSA-Pre and so worth the annual cost (~US$200).

Kraken wrote:

OliverD241 wrote:I first got GE in May 2024 and it’s valid for 5 years, and expiration date was May 2029.
It now expires on Jan 24 2030 (Jan 24 is my birthday). So it’s been automatically extended until then. Weird, but great for me as I take an annual birthday trip in Jan every year.

The 5yrs + until your next birthday is normal. I got my original GE approval in April 2018. Birthday is late December (a week today) so my original GE was valid until 27/12/2023 - so I effectively got 5yrs 8mths.

I also went through the renewal process (like many have) with no new interview needed, going from UK access code to CBP approval in little over 48hrs. At the end of the day they can see that you have behaved in the UK as you got the access code. They can see your US entry / exit history & check you against relevant databases for anything serious. As long as you have behaved whilst in the USA it's in their interests to grant renewal without an interview.

Ahh that’s good to know, thank you. I did take a look at my photos and I did take a screenshot when I got approved and it was originally 5 years to the date. So it’s great that it’s now even valid for longer.

Great to know about renewal process too. Albeit could possibly change, if you have seen the new proposed ESTA requirements that may come into force. Keep checking periodically online to make sure it’s all approved, as I’ve seen « stories » online of valid ESTA suddenly become invalid.