Your Global Entry Application Might Exceed a Year—but There Are Ways to Expedite It

Federal authorities are struggling to manage what the Department of Homeland Security refers to as 'unprecedented' levels of applications for its Global Entry program.

Global Entry is a fast-track screening initiative designed to help travelers navigate U.S. airport security more quickly upon returning from international trips. The fee is $100 and includes TSA PreCheck, a program aimed at expediting initial TSA security checks (which costs $85 separately). The Global Entry application process involves a background check and an in-person interview following preliminary approval, with the latter being a significant bottleneck in the timeline.

This surge in demand is fueled by a major rebound in travel and a backlog of interviews due to a scheduling freeze during the pandemic (from its onset until September 2020). Reports of extended wait times at airports globally are likely prompting travelers to seek ways to expedite their flying experience.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the wait times for Global Entry interviews currently range from 6 to 18 months in many instances. In July alone, the agency processed an average of 11,500 applications per day. A significant factor in these delays is that interviews, essential for securing Global Entry, were suspended at the pandemic's onset until September 2020, when they resumed. Two years later, enrollment centers still experience staffing shortages, further complicating the backlog.

However, there are several potential solutions. Continue reading for tips and strategies to expedite your Global Entry process while you wait.

Engage in Enrollment on Arrival

Travelers who have submitted their Global Entry application, paid the $100 fee, and received conditional approval can take part in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Enrollment on Arrival program. This allows applicants to bypass scheduling an interview at an enrollment center to complete their application, which is particularly beneficial for those living far from such centers.

According to the CBP website, 'Upon arriving at an international terminal, follow the signs to CBP officers who can conduct your Global Entry interview during your admissibility inspection.'

When you arrive at an airport that offers Enrollment on Arrival, head to the Enrollment on Arrival desk, typically located near the processing area for incoming passengers. Inform the agent that you have been conditionally approved for Global Entry, and they will initiate the interview. During this session, they will capture your photo and fingerprints, review your travel history over the past five years, and verify your current address where your physical card will be sent. The entire interview process should take less than 10 minutes.

To finalize Enrollment on Arrival, applicants need to bring their valid passport, proof of residency documents (such as a driver’s license, mortgage statement, utility bill, etc.), and a permanent resident card if applicable.

Register for Appointment Scanner

→ Register: Appointment Scanner, $29 for one month of alerts, appointmentscanner.com

Although the next available Global Entry appointment online is frequently several months away, there is a service available for those who simply need to complete the in-person interview part of their application (like Dinogo’s deputy editor, Tim Chester).

Named Appointment Scanner, this program continuously monitors the Trusted Traveler site for canceled and rescheduled interviews for the Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI programs. (The latter two also provide expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers—NEXUS is specifically for travel between the U.S. and Canada, while SENTRI is for those traveling between the U.S. and Mexico.)

The service will send you texts and emails notifying you when slots become available at your selected location (among over 100 enrollment centers). You can then visit the Trusted Traveler Programs site to secure that desired appointment. The fee is $29, a one-time charge for one month of alerts. If you don’t manage to book an appointment during that time, you’ll need to register again. According to the site, 'The average user receives between 10 and 25 appointment alerts daily, giving you plenty of chances to find a convenient slot.'

You can request a refund within 30 days if you are unsuccessful and unsubscribe from alerts if you choose to.

Opt for TSA PreCheck instead

Due to the lengthy wait times, DHS has started recommending that travelers who mainly fly domestically consider TSA PreCheck instead of Global Entry.

DHS stated on its website, 'If you do not travel internationally multiple times a year, we suggest applying for the TSA PreCheck Program.' Most TSA PreCheck applicants can book an appointment in less than two weeks and, if approved, typically receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3 to 5 days after the appointment.

The main distinction between the programs is that PreCheck streamlines your experience at TSA security checks before departure within the U.S. (and recently from Nassau, Bahamas), whereas Global Entry also facilitates faster processing at customs upon returning to the United States from international travel.

Tim Chester contributed to this article.