John,

As fall arrives, my office is working hard to prepare for the upcoming travel season. Every year — especially around the holidays — we help with dozens of last-minute passport renewals, visa applications, and other travel needs.

To help families get ahead of the busy travel season, my office is hosting a Travel Fair on Saturday, September 14 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. During the fair, attendees can apply for a passport, enroll in TSA Pre-Check, or interview for Global Entry (with some restrictions).

The Travel Fair is open to the public, but appointments are required. To reserve your spot, please call my district office at 210-348-8216. The Travel Fair will be held on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word School of Optometry in the Multipurpose Room (9725 Datapoint Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229).

What Passport Services Will Be Available at the Travel Fair?

During the Travel Fair, State Department staff will be onsite to help attendees apply for a new passport or renew an existing passport.

Cost:

• Passport and execution fees generally range between $165 - $195. For a full schedule of fees, click here.
• Acceptable forms of payments are checks/money orders payable to the U.S. Department of State in addition to debit/credit card payments and Apple Pay

What Documents Should I Bring?

• For a list of the documents required to apply for or renew a passport, click here.
• All applicants must also bring a full-color print photograph that meets passport standards. Many convenience stores offer passport photo services for $10-$15.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck was created to give low-risk travelers a smoother airport screening experience. Enrollment in TSA PreCheck allows passengers to access dedicated screening lanes at more than 200 participating U.S. airports nationwide (including San Antonio International Airport) without removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. Most TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than ten minutes for security screenings at the airport. Children 17 and under can also access the benefits of a parent or guardian’s membership when traveling. 

Cost: 

• A $78 enrollment fee covers five years of TSA PreCheck coverage through our partner, IDEMIA.

What Documents Should I Bring?

• For information about the documentation required to enroll in TSA PreCheck, click here.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to bypass traditional Customs and Border Protection (CBP) screening lines. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. Global Entry is a great way for people who travel internationally to avoid missed connections and travel delays. All approved Global Entry participants are automatically approved for TSA PreCheck. There is no need for applicants to apply separately to both programs.

Fair attendees must be conditionally approved for Global Entry to schedule an interview at the Travel Fair. While 80% of applications are approved within two weeks, some can take up to 12 months or longer. To apply for Global Entry today or schedule an interview appointment click here.

Online Scheduling Details:

• Applicants who are conditionally approved should sign into their CBP Trusted Traveler Programs account (where they applied) using this link. Once in, select, “Schedule Interview.” Then, Select “SAT Mobile 1” for the event interview schedule and pick the time desired.

Cost:

• All Global Entry applicants must pay a $100 non-refundable fee at the time of their application. Once applicants are conditionally approved, they are eligible to participate in a screening interview during September’s travel fair. There is no additional feel for a screening interview. 

What documents should I bring?

• A valid passport. You must bring all your valid passports that you use to travel, including any applicable foreign passports.
• Documents providing evidence of residency, including driver's license (if the address is current), mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc. This is not required for minors.
• A permanent resident card (if applicable).

I’m excited to offer this resource to the community, but space will fill up quickly. To reserve your spot, please call my district office at 210-348-8216.

Thank you,

Joaquin Castro
Member of Congress