Global Entry interview

Has anyone been to a GE interview in the London embassy? What exactly is involved, is it an actual "Interview" or do they just run through your application form? Any insight appreciated as not sure what to expect!!

I had mine done in LAS, it was over and done with in five minutes and very routine. I think the purpose of it is just to verify that you are who you say you are and put a face to a name, so to speak.

I was asked what I do, how often I visit the US, is it for business or pleasure, had my fingerprints taken... and that was it I think! It was nearly two years ago so I don't remember all the questions, but it was nothing invasive, intimidating or difficult to answer.

There was a post on flyer talk the other day about access to the US embassy which I think you may find useful (as usual it's buried in a thread totally not related to GE but Newark Airport!)

see post 7

Seems the big tip is NOT to join the general visa queue.

And limit what you take with you - no laptops for example.

As slimpyjones says it’s not really an interview - just a few questions similar to those you might expect to be asked at US immigration. I think I was asked whether I’d ever been to the Middle East as well as how many times a year I typically go to the US, why, whether I had family living there etc.

Nothing to be worried about.

My interview was at the old embassy in Grosvenor Square so I can’t comment on the process at the new one in Nine Elms but the FT thread tonty linked to suggests it’s pretty easy. Just don’t take a large bag or laptop.

Thanks for the info. We are currently in Florida flying home in a couple of weeks from RSW to MAN via ATL. I see that this can be arranged at ALT but is this only on arrival or can we do it during our layover time ready for our next trip ?

Thanks for the info. We are currently in Florida flying home in a couple of weeks from RSW to MAN via ATL. I see that this can be arranged at ALT but is this only on arrival or can we do it during our layover time ready for our next trip ?

You can schedule one anytime you are there. Some airports do walk-in interviews - they may not advertise but other people have reported that that have just asked and been done immediately.

Thanks again we might investigate on way home as we should have about a 4 hour layover.

I've just applied for the UK clearance part of Global Entry, fingers crossed I get clearance in time to get an appointment in London before they're all gone (I am pretty flexible as to when I can attend the embassy).

Are you allowed to take a mobile phone into the embassy nowadays? I remember reading an article some time ago about the restrictions at Grosvenor Square - Visa applicants were, at the time, allowed nothing electronic - not even a car key-fob with remote unlocking. There was, apparently, an enterprising shopkeeper nearby who provided a left-luggage service & also had a photo-booth that took photos in the size required for US passports / Visas - bet they are mourning the closure of Grosvenor Square!

Are you allowed to take a mobile phone into the embassy nowadays?

Yes, the rules have been relaxed.

According to the embassy website (https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/niv-london/)

You can bring your mobile phone, e-reader, or tablet device. Key fobs and cycle/motorcycle helmets are also permitted.

Large bags/suitcases (above cabin baggage size) and laptops cannot be admitted to the Embassy. Other items that cannot be brought into the building include perfume and cologne (above 30ml), weapons and glass bottles.

Prohibited items cannot be stored at the Embassy so leave them at home or store them securely before you arrive. Left luggage facilities are available for a fee at several airports, coach stations, and mainline train stations, including Waterloo and Victoria.

As others have already said its a fairly straight forward interview with nothing to really worry about. If you've visited certain countries in the middle east regularly then i think it may become a bit more involved perhaps?
On a side note, myself and my significant other had ours at the same time at Grosvenor Square - i could hear her and the interviewer laughing and having a really nice chat. Mine, was...well, lets just say after a few attempts at humour and chat i just decided to play safe and answer the questions - think stereotypical immigration officer candidate.....

On another note was I was carrying an iPad on the day - no issue with that, however the bluetooth keyboard I had with it was a no no - that couldn't go in. Go figure.

Has anyone been to a GE interview in the London embassy? What exactly is involved, is it an actual "Interview" or do they just run through your application form? Any insight appreciated as not sure what to expect!!

Yes - it was a blast. Far friendlier than the interview on arrival.
Global Entry is the single best thing in US travel.

The vast majority of the time for the London appointment is taken up by going through embassy security and waiting for your turn if things are running behind. The actual interview can take a matter of minutes. They will check to see you are who you say you are, ask some questions about what you do and travel history. The usual sort of stuff, and then that's it - all done probably.

The fact of the matter is, if the UK and DHS background checks pick up nothing, you will sail the interview unless you do something very antagonistic.

Thanks everyone, process was as easy as everyone said!

Anyone know if BA will be adding TSA Pre-Check anytime soon?

Thanks everyone, process was as easy as everyone said.

How do I add my global entry / "trusted traveler number" to my VA bookings so that I can use TSA Pre-ChecK? Couldn't see it anywhere on MMB. Or do I add that during OLCI?

You can add it to your FC profile - there is a section for 'advanced passenger information' - click the edit button and there is a box for you to add it in.

Have applied for Global Entry - got the UK security check number back in 2 working days. Just done the US bit & paid my $100. Roughly how long before I should start checking the website to see if I can schedule an interview? (Despite taking email addresses / phone numbers, they state they will only post application updates on the website).

Thanks for any info - I know the people on here with Global Entry say it's the best $100 they have spent in a long time.

[mitchja]

I seem to remember my initial pre-approval bit taking about 7 - 10 days. I think I got an email notification once the pre-approval was granted, though that was on the old GOES system which is now the TTP system, though I would guess it works the same way.

Well worth the $100 fee every 5 years. Getting TSA-Pre makes it even better, especially now VS are enrolled in it.

One you get full approval after your interview remember to add your Known Traveller Number to your Flying Club profile as Tonty mentioned above and also with any other airlines that offer TSA-Pre; that way it will pre-fill the info automatically every time you are logged into Flying Club and make a new booking. Sites like Expedia also have a field for entering your KTN in those online profiles as well.

I made the mistake of joining a massive queue that was lining up through Grosvenor Square which was apparently the Visa queue. Luckily an embassy official came down the line and told me the right place to go to - don't join the long visa queue, it's a much shorter queue outside a small building which is the security check. This was some months ago and I had heard nothing but not travelled to the USA since because of family illness. I wasn't even sure it had been approved. So I have just tried to log into the GOES website and it is all changed now, you have to create a new login at login.gov and then go to the TTP website. It didn't take long to figure out luckily. And I have been approved, so I guess I just print that page and take it with me when I fly, as it has an approval number on it. Looking forward to seeing if it all works!

[mitchja]

.....so I guess I just print that page and take it with me when I fly, as it has an approval number on it. Looking forward to seeing if it all works!

That won’t be enough unfortunately, you will also need to input your Known Traveller Number (which is your Global Entry membership number) during online check-in process for your departing flight and/or in your online frequent flyer online profile for any airline you fly with.

Your known traveller number also forms part of the secure flight (or advance passenger information) system airlines use, so this must be passed to the airline before your flight departs.

Once your known traveller number is in on your Flying Club profile, it's all automatic. You get a TSA PRE logo on your boarding pass and that's it. Sadly no TSA in the UK as yet.

I also singed up for CLEAR as I do a fair amount of domestic travel and that really is next level. A scan of your two fingers and boarding pass and you are clear to fly. No interaction with TSA (as most of us can confirm, this can be the most unsavoury part of flying) and thru to TSA scanning. Well worth it, plus it's being rolled out across the country, certainly in the major hubs.

.... you will also need to input your Known Traveller Number (which is your Global Entry membership number) during online check-in process for your departing flight and/or in your online frequent flyer online profile for any airline you fly with.

Your known traveller number also forms part of the secure flight (or advance passenger information) system airlines use, so this must be passed to the airline before your flight departs.

Hi James, I've recently been approved for Global Entry & I'm flying with BA next week USA, however I can't see anywhere on my BA profile, or in the API of my booking, to add my Known Traveller Number? Am I missing something, as you mention it should be inputted for any airline?

[mitchja]

I think that's because BA don't use the 'Secure Flight' system but rather API instead. Secure Flight is required for TSA-Pre.

As far as I'm aware with BA and other airlines that don't use 'Secure' Flight' you just head to the Global Entry machines on arrival.

Hopefully this is still on topic enough, apologies if not...

If I have a flight that starts with a DL connection to a VS flight and I have TSA precheck as part of Global Entry, anyone know if I can use my TSA precheck when clearing security for the DL flight as well as the VS flight? The ticket will be issued by VS, but when I checkin online on the return that will be on the DL site so want to check what experience I should expect.

[mitchja]

If I have a flight that starts with a DL connection to a VS flight and I have TSA precheck as part of Global Entry, anyone know if I can use my TSA precheck when clearing security for the DL flight as well as the VS flight? The ticket will be issued by VS, but when I checkin online on the return that will be on the DL site so want to check what experience I should expect.

Yes you will get TSA-Pre for the Delta flight leg as well as the VS flight leg. It makes no difference who issues the ticket, just as long as the operating airline is enrolled in TSA-Pre (which both DL and VS are) and your Known Traveller Number is in the airline's system.

Yes you will get TSA-Pre for the Delta flight leg as well as the VS flight leg. It makes no difference who issues the ticket, just as long as the operating airline is enrolled in TSA-Pre (which both DL and VS are) and your Known Traveller Number is in the airline's system.

And I will only have to input my Known Traveller Number into VS' site and it will auto-populate the corresponding DL booking?

[mitchja]

Just VS as when you have a mix of VS & DL flights, even though they are separate PNR's, they are linked. If your KTN is already on the VS booking and If you view the booking on the DL website, it should already say something along the lines of 'Secure flight information on file.'