We’re fans of anything that can make travel less of a headache, from checking in online or booking smarter itineraries to knowing your rights when things go wrong. And speeding through the customs and immigration process with Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck in the membership fee) certainly can alleviate airport stress—but only if you can actually get through the enrollment process.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which administers the various Trusted Traveler Programs, the current processing time for Global Entry is four to six months, and some applicants may wait up to 18 months for the required in-person interview.
While you don’t have much control over how fast your application is moved to “conditional approval” status, which then allows you to schedule your enrollment interview, there are a few options for speeding through the interview process.
Use Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival
If you’re anticipating international travel sooner than you can actually get an interview appointment, plan to use CBP’s Enrollment on Arrival when you return from abroad. This program allows applicants to simply show up upon landing at select international terminals at U.S. airports (and in a handful of other countries) and complete their interview onsite.
To be eligible for Enrollment on Arrival, you’ll need to have a completed Global Entry application and have received conditional approval. When at the airport, follow the signs for Enrollment on Arrival and have your passport (and permanent resident card, if applicable) and proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, mortgage statement, or utility bill. The interview is likely to last up to 15 minutes before you’re on your way.
Note that there could be a wait, and the enrollment site at your airport may not be open when you land, so check the hours before counting on this option.
Sign up for a remote renewal interview
If you’re renewing your Global Entry membership, you may be able to get a virtual interview more quickly through CBP’s remote interview pilot program. In order to be eligible, you must have received conditional approval of your renewal application, be 18 years of age or older, and have fingerprints and a photo (current in the last 10 years and at an age older than 14) already on file.
If this option is available to you, you’ll see a link for “Scheduling Your Remote Interview” when you log into your application dashboard.
CBP doesn’t indicate wait times for remote interviews specifically, but it may simply be easier than trying to get into an in-person enrollment center. Note that many renewals are approved automatically, so you may not need an interview at all.
Check the interview schedule often
You can see enrollment interview appointment availability on the Trusted Traveler Program website to get a sense of how long the wait is at airports near you. It’s possible that cancelations will open up spots sooner if you check often, and CBP releases additional appointments on the first Monday of each month at 9 a.m. local time.
Coordinate your interview with other travel
If your most convenient enrollment center is booked way out, consider incorporating your interview into other domestic travel plans, whether flying or driving. You could even plan a trip around a scheduled interview if there’s a city you want to visit.
Look for a Global Entry enrollment event
CBP occasionally hosts multiday enrollment fairs at airports that don’t have dedicated enrollment centers for conditionally approved applicants to complete their interviews. The most recent event was held in Spokane, Wash. in April.
