Travelers awaiting an interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to complete their enrollment for the Global Entry program will have a chance to schedule a slot at a special five-day event at Tampa International Airport this month.

This is the first CBP mass-enrollment event at TPA this year and will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Monday, August 24, through Friday, August 28, in TPA’s Main Terminal Event Space on Level 3 between the shuttles for Airsides E and F.

Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved may schedule the interview portion of the process to complete their enrollment in the program. Applicants may select “Tampa International Event Space” as their interview location.

This event is also open to those who have “pending” Global Entry status or walk-ups who need help with their application. CBP officers will assist when they have availability to do so.

Global Entry is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler programs, which provide modified screening and expedited clearance for approved members.

Those travelers may skip Customs lines when returning to the U.S. from abroad, using automated kiosks at eligible airports to complete their arrival procedure. Approved Global Entry travelers also are enrolled in the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program. Enrollment in Global Entry must be renewed after five years.

To apply for Global Entry, travelers should go to CBP's website: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

Applicants must first undergo a rigorous background check, then must complete an in-person interview. Scheduling these interviews can often take weeks or even months, as the number of enrollment center locations offering interview times is limited.

After the application is complete and travelers have paid the fee, they will receive an email telling them they are conditionally approved and be directed to make an appointment with a Global Entry office. Those who have already scheduled a future interview date may reschedule the interview to the five-day event if they prefer to speed up the process.

CBP officers will be in place to conduct interviews during the enrollment event, with the officers working to accommodate multiple interviews every 10 minutes. That means approximately 1,200 potential interview slots are available during the five-day TPA event.

Conditionally approved Global Entry applicants who miss this opportunity may still take advantage of CBP’s Enrollment on Arrival interview process. Applicants may complete their required interviews upon their return from international travel at participating airports.

For more information about this event, please contact CBP by using this email: TampaTTPinformation@cbp.dhs.gov. 

[Photo: U.S. Customs and Border Protection]

Phoebe's 4th “Bird-thday” bash: Travelers flying in or out on the big day can catch Phoebe's birthday celebration in person from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. Featuring a flamingo stilt walker, a steel drum player, and a custom birthday cake, this day-of celebration is a little something extra for passengers already making their way through the TPA that day.

A few other happenings are also planned on August 25:

• The Shoppes at Bayshore: From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., this location will feature local-artist face painting and flamingo-shaped balloon art.
• Dylan's Candy Bar: Travelers can enjoy a complimentary pink flamingo gummy sample and limited-edition sticker, while supplies last.
• Mindworks: Passengers who purchase an Asobu Bestie Bottle can enjoy free custom name etching, while supplies last.
• P.F. Chang's: Hungry for something pink? P.F. Chang's will offer complimentary pink macarons and mini pink cupcakes, while supplies last. And, they'll also offer custom face painting!

The celebration doesn't stop there. Phoebe's birthday month kicked off August 1 and runs all the way through August 31, with special happenings taking place throughout TPA. From custom punch at several restaurants to flamingo straws at Qdoba to cake pops at TPA's Café con Leche and Buddy Brew locations, be sure to be on the lookout for special pink items if you stop by participating Airport shops and restaurants during this month.

Since her arrival, Phoebe has become one of the most recognizable and photographed spots at TPA. She's also more recently known for her antics on TPA's social media accounts. This year, her birthday celebration is a chance for the Tampa Bay community — travelers, employees, and locals alike — to celebrate right along with her.