Trusted Traveler Website – A Step-By-Step Guide To The New Global Entry Portal

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If you’ve applied for or been a member of any of the “Trusted Traveler” programs that the United States offers then you’ll have come across the GOES website somewhere along the way. The GOES website was where you filled in your application, moved through the processing stages and where, once approved, you could edit your information.

As of 1 October 2017 the GOES website no longer exists.

I didn’t actually know that the GOES website had been taken offline until I went to update my passport details at which point I was redirected to the new Trusted Traveler website.

a screenshot of a website

You’ll know you’re in the right place because, at the bottom of the homepage, you’ll find the 4 Trusted Traveler programs listed out.

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If you’re applying for or are a member of any of these programs this is your new portal.

Your GOES login details will not work on this new portal so you’ll need to set up a new account before you can access anything to do with your program(s).

As I’ve just had to do this to access my Global Entry account I’ve set out a step-by-step guide to setting up a new Trusted Traveler website account below – hopefully this helps out and gives you an idea of what to expect.

Setting Up A Trusted Traveler Website Account

What you’ll need:

  • A working email address
  • A working phone (cell or landline)
  • Your Trusted Traveler membership number (from the back of your Trusted Traveler card) or your GOES ID

On the Trusted Traveler website homepage you’ll be given the option to….

a) “Get Started” (for those who have never had a Trusted Traveler membership or who have never applied for a Trusted Traveler program)

b) Access an ongoing application

c) Access and existing account

a screenshot of a website

For the purposes of this walk-through I’ll be accessing my existing Global Entry account but, as everyone has to create a new account irrespective of their status, the process should be the same for everyone.

Step 1 – Select What You’d Like To Do

Click on the appropriate blue box on the homepage – in my case that was the “I’m already a program member” box. You’re taken to the bottom of the webpage where you’ll see your options.

a screenshot of a computerBut, before you can do any of those options you’ll have to have a new Trusted Traveler website account so, when you click on “manage my membership” you’ll first see a security consent box….

a screenshot of a security notification

….and, when you agree to the T&Cs, you kick off the enrolment process.

Step 2 – Get Started

Once you’ve agreed to the website T&Cs you’ll see the “Get Started” page.

a screenshot of a computer screen

Here you’ll see confirmation that your GOES login information is no longer valid to access your account…

a white background with black text

….and, irrespective of why you’re here, you have just one option – click the “continue” button.

Step 3 – Choose To Sign In Or Create An Account

The next page you see gives you to the option to sign in (if you already have a new Trusted Traveler website account) or to create a new account (which is what I was doing).

a screenshot of a sign in

Clicking on “create an account” gets things started.

You’ll need to enter your email address….

a screenshot of a login form

….and, once you’ve submitted that, the website tells lets you know that you have been sent a confirmation email message.

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Step 4 – Verify Your Email Address

The email you receive will look like this….

a screenshot of a email

….and clicking on the blue box or the link underneath it will verify your email address and return you to the Trusted Traveler website.

Step 5 – Create A Password

At this point you’re asked to create a password.

Considering this website has some of your most important personal information I suggest using a particularly strong password – so make sure you use a combination of letters, numbers, symbols and thrown in a few Caps too.

a screenshot of a computer screen

Step 6 – Add A Phone Number

To add a second layer of security the Trusted Traveler website asks you to input a phone number.

For those residing in the US a landline or mobile number will do but, for those living overseas, you’ll need to enter a mobile number for a reason I’ll explain in a moment.

a screenshot of a phone number

The website will now send a security code to the phone number you’ve entered and, if you reside abroad, a phone call is not an option so you’ll will have to receive a text message to your mobile phone.

Step 7 – Enter Your Security Code

If you opt for a text message (as I did) it’s sent almost immediately and you’ll see the following screen:

a screenshot of a security code

Enter the security code you’ve received into the box and click on “submit”

Step 8 – Receive Your Personal Key

With your phone now verified the Trusted Traveler website will issue you with a security key.

a screenshot of a login page

This security key will be needed to access the Trusted Traveler website should you forget your login details or lose your phone…so it’s important!

The recommendation here is for you to write this key down somewhere or to print this page out but, whichever way you choose to store this key, make sure you have it noted down before you click “continue”.

Step 9 – Confirm Your Security Key

Once you’ve clicked on “continue” the website checks that you have actually noted down your key as instructed because you cannot proceed without it.

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Step 10 – Your Login Is Set Up – Time To Add Your Details

Once you’ve entered your security key as requested you’ll see a screen confirming that your account is all set up and you’re ready to move on.

a screenshot of a login page

Clicking on the “continue” button opens up an “account profile” page where your email address is pre-populated but all other boxes are empty:

a screenshot of a computer

Fill in all your personal details where appropriate and, at the bottom of the form, make sure you answer the questions about previous applications.

I was attempting to access my Global Entry information so I answered “yes” to the “have you ever applied for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI” question.

a screenshot of a computer

Step 11 – Add Your Trusted Traveler Membership Number Or GOES ID

The very last thing you’ll now need to do is to input your Membership number/PASSID number in the required field on the new webpage that opens up.

a screenshot of a computer

You’ll find the number on the back of your Trusted Traveler card but, if for some reason you don’t have one or can’t find it, there is an option to enter your GOES ID from the old website.

Step 12 – You’re In!

Once you’ve added the details required in Step 10 you’ll see your account dashboard on the screen in front of you.

a screenshot of a computer

In my case I could see my Global Entry approval and details towards the bottom of the screen and to the right of the screen is where you’ll find the options to check or amend your account or document details.

Check Your Account Details!

There have been numerous reports of travelers’ passport numbers or passport expiry dates not being correct and, as these are almost certainly details that the Global Entry computers check when you’re flying into the US, it’s a very good idea to make sure these are correct.

In my case both my passport issue date and passport expiry date were out by a single day – I have no idea how this happened but, presumably, there were issues during the migration process from the old GOES website.

Bottom Line

That’s it. You should now have a fully functioning Trusted Traveler website account and be able to access your various memberships and edit your details as needed.