Guide to Global Entry Interviews — Including How to Schedule and What to Bring

Here’s everything you need to know about the Global Entry interview process.

If you travel internationally (even just once or twice a year), chances are you’ve heard of the  Global Entry program. This Trusted Traveler Program allows approved travelers to speed through customs after an international trip, and the time and energy saved by avoiding those long lines can be well worth the cost of the application.

To be accepted into the Global Entry program, you need to fill out an application, pay a fee, and complete an in-person interview. The Global Entry interview may sound intimidating, but it’s actually a quick and easy process. Here’s everything you need to know about the Global Entry application process, including how to schedule and complete the interview and some tips for making the entire process quick and easy.

Related: How Many Passports Can You Have? 

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is one of five Trusted Traveler Programs available in the U.S. Administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it offers pre-approved travelers an expedited screening process upon arrival in the United States after an international trip.

Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Children must have their own Global Entry membership to use the expedited lanes.

Frequent travelers and travel professionals agree that Global Entry is worth the hassle of applying and going through the interview process. “If you travel out of the country more than once a year, you need this,” says Faith Ann Liuzzo-Bartholomew, a travel advisor with FAB Travel Group who is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors. “I have seen so many people miss their connections because of the lines at customs,” she says.

It’s a good idea to apply for Global Entry long before you want to use it. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the total application processing time can be as long as four to six months.

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck

Global Entry is not the same as TSA PreCheck. Global Entry offers expedited processing when returning to the U.S. after an international trip, while TSA PreCheck is a program that offers expedited screening at TSA airport security checkpoints.

You can be a member of both programs; in fact, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so if you’re a frequent traveler, it makes sense to apply for Global Entry in lieu of TSA PreCheck.

Cost of Global Entry

Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

The good news is that it’s easy to get that fee reimbursed with the right credit card. Many of today’s top travel rewards credit cards come with a Global Entry fee credit that will cover the entire $100 cost. 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+ cards that offer this benefit.

The credits on these cards are available once every 4 years, so you’ll be eligible for a new credit each time you need to renew your membership. If you have more than one credit card that has a Global Entry fee credit, you can use the additional credits to pay for the application fees for friends or family members.

Scheduling a Global Entry Interview

Before scheduling your Global Entry interview, you’ll need to create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. After filling out the application and paying the $100 fee, your account will be reviewed, and a background check will be completed. Once you have conditional approval, you’ll be instructed to schedule your in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.

Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Not only do interviews book months in advance, but many states only have one or two Global Entry Enrollment Centers, while some states have none.

If your interview is scheduled later than you’d like, keep checking the schedule for any openings that may pop up sooner.

Global Entry Interview Process

Once the day of your Global Entry interview finally arrives, plan to be at your appointment 15 to 30 minutes early so you don’t risk being late and losing your time slot. When you arrive for your interview, be sure to have these required documents:

• A valid passport (if you have more than one, bring them all to the interview)

• Proof of residency, including your driver’s license showing your current address, mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc. (not required for minors)

• Permanent resident card, if applicable

The interview itself is fast. Usually, the Customs and Border Patrol officer will verify your documents and ask a few questions about your application and/or travel plans. Then, your fingerprints and photo will be taken.

While a Global Entry interview may sound intimidating, it’s a simple and straightforward process that often takes just 15 minutes or less.

“I was surprised at how brief and straightforward my interview was,” says Lillie West, President and CEO of Lillie West and Associates, LLC, a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors.  “The U.S. Customs officer validated the information on my application, checked my identification, and asked if I had any questions. The entire process took about 10 minutes.”

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) and can start using the benefits immediately. You’ll also receive a Global Entry card in the mail after your interview which can be used when entering the U.S. through SENTRI or NEXUS lanes at land crossings.

Enrollment on Arrival

Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) allows conditionally approved applicants to complete the Global Entry interview at select airports upon arrival from an international flight. This can be done instead of scheduling a separate interview.

When arriving at an airport that offers Enrollment on Arrival, look for Global Entry signs directing you to where a Customs and Border Patrol officer can complete your interview. You’ll need the following items for Enrollment on Arrival:

• A valid passport (if you have more than one, bring them all to the interview)

• Proof of residency, including your driver’s license showing your current address, mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc. (not required for minors)

• Permanent resident card, if applicable

There are currently Enrollment on Arrival services at 65 airports around the world. No appointment is necessary for an EoA interview, but keep in mind there will be times when it isn’t available, so it’s a good idea to schedule an interview as a backup.

If you have a scheduled interview but are able to utilize EoA, your original interview will be automatically canceled once your full Global Entry membership is approved.

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