International travel can present unique challenges, regardless if a company is in the early stages of entering the global market or is already a well-established multinational brand. Business travelers need to be ready for a myriad of possibilities, such as flight cancellations, delays, and overbookings.

With global corporate travel spending projected to exceed $2 trillion by 2028, the focus on international travel will only continue to increase. Here are four tips to prepare corporate travelers for international business trips.

Renew Passports Early

The processing time for U.S. passport renewals has recently decreased down to 4-6 weeks, and for many, passports can now also be renewed online. Even though both updates are positive news for travelers, it is still best practice to renew passports well in advance of expiration.

International travelers should also double-check their passport’s expiration date because many countries require a passport to be valid for six months. Avoid this by reapplying at least nine months prior to expiration to allow for any unanticipated processing delays, shipping time, and entry requirements.

Join Trusted Traveler Programs

Enrolling in traveler programs can help mitigate the risk of disruptions and streamline the travel experience. Here is a quick breakdown of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Programs:

• TSA PreCheck allows for expedited screenings at more than 200 airports and nearly 100 airlines. Members of the program get to use dedicated security lanes and avoid having to remove shoes, belts, and light jackets, as well as liquids and laptops from carry-on bags.
• Global Entry is offered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to expedite clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Global Entry members can use automated kiosks to bypass traditional customs and passport control lines, which can save time and hassle. Notably, Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck.

• NEXUS expedites the entry and exit process for pre-screened travelers between the U.S. and Canada, and SENTRI expedites entry into the U.S. from Mexico.
• CLEAR uses biometric technology (iris or fingerprint scans) to verify a traveler's identity, allowing them to skip standard security lines. CLEAR continues to expand into additional airport locations.

CBP recently enacted fee changes to the Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI programs – the latest breakdown can be found here. Nevertheless, these trusted programs can help significantly decrease the time spent in airport security lines, making them an especially attractive option for business travelers.

Download the MPC App

After an international trip is over, the last thing a traveler wants to do is wait in line filling out paper customs forms. For swift and seamless reentry into the United States, use the MPC (Mobile Passport Control) app.

This tool from the U.S. CBP helps travelers move more efficiently through customs checkpoints when returning from overseas. There is no added cost, and it is especially recommended for travelers who already have a Global Entry membership.

Lean on a Trusted Partner

As business continues to take us across the globe, it is vital to plan ahead to ensure every traveler has the smoothest journey possible. At Direct Travel, we help lighten the load and act as a partner for our clients throughout their planning processes. From tips for traveling light on business trips to managing security concerns for independent travelers, we have your team covered every step of the way.

To learn more about how Direct Travel’s world-class service and technology can facilitate a streamlined international travel experience for your organization, reach out to our team of business travel experts.