How to Apply for Global Entry: Step-by-Step Process

The Global Entry application process takes about two months from start to approval, and you'll need to complete an online form, pay the fee, and attend an in-person appointment at an enrollment center

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that lets you move through airport security and customs faster when you return to the United States. The application itself is straightforward: you fill out a form online, pay $100 (valid for five years), and then go to an appointment where a CBP officer reviews your documents and takes your fingerprints. Most people complete the online part in 15 to 20 minutes, but the wait for an appointment slot can stretch weeks or months depending on where you live.

You can start the application at any time, but you won't be approved until after your in-person interview. Some people get their appointment within a few weeks; others wait three or four months. If you travel frequently and want Global Entry before a specific trip, plan to start the application at least three months ahead.

Key Takeaways

• You must create an account on the official CBP Trusted Traveler Programs website and complete the online form before you can schedule an appointment.
• The $100 application fee is non-refundable even if you are not approved, so review the requirements before you pay.
• Your in-person appointment is required and cannot be done by phone or video — you must go to an enrollment center in person.
• Approval happens after your interview, not before, so you won't have Global Entry benefits until CBP officially approves your case.
• If you already have TSA PreCheck, you may be able to renew Global Entry at a lower cost through a conditional renewal process.

Create your account and start the online form

Go to trusted-traveler.cbp.dhs.gov and create an account using your email address. You'll set up a password and answer security questions. This account is separate from any other government login you might have — you cannot use your TSA PreCheck account or a general government ID.

Once you're logged in, select "Apply for Global Entry" and begin filling out the application form. You'll enter your personal information, passport details, travel history, and employment history. The form asks about any criminal history, immigration violations, or customs issues — answer honestly. Lying on the form can result in permanent denial and is a federal offense.

Save your work as you go. The system will let you log out and come back later if you need to gather documents or information. When you're ready to submit, review everything once more before you hit the final submit button.

Pay the $100 fee and receive your conditional approval

After you submit the form, you'll be taken to a payment page. The fee is $100 and covers five years of membership. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The payment is non-refundable, so make sure you meet the basic requirements before you pay.

Once payment goes through, you'll receive a confirmation number and an email. At this point, you have what's called conditional approval — it means CBP has accepted your application and you can now schedule an in-person appointment. You are not yet a Global Entry member. Conditional approval typically comes through within a few days of payment, though it can take up to two weeks.

Keep your confirmation number. You'll need it to schedule your appointment and to check your application status online.

Schedule your in-person appointment at an enrollment center

Log back into your account and look for the appointment scheduling section. You'll see a map of enrollment centers near you. Enrollment centers are located at major airports, some CBP offices, and a few other locations. The availability varies widely — some centers have appointments within two weeks, while others might be booked out two or three months.

Select a center and date that works for you. The appointment itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll be interviewed by a CBP officer, your documents will be reviewed, and your fingerprints will be taken. Bring your passport, driver's license, and any other government-issued ID. If you've lived outside the United States, bring documentation of where you lived and when.

If no appointments are available near you, check back frequently — centers release new slots regularly, and you might find an opening if you look every few days. Some people travel to a different city to get an earlier appointment.

Attend your interview and provide documents

Arrive 10 minutes early. Bring your passport and at least one other form of government ID. The CBP officer will ask you questions about your travel, your job, and your background. They're looking for any inconsistencies between what you wrote on the form and what you tell them in person. Answer directly and honestly.

The officer will also take your fingerprints digitally and take a photo. This is a standard part of the process. If you have any concerns about your background — a past arrest, a customs issue, or anything else — mention it to the officer before they ask. It's better to bring it up yourself than to have them discover it.

At the end of the interview, the officer will tell you whether you're approved or if they need more information. Most people are approved on the spot. If they need documents, they'll tell you what to send and where to send it.

Receive your approval and start using Global Entry

If you're approved at your interview, you'll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) before you leave. Write this number down or take a photo of it. You can start using Global Entry immediately by entering your KTN when you book flights or check in at the airport.

You'll also receive a physical Global Entry card in the mail within one to two weeks. The card has your KTN printed on it. You don't need the card to use Global Entry — your KTN is what matters — but it's useful to have for reference.

If you're not approved at your interview, the officer will explain why and tell you whether you can reapply. Some denials are permanent; others allow you to reapply after a certain period or after addressing specific issues.

What happens if your application is delayed or denied

If your interview is scheduled but you need to reschedule, log into your account and change your appointment. You can do this as many times as you need, though availability may be limited depending on your location.

If your application is denied, you have the right to request reconsideration. The CBP officer will explain the reason for denial and tell you how to appeal. Some denials can be overturned if you provide additional documentation or if circumstances have changed.

If you paid the fee and were denied, that money does not come back. This is why it's important to review the requirements carefully before you submit your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Global Entry before my in-person appointment?

No. You must complete your interview and receive official approval from CBP before you can use Global Entry. Conditional approval lets you schedule an appointment, but it doesn't give you access to the program yet.

What if I can't find an appointment near me?

Check the CBP website frequently — new slots open regularly. You can also travel to a different city for your appointment if that gets you in sooner. Some enrollment centers have much shorter wait times than others, so it may be worth the trip.

Do I need TSA PreCheck to get Global Entry?

No. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are separate programs. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so if you get Global Entry, you don't need to pay for TSA PreCheck separately. If you already have TSA PreCheck, you can renew Global Entry at a reduced rate.

What if I'm denied Global Entry because of my background?

You can request reconsideration and provide additional information. Some denials are based on misunderstandings or outdated information. The CBP officer will tell you the specific reason and whether reapplication is possible. Some people are denied permanently; others can reapply after a waiting period.

How long does Global Entry last?

Global Entry is valid for five years from the date you're approved. You'll receive a renewal notice by mail about four months before your membership expires. Renewal costs $100 and can usually be done online without another in-person appointment, though CBP may require an interview in some cases.