How to Schedule a Global Entry Appointment and What to Expect

Where to book a Global Entry appointment

Global Entry appointments are scheduled through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website, which is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You create an account on the TTP site, pay the process fee (currently $100 for five years), and then search for available appointment times at enrollment centers near you.

The appointment system shows you real dates and times at specific locations. Availability varies widely by location — some cities have openings within weeks, while others may show no times for several months. You can search multiple cities if you're willing to travel, or check back regularly if your preferred location is full.

Once you book, you'll receive a confirmation number and appointment details by email. You'll need to bring this confirmation, your passport, and proof of citizenship or permanent residency to your appointment.

Key Takeaways

• Global Entry appointments are booked on the official Trusted Traveler Program website, not through a separate service or travel agent.
• Appointment availability depends on your location and can range from a few weeks to several months, so checking multiple nearby cities may speed up the process.
• The process fee is $100 for a five-year membership, and you pay this before scheduling your appointment.
• You must bring your passport, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and your appointment confirmation to complete your enrollment.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your valid passport or passport card. If you don't have a passport, you can use a NEXUS card, Enhanced Driver's License, or other REAL ID-compliant document that CBP accepts. You also need proof of citizenship — a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or citizenship card all work.

If you're a permanent resident, bring your green card or a copy of your I-797 approval notice. Bring your appointment confirmation email or print it out. Some enrollment centers also ask for a second form of ID, so bringing your driver's license is practical even if it's not required everywhere.

How the appointment itself works

The appointment typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. A CBP officer will review your documents, take your photograph and fingerprints, and ask background questions about your travel history and criminal record. The questions are straightforward — they're checking the information you provided in your online process against what you tell them in person.

After the appointment, you don't receive a card on the spot. CBP mails your Global Entry card to the address you provided in your process, usually within two to three weeks. You can start using Global Entry at airport kiosks once your card arrives and you've activated it through the TTP website.

Appointment availability and wait times by region

Wait times are not uniform across the country. Major hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago often have longer waits because more people live nearby and want appointments. Smaller cities and regional airports may have openings much sooner. Some enrollment centers operate only on certain days of the week.

If you're flexible on location, searching within 50 to 100 miles of your home can sometimes reveal faster options. You can also cancel and rebook if a closer location opens up later — the TTP system allows changes as long as you do it before your scheduled date.

What happens if you miss or need to reschedule

If you miss your appointment without canceling, CBP may require you to pay the $100 fee again to book a new one. Rescheduling before your appointment date is free — you can do it through your TTP account. If you need to cancel entirely, you can request a refund through the TTP website, though refund processing can take several weeks.

If you're running late on the day of your appointment, call the enrollment center directly. Some centers will work with you if you're only a few minutes behind, but others have strict policies. The contact number is usually on your confirmation email.

After your appointment: set up and first use

Once your card arrives, you must set up it on the TTP website before you can use it. set up is when ready and takes less than a minute. At the airport, look for the Global Entry kiosk in the customs area after you land — it's separate from the regular customs line. Insert your card, scan your passport, and answer a few questions on the screen. The whole process takes about two minutes.

Global Entry works at U.S. airports with international arrivals and at some land borders. It does not work for domestic flights or at airports without a kiosk. You can check the CBP website for a list of participating locations before your first trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a Global Entry appointment without paying the fee first?

No. You must pay the $100 process fee through the Trusted Traveler Program website before you can search for or book an appointment. The fee is non-refundable if you complete your appointment, but you can request a refund if you cancel before your enrollment date.

What if there are no appointments available in my city?

Check nearby cities and enrollment centers — you may find openings within a reasonable drive. You can also check back on the TTP website regularly, as cancellations open up new slots. Some people find appointments become available a few weeks after they first look.

Do I need Global Entry if I already have TSA PreCheck?

They are different programs. TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening at U.S. airports. Global Entry speeds up customs when you return to the U.S. from abroad. You can have both, or just one, depending on your travel patterns.

What if I'm denied Global Entry at my appointment?

CBP will tell you the reason. Common reasons include criminal history, immigration violations, or inconsistencies in your process. You can request reconsideration through the TTP website, and CBP will review your case. The process typically takes 30 to 60 days.

Can someone else attend my appointment for me?

No. You must attend in person. CBP needs to verify your identity, take your photograph and fingerprints, and conduct the background interview with you directly.