Global Entry appointment: What to expect

Global Entry appointments are in-person interviews conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Global Entry Enrollment Centers. They are usually the final step in the Global Entry application process. Before scheduling an appointment, you’ll need to apply for Global Entry, pay the fee and wait for the results of a background check.

What you’ll learn:

• Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) designed to help you get through customs checkpoints more quickly upon reentering the U.S.

• With Global Entry, travelers can avoid paperwork and processing to reduce wait times.

• The interview takes about 15 minutes. You’ll need to bring the required documents and be prepared to answer questions. 

• Capital One travel rewards cards Venture and Venture X reimburse cardholders for up to $120 of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fees.*

Global Entry is a TTP administered by CBP. It allows prescreened, low-risk travelers to reenter the U.S. by air, land and sea after traveling internationally. 

Here are the benefits according to CBP:

• Reduced wait times in expedited processing lines
• TSA PreCheck access
• Available at all major U.S. airports
• Can be used at land border crossings

There is a $120 nonrefundable application fee for Global Entry. According to CBP, it must be paid when your application is submitted. You can pay either by credit card or an electronic bank transfer. You won’t be refunded for this fee even if your application gets denied.

The good news for Capital One Venture and Venture X cardholders is that they can be reimbursed up to $120 for their Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four years.*

Once your application for Global Entry has been conditionally approved, the next step is your interview. There are two ways you can get an interview:

1. Choose a Global Entry Enrollment Center: To schedule an interview, sign in to your TTP account and navigate to your dashboard. Then choose a Global Entry Enrollment Center for your interview. Wait times can be long, so it may help to schedule your appointment well in advance.

2. Enrollment on Arrival (EoA): You may prefer to have your interview coincide with your travel schedule. With EoA, you don’t have to schedule your interview ahead of time. Simply look for the EoA signs as you approach the customs area at an eligible airport when reentering the U.S.

In general, a CBP officer will review your application, check your documents and ask some questions. They’ll also take your fingerprints and photograph. Here are key ways to get ready for your interview.

Adult applicants need to bring a valid passport or a permanent resident card, if applicable, to their Global Entry appointment. One additional form of identification, such as a driver’s license or an ID card, is also required.

Children under 18 need to bring a valid passport or permanent resident card. The adult accompanying them should bring their own passport plus any additional documents, such as proof of residency, mentioned in the application.

The in-person interview gives the CBP officer a chance to verify information about you. The questions they ask may be similar to those on the application, including these:

• Are you a citizen of the U.S.? 

• Do you plan on flying internationally into the U.S. within the next six months? 

• Have you previously applied for the Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI program?

CBP says the time it takes to receive a final decision can vary. To check the status of your application after your in-person interview, CBP recommends signing in to your TTP account periodically. If the status says Pending Review, then CBP has received your application and is processing it. 

It may be helpful to know that the processing time for Global Entry can’t be expedited.

When an applicant is denied Global Entry membership, they typically receive specifics about the denial in writing. To have your application reevaluated, start by signing in to your TTP account. If you’re eligible to file a request, you should see an option to request reconsideration.

Here are the answers to some common questions about Global Entry appointments:

Global Entry is a TTP designed to help you get through U.S. customs checkpoints more quickly after reentering the country. One of the first things you’ll need to do when you apply for membership is to schedule an in-person interview with a CBP officer. 

If you’re considering applying for Global Entry, it may help to know that Capital One Venture and Venture X cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit toward their Global Entry application fee.*