Briefs
Passport & Global Entry Renewal
Prepared: March 13, 2026
Deadline: June 23, 2026 (Canada trip — passports must be in hand)
Timeline available: ~14.5 weeks
Executive Summary
Luka and Maja’s US passports expire May 2026 and must be renewed before the June 23 Canada trip. All four family members’ Global Entry memberships expired 1-2 years ago and need new applications (grace period missed).
Recommendation: Apply for passports by March 28 using expedited processing + express return shipping. This gives 4-7 weeks processing time plus weeks of buffer — critical during peak season. Total passport cost: $434.10 for both children. Start Global Entry applications immediately for all four family members.
1. Passport Renewal for Minors (Luka & Maja)
Requirements
Children under 16 cannot renew by mail. Must apply in person using Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport).
Documents needed per child:
- Completed Form DS-11 (use the online form filler at travel.state.gov to avoid errors)
- Current/expired passport (will be returned by mail after processing)
- One passport photo (2"×2", strict 2026 compliance — see Tips section)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate — original or certified copy)
- Proof of parental relationship (birth certificate listing both parents)
Parental presence:
- Both parents must appear in person with the child at the acceptance facility
- Each parent must bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- If one parent cannot attend: the absent parent must provide a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) plus a photocopy of their ID
Processing Tiers & Timelines
| Tier | Processing | Mail Overhead | Total End-to-End | Extra Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Routine | 4-6 weeks | ~2 wks each way | 6-10 weeks | — |
| Expedited | 2-3 weeks | ~2 wks each way | 4-7 weeks | +$60 |
| Expedited + Express Return | 2-3 weeks | ~2 wks out, 1-3 days back | 4-5 weeks | +$60 + $22.05 |
| Agency (urgent travel) | Same-day to 72 hrs | N/A (in person) | 1-3 days | +$60 (travel within 14 days required) |
Note: “Mail overhead” includes time for the application to reach the processing center (outbound) and the passport to return (inbound). Paying for Priority Mail Express at the acceptance facility speeds outbound delivery.
Fees Per Child (Under 16)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 |
| Acceptance/execution fee | $35 |
| Base total | $135 |
| Expedited processing (recommended) | +$60 |
| Express return shipping (recommended) | +$22.05 |
| Recommended total per child | $217.05 |
| Both children | $434.10 |
Where to Apply (Newton/Boston Area)
Newton Center Post Office (closest)
- 716 Beacon Street, Newton Center, MA
- Appointment only: www.usps.com/scheduler
- Phone: 617-244-2351
- Passport photos available on-site
- ADA compliant
Other nearby facilities:
- Newtonville Post Office — appointment only via usps.com/scheduler
- Chestnut Hill Post Office — appointment only via usps.com/scheduler
Boston Passport Agency (emergency option — last resort)
- 10 Causeway Street, Suite 247, Boston, MA 02222 (Tip O’Neill Federal Building)
- Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Mon-Fri
- Eligibility: Must have international travel within 14 calendar days (or 28 days for foreign visa)
- Must show printed proof of travel (flight itinerary, hotel booking)
- Appointment required — no walk-ins
- Schedule: Call 1-877-487-2778 or visit passportappointment.travel.state.gov
- Appointments are extremely limited during peak season — book within hours of opening
- Same $60 expedite fee applies on top of base fees
2026 Delays & Photo Rule Changes
- Peak season backlogs: Late winter through summer is the worst period for processing delays. Total timeline can extend to 3 months even for straightforward cases. Processing is fastest Oct-Dec.
- Stricter photo enforcement (since January 2026): New photo compliance rules are being strictly enforced with no grace period. Non-compliant photos can add weeks or months to processing. See the Tips section for compliance guidance.
2. Global Entry Reapplication
Why New Applications (Not Renewals)
All four memberships expired 1-2 years ago, which means the 24-month grace period has passed. You must file entirely new applications — not simple renewals. The process and fees are the same as a first-time application.
Fees
| Family Member | Fee |
|---|---|
| Sukru (adult) | $100 |
| Marina (adult) | $100 |
| Luka (minor under 18, parent is member) | $0 |
| Maja (minor under 18, parent is member) | $0 |
| Total | $200 |
Minors under 18 are fee-exempt when a parent/guardian is an active member or is applying concurrently.
Application Process
- Go to https://ttp.dhs.gov and create/log into accounts for all four family members
- Complete a new application for each person (not renewal)
- Pay fees by credit/debit card ($100 each for adults, $0 for minors)
- Wait for conditional approval (timeline varies — can be days to weeks)
- Schedule in-person interview at an enrollment center
- Attend interview with required documents
- Final approval arrives 2-3 weeks after interview
Parental consent is required for minors under 18.
Known Traveler Number (KTN): Your existing KTN stays the same. Update it in airline frequent flyer profiles once reapproved. TSA PreCheck still works with existing KTN even while GE is expired.
CBP assistance: 1-877-227-5511
Boston Logan Enrollment Center
- Address: 1 Harborside Drive, Terminal E, Boston, MA 02128
- Location: Arrivals area, first floor, right of Dunkin’ Donuts
- Phone: (617) 568-1810
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Mon-Fri
- Appointments only — no walk-ins
- Current wait for appointments: ~27 days (as of March 2026), but often books out 3+ months
Documents needed for interview:
- Valid passport (or permanent resident card)
- One additional ID (e.g., driver’s license)
- TTP conditional approval letter
Enrollment on Arrival
Boston Logan participates in Enrollment on Arrival. If the family takes any international flight into Logan after receiving conditional approval:
- Tell the passport control officer you’re conditionally approved and want “Enrollment on Arrival”
- Complete the interview right there — no separate appointment needed
- This is the fastest path if you have any international travel coming up
DHS Funding Lapse (March 2026)
A DHS funding lapse beginning February 14, 2026 has suspended Global Entry arrival processing at all airports. However:
- TSA PreCheck lanes remain operational
- Your KTN still works on boarding passes
- Monitor news for when GE processing resumes
3. Canada Travel Requirements
Passport Rules for US Citizens
- Valid US passport required for air travel to Canada — no exceptions
- Canada does NOT enforce the 6-month validity rule for US citizens — your passport is valid up to its printed expiration date
- No Canadian visa or eTA needed for US citizens
- Stays under 180 days do not require a tourist visa
Requirements for Minors
- All children traveling by air must have their own valid US passport
- If traveling without both parents present: Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) requires a signed letter of authorization from both parents/guardians
- Letter should include: parents’ names, address, phone numbers; child’s name and date of birth; name, address, and phone of the adult(s) accompanying the child in Canada
- Recommendation: Have the consent letter notarized to avoid delays at the border
- If both Sukru and Marina are traveling with the kids, no consent letter is needed
4. Tips & Tricks
Passport Photo Compliance (Critical in 2026)
New strict enforcement since January 2026 — non-compliant photos are the #1 cause of processing delays:
- White or off-white background only
- No glasses (even clear ones)
- Neutral facial expression, both eyes open
- Face centered, head fills 50-69% of frame height
- No shadows on face or background
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Tip: Many acceptance facilities (including Newton Center PO) take photos on-site — this guarantees compliance
Appointment Hacks
- USPS scheduler (usps.com/scheduler) opens appointments on a rolling basis — check early morning for new slots
- Newton Center PO is the closest facility — call 617-244-2351 to confirm availability
- Watch for passport fairs — the State Department holds special passport acceptance events with new locations added weekly (check travel.state.gov)
Private Expediting Services (Backup Plan)
Legitimate companies registered with the State Department that hand-carry applications:
- RushMyPassport (rushmypassport.com) — starts at $119 + govt fees, can process in days
- Urgent Passport Services (urgentpassport.com) — 3 business days + FedEx overnight
- CIBTvisas — as fast as 1-3 days
- Passport Visas Express — a week or less
- Cost range: $119-$500+ on top of government fees
Warning: Do NOT pay any company claiming to book passport agency appointments — these are likely fraudulent.
Global Entry Interview Hacks
- Cancellation trackers: Use services like globalentryalerts.com, ttpappointments.com, or appointmentscanner.com to get notified when earlier interview slots open at Boston Logan
- Enrollment on Arrival is the best option if you have any international trip before June 23
5. Reverse Timeline Checklist
Counting back from June 23, 2026 (passports must be in hand).
| Date | Deadline | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13 (today) | Immediately | Submit Global Entry applications for all 4 family members at ttp.dhs.gov |
| Mar 13-15 | This week | Gather documents: both kids’ birth certificates, expired passports, parent IDs |
| Mar 13-15 | This week | Book USPS appointment at Newton Center PO (usps.com/scheduler or call 617-244-2351) |
| Mar 15-20 | This week | Get compliant passport photos for both children (at the PO or a photo shop) |
| By Mar 28 | Passport application deadline | Apply in person at acceptance facility with both parents, both children, all documents. Select expedited processing + express return shipping. Pay with Priority Mail Express for outbound. |
| Apr-May | Ongoing | Schedule Global Entry interviews at Boston Logan when conditionally approved. Use cancellation trackers for earlier slots. |
| By May 8 | 6.5 weeks before trip | If passports haven’t arrived yet: check status at travel.state.gov/passportstatus. Call 1-877-487-2778 for status updates. |
| By May 22 | 4.5 weeks before trip | If passports still not in hand: contact a private expediting service (RushMyPassport, CIBTvisas) |
| By Jun 9 | 14 days before trip | Last resort: If passports not in hand, book appointment at Boston Passport Agency (10 Causeway St). Call 1-877-487-2778. Bring proof of travel. Same-day to 72-hour processing. |
| Jun 23 | Travel day | Depart for Canada with valid passports |
Global Entry Timeline (Independent Track)
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| Mar 13 | Submit applications at ttp.dhs.gov |
| 1-4 weeks later | Receive conditional approval |
| Upon approval | Schedule interview at Boston Logan (expect ~27-day wait; use cancellation trackers) |
| Interview day | Attend with passport + driver’s license + approval letter |
| 2-3 weeks after interview | Final approval; update KTN in airline profiles |
| Alternative | Complete via Enrollment on Arrival at any international arrival into Logan |
Note: Global Entry is not required for the Canada trip. It’s a separate track that can extend beyond June 23 if needed. Focus passport applications first.
6. Cost Summary
Passport Costs (Luka + Maja)
| Item | Per Child | × 2 Children | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 | × 2 | $200 |
| Acceptance/execution fee | $35 | × 2 | $70 |
| Expedited processing | $60 | × 2 | $120 |
| Express return shipping | $22.05 | × 2 | $44.10 |
| Subtotal | $217.05 | $434.10 |
Global Entry Costs (All 4 Family Members)
| Item | Per Person | Count | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult application (Sukru) | $100 | 1 | $100 |
| Adult application (Marina) | $100 | 1 | $100 |
| Minor application (Luka) | $0 | 1 | $0 |
| Minor application (Maja) | $0 | 1 | $0 |
| Subtotal | $200 |
Grand Total
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Passports (expedited + express) | $434.10 |
| Global Entry | $200.00 |
| Total (recommended plan) | $634.10 |
Optional add-ons if timeline slips:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Private expediting service | $119-$500+ per passport (on top of govt fees) |
| Priority Mail Express (outbound application) | ~$30 per envelope |
Sources: travel.state.gov, U.S. Department of State, CBP/DHS Trusted Traveler Programs (ttp.dhs.gov), USPS, Canada Border Services Agency. All fees and processing times current as of March 2026.