Your Guide to Global Entry Interviews — How to Schedule and What to Bring Along

If you travel abroad even a couple of times each year, you’ve likely heard of the Global Entry program. This Trusted Traveler Program allows approved participants to breeze through customs after international journeys, making it a worthwhile investment given the time and energy saved from avoiding long lines.

To gain acceptance into the Global Entry program, you must complete an application, pay a fee, and undergo an in-person interview. Although the Global Entry interview might seem daunting, it’s actually a swift and straightforward process. Here’s all you need to know about applying for Global Entry, including scheduling and completing the interview, along with tips to streamline the experience.

What exactly is Global Entry?

Global Entry is one of five Trusted Traveler Programs offered in the U.S. Managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it provides pre-approved travelers with an expedited screening experience upon entering the United States after international travel.

Global Entry is accessible to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain foreign nationals, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Children are required to have their own Global Entry membership to utilize the expedited lanes.

Frequent flyers and travel experts unanimously agree that the benefits of Global Entry outweigh the effort required to apply and attend the interview. “If you travel internationally more than once a year, this is essential,” states Faith Ann Liuzzo-Bartholomew, a travel advisor with FAB Travel Group and member of the American Society of Travel Advisors. “I've seen countless people miss their connections due to long customs lines,” she adds.

It's wise to submit your Global Entry application well in advance of your intended travel. As per the Department of Homeland Security, the overall application processing time can stretch from four to six months.

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck

Global Entry is distinct from TSA PreCheck. Global Entry facilitates quicker processing upon returning to the U.S. after international travel, whereas TSA PreCheck provides expedited screening at TSA airport security checkpoints.

You can enroll in both programs; in fact, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, making it a smart choice for frequent travelers to opt for Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck.

Global Entry Fees

The cost of Global Entry is $100 for a five-year membership. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

The silver lining is that this fee can easily be reimbursed with the appropriate credit card. Many leading travel rewards credit cards offer a Global Entry fee credit that covers the full $100 cost. Cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and The Platinum Card from American Express are just a few of the 30+ options providing this perk.

The credits on these cards can be used once every four years, allowing you to receive a new credit each time your membership is up for renewal. If you possess multiple credit cards offering a Global Entry fee credit, you can utilize the extra credits to cover application fees for friends or family members.

How to Schedule a Global Entry Interview

Before you can book your Global Entry interview, you must set up a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. After submitting your application and paying the $100 fee, your account will undergo a review and background check. Once you receive conditional approval, you’ll be prompted to arrange your in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.

Unfortunately, scheduling can be more challenging than it sounds. Interviews often fill up months in advance, and many states have only one or two Global Entry Enrollment Centers, with some states lacking any altogether.

If your interview is booked later than desired, make sure to frequently check the schedule for any earlier openings that may become available.

The Global Entry Interview Procedure

When the day of your Global Entry interview arrives, aim to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to avoid the risk of being late and missing your appointment. Make sure to bring the following required documents when you check in for your interview:

• A valid passport (if you hold multiple passports, bring all of them to the interview)
• Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license with your current address, a mortgage statement, a rental payment receipt, or a utility bill (not necessary for minors)
• Permanent resident card, if applicable

The interview itself is quick. Typically, the Customs and Border Protection officer will check your documents and ask a few questions regarding your application and travel plans. They will also take your fingerprints and photo.

Although the Global Entry interview might seem daunting, it is actually a straightforward process that generally takes 15 minutes or less.

“I was amazed at how quick and uncomplicated my interview was,” shares Lillie West, President and CEO of Lillie West and Associates, LLC, and a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors. “The U.S. Customs officer confirmed the details on my application, verified my ID, and asked if I had any questions. The whole process took around 10 minutes.”

Upon approval of your application, you'll be issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN) and can immediately begin enjoying the benefits. You will also receive a Global Entry card in the mail after your interview, which can be utilized when entering the U.S. via SENTRI or NEXUS lanes at land borders.

Enrollment Upon Arrival

Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) enables conditionally approved applicants to complete their Global Entry interview at select airports immediately after arriving on an international flight, eliminating the need for a separate interview appointment.

When you land at an airport offering Enrollment on Arrival, follow the Global Entry signs that lead you to a Customs and Border Patrol officer for your interview. Make sure to have the following items ready for Enrollment on Arrival:

• A valid passport (if you possess multiple passports, bring all of them to the interview)
• Proof of residency, such as your driver’s license with your current address, mortgage statement, rental payment receipt, or utility bill (not needed for minors)
• Permanent resident card, if applicable

Currently, Enrollment on Arrival services are available at 65 airports worldwide. No appointment is needed for an EoA interview, but be aware that there may be times when the service isn’t offered, so having a scheduled interview as a backup is wise.

If you have a scheduled interview but choose to use EoA, your original interview will be automatically canceled once your Global Entry membership is fully approved.