How to Schedule and Prepare for Your Global Entry Interview Appointment

What happens at a Global Entry interview

A Global Entry interview is a one-on-one meeting with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at a designated enrollment center. The officer reviews your process, asks questions about your travel history and background, takes your fingerprints and photograph, and collects your iris scan. The whole appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You must complete your online process through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) portal before you can schedule an interview. The CBP will review your process and either approve it conditionally or request more information. Only after conditional approval can you book your appointment slot.

The interview is the final step before you receive your Global Entry card. Without it, your process cannot move forward, even if everything on paper looks good.

Key Takeaways

• You must finish your online TTP process and receive conditional approval before you can schedule an interview appointment.
• Interview appointments are booked through the TTP portal and are available at enrollment centers in most major U.S. cities and some airports.
• Bring your valid passport, the receipt number from your TTP process, and any documents CBP requested when they conditionally approved you.
• The interview itself takes 10 to 15 minutes and includes questions about your background, travel, and employment.

How to find and book your appointment slot

Log into the Trusted Traveler Program portal using your username and password. Navigate to the "Schedule Your Appointment" section. The portal will show you available enrollment centers near your location and open time slots at each one.

Enrollment centers are located in most major U.S. cities and at some international airports. Availability varies by location — popular centers in large cities may have longer wait times between open slots. You can choose any center that works for your schedule, even if it is not the closest one to you.

Select your preferred date and time, then confirm your booking. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, including the center address, date, time, and what to bring. Save this email or print it — you will need the confirmation number when you arrive.

What documents to bring to your interview

Bring your valid passport. This is required and CBP will not conduct the interview without it. If your passport is expired, you cannot proceed — reschedule your appointment after you renew it.

Bring the receipt number from your TTP process. You can find this in your TTP portal account or in the confirmation email you received when you submitted your process online.

If CBP sent you a message during the process review asking for additional documents — such as proof of residence, employment verification, or travel records — bring those documents with you. The conditional approval email will specify what they need. If you are unsure whether you need something, check your TTP portal messages or call the enrollment center directly before your appointment.

What the CBP officer will ask you

The officer will ask about your background, including your employment, residence history, and any criminal history. They will ask about your travel patterns — where you travel, how often, and why. Be honest and straightforward. The officer is looking for consistency between your verbal answers and what you wrote in your process.

You may be asked about your family members, your finances, or your reasons for wanting Global Entry. These questions help the CBP assess whether you pose a security risk. There are no trick questions — the officer is not trying to catch you out. If you do not know an answer or need clarification, say so.

The officer will also collect your biometric data: fingerprints, a photograph, and an iris scan. This is a standard part of the process and takes only a few minutes.

What happens if you miss or need to reschedule

If you miss your appointment without canceling, your conditional approval may be revoked and you will have to restart your process. Log into the TTP portal as soon as possible if you cannot make your scheduled time.

To reschedule, go to the TTP portal, find your appointment, and select the option to cancel or reschedule. You can then book a new slot at any available time. There is no fee to reschedule, and you can do it multiple times if needed.

If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, you may lose your slot and have to wait for the next opening at that center. Reschedule as far in advance as you can if your plans change.

After your interview: what comes next

If the CBP officer approves you at the end of your interview, you will be told on the spot. Your Global Entry card will be mailed to the address on file in your TTP account within 2 to 4 weeks. You can begin using Global Entry at U.S. airports and land borders as soon as you receive the card.

If the officer needs more time to make a decision, they will tell you they will follow up by email. Check your TTP portal and email regularly for updates. Most decisions come within a few weeks of the interview.

If you are denied, CBP will explain why and tell you whether you can reapply. You can reapply after the waiting period they specify, usually 6 months to a year depending on the reason for denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule my appointment online?

Yes. Log into the TTP portal, find your scheduled appointment, and select the reschedule option. You can then choose a new date and time at any available enrollment center. Reschedule as soon as you know you cannot make your original appointment.

What if I do not have my passport yet?

You cannot have your interview without a valid passport. If your passport is expired or not yet issued, wait until you have it in hand before scheduling your appointment. You can hold your conditional approval status while you renew your passport.

Do I need to bring my children to the interview?

No. Your interview is for you alone. Children cannot attend. If you are explore for Global Entry for a child, they will need their own separate interview appointment at a later date.

What if CBP asks for documents I do not have?

Contact the enrollment center before your appointment and explain what you are missing. They may be able to tell you whether you can proceed without it or whether you need to reschedule. Do not skip documents CBP specifically requested — bring everything they asked for.

How long does the interview actually take?

Most interviews take 10 to 15 minutes. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to check in. The entire process from arrival to leaving the center usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the enrollment center is that day.