Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business...
Edited by: Juan Ruiz
Juan has been involved in credit cards, loyalty, travel, and personal finance for more than 10 years. He has worked for several outlets including The Points Guy and Forbes and was previously Editor-in...
& Keri Stooksbury
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
![The Global Entry Program: From Application to Airport [+ Map of Locations & Kiosks]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Global-Entry-Kiosks.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1420&height=650&fit=crop)
100 comments
Matt
February 02, 2018
I just scheduled an interview at the LAX office on a Sunday so sometimes they do have spots open on the weekends.
Kevin
March 26, 2018
If you travel a lot to the Asia Pacific region, add the APEC card as part of your application.
Leighton
January 13, 2019
Must be business travel…just saying.
Jim Allard
May 14, 2018
My wife and I both went through the background check and interview and received our GOES cards. We then went to France and returned through Charlotte NC.
My wife’s passport was rejected. We were sent to the dreaded “waiting area” for approval. What a waste of money. Customs doesn’t event recognize their own system. It’s a joke.
Jan
November 07, 2018
I can appreciate how upset your wife must have been. When I went to my interview at Philadelphia, the officer did mention that they would check up on us, periodically. Perhaps this was one of those times and how it might happen to any of us?
Leighton
January 13, 2019
Passport or her fingerprints?
May want to contact the enrollment center to make sure all was approved.
Did she get a new passport?
The system is a front of the line program…NOT a get out of jail free program. You are still subject to exam, questioning and search.
Should have gotten front of the line treatment in the secondary area as well. If not, ask to talk to a supervisor.
Aaron Smith
June 08, 2018
Do you recommend getting TSA pre-approved and what does it entail for your privacy?
Erin Miller
June 10, 2018
Hi Aaron, we have an entire post on TSA PreCheck here, so take a look if you want to know more about that specific program.
What we don’t address in that article is privacy. And to be honest, it really depends on your personal views on the subject.
In order to qualify for TSA Pre, you first have an in-person appointment and background check with fingerprinting. So of course, there are going to be people with concerns.
There have been tons of news articles dedicated to the topic including a pretty scathing overview by an ALCU contributor, and similar pieces by the LA Times, and The New York Times (just to name a few).
For many (TSA reports 6+ million people), the benefits outweigh the risks. For others, it’s not something they want to get involved in. Again, it just depends on your personal preferences.
Ross
June 15, 2018
Once approved it definitely saves a lot of precious time, however the application process seems to take too long. In future do you expect this to be reduced?
Alex Miller
June 15, 2018
You can actually try for a “walk in” at your nearest location vs going through the normal application process. If you turn up early, you’ll very likely be seen that same day which could save you weeks/months of time.
Leighton
January 13, 2019
Many enrollment centers are appointment only.
Encouraging walk-ins can lead to disappointment.
But it never hurts to ask.
Just be prepared. Have your passport and license and membership number ready.
Kimberly Dove
July 18, 2018
It would be great if the actual website worked. I get finished with Page 1 and then try to move on to page 2 and the same server error shows on all internet search engines: Mozilla, IE, Google. So frustrating. I have been trying for over a month now with no success on server different computers.
Leighton
January 13, 2019
Make sure you are on a PC…there are known issues with Apple products it seems.
Pamela vonMatthiessen
October 02, 2018
I’m coming back from Italy thru Detroit. They told me I can complete my interview there by going to the CBP. Do you know how long it might take? I have 1.5 hour layover.
Christine Krzyszton
October 04, 2018
Hi Pamela! The interview itself should not take a lot of time, perhaps 15 minutes. However, with an international connection of only 1.5 hours, it would be difficult to make it through customs, immigration, and security in addition to attending a scheduled interview appointment.
Berry Keller
October 07, 2018
I had no knowledge of this program before. Thanks to you for writing about it.
Leighton Cavendish
June 18, 2019
Program is over 10 years old now.
Pearl Baker
November 30, 2018
It’s been 30 days since my husband filed for his Global Entry and it’s just sitting on the TTP website. Mine was approved five days after I submitted it. We’re in a State without an interview site so plan on using the Fort Lauderdale Office on December 20 or 21st….. do you think his application fell thru the cracks?
Thanks.
Stephen Au
December 02, 2018
Hey Pearl,
Please reach out to the Global Entry phone number and ask about the application status. That’s the best advice we can provide.
Leighton
January 13, 2019
The vetting process can take from 2 days to 10 weeks.
Even those renewing can take awhile. 7 weeks is longest I have heard so far.
Keep checking the account. Watch your email as well. Check junk and spam.
Lucille Watson
December 15, 2018
How does a person working overseas sign up for Global Entry and where can one go for an interview in the Middle East.
Christine Krzyszton
December 15, 2018
Thanks for your question, Lucille. You really have two options. You can apply online and after conditional approval, schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry centers. There are no centers located in the Middle East, however. Or, apply online, receive conditional approval and use Enrollment on Arrival as mentioned in the article. Quote from the CBT website: “If applicants are unable to reach an enrollment center before their international departure, they may benefit from an Enrollment on Arrival opportunity. Enrollment on Arrival allows conditionally approved applicants to complete their required CBP interview when they arrive to the United States. This interview eliminates the need for a Global Entry applicant to visit an enrollment center to complete the application process.”
Leighton
January 13, 2019
Qatar is listed for international enrollment, but may be by special request or limited times/days only.
You may want to check out the enrollment on arrival option.
Leighton
January 13, 2019
QATAR
Doha (Doha International Airport)
Local
January 28, 2020
This is probably too late but there’s an office in Hamad International Airport in Doha Qatar.
Patrick
January 07, 2019
I’d just like to point out that you do not have MSY – New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong International listed at all. In 2014 MSY became an interview site and in 2016 received kiosks. International flights have more than doubled in the last few years as flights to and from Cancun, London, and Franfurt among others has continued to grow.
Erin Miller
January 15, 2019
Hey Patrick – thanks so much for the heads up. We’ll get to updating this ASAP! 🙂
Leighton
January 13, 2019
FYI: You can have one misdemeanor conviction…but it has to be over 10 years old.
Pao Hung
January 14, 2019
I have an appointment for an interview this Thursday (1/20) afternoon at VA Dulles airport. I just want to make sure the office won’t be close due to government shutdowns.
Thanks
Christine Krzyszton
January 14, 2019
Hello and thanks for your question. According to their Facebook page, the Dulles Global Entry office is open. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Global-Entry-Office-Dulles-Intl-Airport/257587481048803
Sandy
February 05, 2019
I am debating if I should add my car on the Global Entry application since I live in San Diego and there is no additional cost to do this. However, I wonder if this adds a significant longer processing time for approval. Do you have any insight on this?
Stephen Au
February 09, 2019
Hey Sandy,
There’s really no reason to add your car on the Global Entry application since it’s optional information. The exception is if you use SENTRI or NEXUS to travel across different countries with your car. It would be best to register your car if you’re going to use it to cross border lines. Thanks for reading!
Elaine
March 08, 2019
I have a TSA KTN, and am interested in the Global Entry program. In one of the tips you mention that the only way to guarantee TSA pre-check is to have the TSA KTN, so does that mean that I should maintain both once I get the Global Entry card?
Katie Seemann
March 11, 2019
Hi Elaine,
You will get a Known Traveler Number when you are approved for Global Entry. When you use that number on your ticket, you should also get TSA PreCheck. In theory, you should only need to maintain Global Entry.
Debby
April 20, 2019
I just returned from a trip to Italy and was able to complete my interview at the Detroit Airport. I had an interview scheduled in Boise, Idaho in June and I want to cancel it, but I can’t see where to do that. Is it automatically canceled when n interview is completed?
Christy Rodriguez
April 20, 2019
Hi Debby, glad you were able to get that interview done on your trip!
You can go to the Global Entry website where you originally scheduled your interview (https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/) to double check. From your Dashboard select “View Interview Confirmation”. You will see options to reschedule and cancel the appointment.
Since you’ve already completed your interview, it should be cancelled automatically though. Hope this helps!
Payal Jain
May 04, 2019
Hi,
My Membership number is XXXXXXXXX I had made online payment of $100
I had made this payment on 07/08/2017
could PLEASE confirm if the same membership is valid and this month I m planning to travel to Abu Dhabi so I can complete the balance formalities in my application.
Thanks
Erin Miller
May 04, 2019
Hi Payal, please be advised we are NOT U.S. Customs & Border Protection. We are Upgraded Points, a website producing points and miles based content as well as other travel related articles such as this Global Entry Program overview.
As such, we have nothing to do with payments nor are we affiliated with applications in any way. We suggest you reach out to CBP directly through their suggested portal here: https://help.cbp.gov/app/ask.
Rick Buono
May 09, 2019
Why do i keep getting “global entry on arrival” email when i haven’t been conditionally approved yet. Application submitted with payment February 22, 2019
Christy Rodriguez
May 09, 2019
Hi Rick. Please note we are not U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Our advice would be to contact them directly through your online profile or starting on their website here: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
Leighton Cavendish
June 18, 2019
Anyone that applies will get the emails to remind you of that option.
lks
June 03, 2019
Checking back often for an earlier appointment slot is good advice. I scheduled my interview earlier today and the earliest they had was over 6 weeks out. Checked back tonight and got an appointment about 36 hours from now. My husband was also able to move up to 3 weeks from now rather than almost 7.
Christy Rodriguez
June 03, 2019
Hi Iks, glad to hear that this tip was helpful for you! We appreciate the kind words and thanks for reading!
JB
June 11, 2019
Hello, I applied for TSA Pre Check originally but then a year later applied for Global entry since I’m doing more international travel. I just received a call that my TSA Pre check is going to expire. My question is do I still need to renew the TSA pre check or ignore it and wait until my Global entry expires to renew? Any advice would be appreciated.
Christy Rodriguez
June 11, 2019
Hi JB. Your Global Entry comes with TSA PreCheck as well, so as long as your Global Entry is valid, you will also have TSA PreCheck. Both are good for 5 year terms, so it sounds like you will need to apply for your Global Entry renewal in a year or so.
If you would like you confirm your expiration dates, you can always long onto the Trusted Traveler Program (with will show your TSA PreCheck as well as Global Entry) website here: https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/
Hope this helps!
JB
June 12, 2019
Hi Christy!
Thank you so much for your speedy reply! I will just let my original TSA precheck expire and keep my Global Entry active being as TSA pre is included and renew Global once I am allowed to do so. Have a nice day!
Leighton Cavendish
June 18, 2019
The Orlando (MCO) Global Entry enrollment center will be reducing staff and interviews starting June 23rd and continuing to at least the end of September.
Not sure if this is happening nationwide or if it is just a local thing.
Will be going from about 60 per day down to about 30 per day.
Jarrod West
June 18, 2019
Hi Leighton,
Thank you for sharing that information! At this time I believe that may just be local to MCO as we have not heard of interviews being reduced at other airports.
Celeste
July 18, 2019
What is the exact difference between global entry, nexus, and sentri?? I fly to Florida, Europe and Mexico often.
Should I sign up for 2 or all 3? Or is global entry enough?
Christy Rodriguez
July 18, 2019
Hi Celeste. From the information you’ve mentioned, your best option seems to be Global Entry. You can use Global Entry upon your return from Europe and Mexico. In addition, Global Entry will grant you TSA PreCheck.
I wouldn’t recommend the other options unless you plan on traveling by car to Mexico or unless you frequently travel to Canada.
Thanks for reading!
Kathleen H Strait
July 22, 2019
I need to speak to someone directly. My card and purse were stolen and I have no record of my card and I need to replace it ASAP.
Christy Rodriguez
July 22, 2019
Hi Kathleen, I’m so sorry about this! Note that we are not U.S. Customs and Border Protection, so we can’t directly assist you. They have a great guide on exactly what to do if your card was stolen at this link.
Basically you will login to your online account, note that it was stolen, and request a replacement card. There does appear to be a $25 replacement fee associated with this.
Hope this helps.
Boni
July 22, 2019
Hello,
We have global entry since 2017, however my daughter recently changed her last name. We have been trying to make an appt to update her last name at either the Sanford, Orlando or Tampa centers but unable to do so. The site tells us that Sanford and Tampa have appts in October, however when we try to ‘click’ on the available appt day/time, it is ‘grey’ out and then kick us out back to the trusted traveler program main page. Do you know what is going on? We would appreciate any help!!!
Stephen Au
July 22, 2019
Hey Boni,
We are not the Department of Homeland Security. We would advise you to call them and have them schedule a time for you over the phone. Thanks for reading!
Leighton Cavendish
December 31, 2019
You do not need an appointment for that. Or should not at least.
Need to bring in all the new documents(passport/license/etc) and name change document (marriage certificate/divorce decree/court name change documents) along with your Global Entry membership card/number.
Cassie Strongham
July 24, 2019
I freaking hate the airport. But this is a good article, very indepth. Would recommend.
Christine Krzyszton
July 24, 2019
Thanks for reading, Cassie, and for the compliment.
Ana
July 30, 2019
I submitted my application 3 months ago and haven’t been approved yet.
I contacted them asking if anything else was needed and received a standard automatic reply.
Clearly, they prioritize people with credit cards that offer it (Capital One Venture Rewards, American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, etc.)
Well, my $100 is as good as theirs! 🙁
Jarrod West
July 30, 2019
Hi Ana,
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had to put up with a long wait to get approved to schedule an interview. I will say that summer is usually the busiest time of the year for Global Entry applications due to the increase in the number of people traveling. In any case, I hope you’re able to get your approval soon!
Thanks for reading!
Ann J
August 04, 2019
July 21, 2019 applied and paid for Global Entry program.
July 25, 2019 Conditional Approval received.
August 1, 2019 interview at the Pembina, ND Border Control Station.
August 1, 2019 Approval for the Global Entry program received.
12 days total.
I drove up to the Canadian Border for my interview as the Pembina, ND nation had lots of open appointments for the Global Entry program. It was an easy drive for me as I live in SD. The officers were very nice and I received my approval immediately after completing the interview. Easy, peasy; no muss, no fuss! Now just waiting for the card in the mail to activate it.
Christy Rodriguez
August 05, 2019
Hi Ann, thanks so much for sharing your experience! Glad the process was quick and easy for you.
Also a great reminder that even if there aren’t appointments at the airport closest to you, it’s worth it to check surrounding areas for availability as well.
Pam Fuson
August 11, 2019
We applied for Global Entry on May 8th. It is now August 11 and we are still pending review. We leave for Europe on August 14th. If were not approved before we leave, can we give are applications numbers upon return to see if we qualify for to interview upon entry?
Christy Rodriguez
August 12, 2019
Hi Pam, we’ve heard lots of instances of this process taking longer than usual! Unfortunately, you must be “conditionally approved” and not just “pending review” by the time you arrive back into the U.S. to qualify for enrollment on arrival. Check to see when you leave Europe if possible, just to see if anything has changed while you were away.
In addition, you must arrive at a location with enrollment on arrival available. For a complete list, see here: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-arrival/locations
Dan
August 11, 2019
Renewals aren’t any faster it seems, so plan ahead. I submitted my renewal on 5/2/19 and it is still pending conditional approval. Apparently, there’s a grace period if your coverage lapses due to these processing delays but I’m not sure that includes TSA PreCheck.
Christy Rodriguez
August 12, 2019
Hi Dan, thanks for sharing your experience. You are correct – there is a 6 month grace period for Global Entry. Since TSA PreCheck is managed by TSA and not Customs and Border Protection (who manages Global Entry), I wouldn’t count on getting TSA PreCheck. That is a great reason to plan even more time than usual for your renewal to finalize.
Thanks for reading!
Leigh
September 05, 2022
That is why you renew as early as possible…one YEAR before expiration
Roberto
August 16, 2019
I applied on August 5th. I received conditional approval on the 10th. Got an open spot in Port Huron in the afternoon. So I drove 1 hour, had the interview and approval all in the same day! That’s amazing.
Dave
September 01, 2019
Do you know anything about Global Entry for Israeli citizens? The CBP website has a weird mechanic where it says you can get Global Entry as an Israeli and then proceeds to ask you for a voucher code to continue…
Calling and emailing CBP, they had no answers about how one obtains such a voucher code. Similarly searching through google has not provided any insights…
Search terms: Global Entry, Coupon, Voucher, Code, Israel, Israeli citizen, Israelis, CBP,
Christy Rodriguez
September 01, 2019
Hi Dave – unfortunately it doesn’t appear so. On the Customs and Border Protection website, there is a list of eligible citizens: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/eligibility
As always, we recommend contacting CBP directly for the most accurate information here: https://www.cbp.gov/contact
Leighton Cavendish
December 31, 2019
By invitation only it appears. Have only seen two Israelis with it so far.
Connie J
September 02, 2019
The question I’m still fuzzy on is the advantages, if any, of having global entry when leaving USA from designated airports. The last time I left the country and asked to use it at a TSA pre check line, I was told it’s only applicable when returning to the US. Yet, I believe I’ve read differently. I’m going to Costa Rica in September.
Christy Rodriguez
September 02, 2019
Hi Connie – the main advantage when you leave for your trips would be that Global Entry also provides TSA PreCheck as well. If you enter your known traveler number (located on the back of your GE card) in your reservation, you should receive a “TSA Pre” notice on your boarding pass that would allow you to access the TSA PreCheck line. Global Entry is only valid on return to the U.S. (as you stated).
Thanks for reading!
Toronto Pearson airport
October 09, 2019
I had no knowledge of this program before. Thank you for writing about it. Really appreciated.
Leighton Cavendish
January 12, 2020
Only been around over a decade now.
Amy L
October 14, 2019
How do I monitor for available appts on the website. There are 2 buttons Reschedule and Cancel. If i click Reschedule Appt will I lose the slot that I have? Don’t want to do that. Closest airport had nothing available for over 4 months so driving 4 hours, we obviously would prefer the 1 hour drive to 4 hours if possible.
Christy Rodriguez
October 14, 2019
Hi Amy! Yes, so you do click the “reschedule” button and see if there’s anything sooner that may have popped up. And since you have a few airport options, you can search for both. You don’t lose your currently scheduled appointment until you confirm any changes!
Also, if you have an international trip soon, don’t forget about the Enrollment on Arrival option as well: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-arrival
Thanks for reading!
Juan
November 06, 2019
I applied August 07th and it is November 6th and no conditional approval. I’ve read some of the comments from people who say they also applied in August and were approved within days or weeks. I wish there was someone to contact to confirm everything was submitted correctly and/or to see how long until I’m approved. Sigh… I wonder if there are others out there who have waited longer, to gauge the longest one can expect to wait.
Andrew Kunesh
November 07, 2019
Hey Juan, we’ve heard multiple reports of there being extremely long wait times to be conditionally approved for Global Entry. Unfortunately, this seems to be a normal thing right now, so we recommend that you keep waiting. Best of luck!
Bess
November 09, 2019
“You must schedule an interview within 30 days of your conditional approval, or you risk having to reapply”
This is old info. Currently, you’re given 1 year (from date your application was conditionally approved) to select your appointment date.
Erin Miller
November 10, 2019
Hi Bess, thanks for this updated information! Could you please point me to the appropriate DHS/CBP page that outlines this guideline so we can verify and send travelers to the exact rule if necessary? 🙂
Jarrod West
November 16, 2019
Hi Bess,
The article is correct that you have 30 days after your application approval to schedule an interview, but you have up to 365 days to complete that interview.
Leighton Cavendish
December 31, 2019
They have upped it to one year now as long as you apply BEFORE it expires.
Leighton Cavendish
December 31, 2019
The Orlando enrollment center will be relocated soon to 9043 Tradeport Drive to allow for upgrades to the existing facility in the main airport terminal.
Only temporary, but will definitely affect those with appointments during that time.
One CBP Officer is assigned to this office.
Hope all will be patient and understanding when this happens.
Leighton Cavendish
January 12, 2020
Orlando GE Enrollment Center is currently at:
9043 Tradeport Dr. Orlando, FL 32827
Phone: (407) 240-4462
Email: mcoglobalentry@cbp.dhs.gov
Sun-Sat 8am-6pm
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY except for current members requiring updates/changes.
Should reopen at Orlando International Airport (MCO)…across from Lost & Found… February 3rd, 2020.
Leighton Cavendish
February 11, 2020
Orlando office should be back at the terminal February 24th.
We’ll see…stay tuned.
Selena
September 13, 2020
My husband applied in November 2019 and his application is still pending. When we called them last time they told us it is now 6-8 months wait but this is already 10 months. This is weird. What should we do?
Jarrod West
September 14, 2020
Hi Selena,
I would try calling again to see if you can get a status update on the application.
Leighton Cavendish
October 12, 2020
Can be up to one year these days…be patient…700,000 backlogged.
Eventually, it will go to “conditionally approved”…and hopefully not to “denied”.
Leighton Cavendish
October 12, 2020
Orlando finally reopened on September 8th.
Phone: (407) 825-4366 Email:mcoglobalentry@cbp.dhs.gov
Hours: M-F 8am-6pm – Interviews 830am-530pm
Open some Saturdays as well.
Booked through November. Openings in December/January/February.
Andres
December 16, 2021
I have no idea if I applied or not. This could be more clear. I suspect they will try to sell a seat for my SRVC.
William
December 23, 2021
My wife got conditionally approved in less than 36 hrs. I on the other hand have been waiting 60 days so far even though I have a “status” related to Federal work that required applications, background & FBI checks, prints, photos much more extensive than what they do for this. So I think it’s luck of assignment. And don’t count on having your enrollment on arrival interview when you return from an international trip. My wife tried and that was backlogged also (at a major airport during reasonable hours and that did not appear busy). They said you may be able to see someone in an hour but you may not…and they certainly were not nice about it…
Leigh
January 28, 2023
That can happen…even if you have a top secret clearance. One day to almost a year for approval.
Unfortunately just have to be patient.
Or you can do TSA Pre and Mobile Passporrt. But aditional fee for TSA of course.
Jose
August 15, 2022
Hi,
In my renewal application I am listing employment history information from employers outside of the US. Is that something that can make my application be denied? I am still a permanent resident and hold a valid green card, but my current employer is no longer located in the US.
Jarrod West
August 15, 2022
Hi Jose,
No, you should not be denied for that reason alone.
Jose
August 15, 2022
Hi Jarrod,
Thanks for the response. So just to be sure, if I have been working from a employer that is not a US company and I have been spending time also physically working outside the US, this should not trigger any reason for denying the application as long as I am still a LPR, correct?
Thanks again!
Jose.
Xennial Matt
October 31, 2022
Would ‘Enrollment On Arrival’ work if I’m transiting to an international destination in ATL? With the timing of my flights, I can only do this outbound transit rather than inbound. Just curious if it really is in the area just after immigration that can’t be accessed if you’re flying (internationally) out of ATL.
Jarrod West
November 15, 2022
Hi Xennial,
Yes, you should be able to do enrollment on arrival if the office has availability for you the day of.
Leigh
January 28, 2023
EoA is ONLY when you are coming into the USA on an international flight ang gouing through Customs/Immigration. Can also do it in Pre-Clearance airports because you are goimg through USA formalities there before boarding flight to the USA.
You can NOT do EoA if arriving from another USA airport…as you will not be going through Customs/Immigration.
Jim
May 05, 2023
Why do we have to get one of the credit cards for using Global Entry? That means I cannot enroll in Global Entry unless I pick one of the credit cards?
Christine Krzyszton
May 06, 2023
Hi Jim. You do not need a credit card that reimburses for the Global Entry fee in order to sign up for Global Entry. You can pay for Global Entry with other methods of payment. Getting reimbursed for the expense is just a benefit of having one of the cards.
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