Expedited screening
Global Entry interview: what to expect and how to prepare
By the TSA Wait Times team · Updated · Published June 2026
The Global Entry interview is a short 5–10 minute in-person meeting with a CBP officer at an enrollment center or airport. It is not a rigorous exam — it is a verification step. The vast majority of applicants pass without issues. Here is exactly what happens.
What Global Entry gives you
Global Entry is a CBP Trusted Traveler Program. Members get two benefits at once:
- Expedited US customs clearance — use the Global Entry kiosks on return from international travel instead of waiting in the full customs hall. Scan your passport, look at the camera, answer the declaration questions, collect your receipt, and exit through the fast lane.
- TSA PreCheck included at no extra cost — your Known Traveler Number (KTN) from Global Entry is your PreCheck number. No separate enrollment or fee required.
Cost: $100 for 5 years ($20/year effectively). Many premium travel cards reimburse the fee entirely — Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and others all offer this credit. Check your card benefits before paying out of pocket.
Who is eligible: US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Citizens of select partner countries are also eligible — including Netherlands, Germany, Panama, South Korea, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, UK, Argentina, Colombia, India, Japan, and others. See cbp.gov for the current eligibility list.
Before the interview: application and approval
| Step | What to do | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Apply online | Create a TTP account at cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry, complete the application, and pay the $100 fee. | Day 1 |
| 2. Wait for conditional approval | CBP runs a background check. You will receive an email when you are conditionally approved — this means you are eligible to schedule the interview. | 2–6 weeks |
| 3. Schedule your interview | Log in to your TTP account and book at the nearest enrollment center. Popular locations like JFK, LAX, and ORD may have waits of 4–6 months. Remote locations often have shorter waits. | Varies |
Faster option — Interview on Arrival (IOA): Conditionally approved US citizens and LPRs can complete the interview at a US international airport immediately upon returning from abroad — no appointment needed. Look for IOA signage near the Global Entry kiosk area after you land. This is often the fastest path to enrollment for anyone who travels internationally.
What to bring to the interview
Required documents:
- Your valid passport
- Permanent resident card (green card) if you are an LPR
- A second form of photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- For minors under 18: a parent or legal guardian must be present and bring the child's documents
Recommended: Your TTP interview confirmation (on your phone or printed). If you have an unusual travel history — frequent travel to regions CBP may ask about — documentation explaining the purpose is helpful.
You do not need to bring financial documents, criminal records, or employment paperwork. The CBP officer already has access to your background check results.
What happens at the interview
- Check in at the front desk — arrive on time. Most centers allow a 15-minute grace period, but late arrivals may need to reschedule their appointment.
- Biometrics (~2 minutes) — your fingerprints and a photo are taken. This is the same biometric data used to verify your identity at Global Entry kiosks on future arrivals.
- The interview (5–10 minutes) — a CBP officer reviews your documents, asks a short set of questions, and confirms the information on your application. This is a verification conversation, not a test.
Common interview questions
If you answered all questions honestly on your application, there are no surprises. The officer is confirming what is already in your file. These are the types of questions CBP officers typically ask:
| # | Question type |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm your name, address, and date of birth — matching what is in your application |
| 2 | "How often do you travel internationally, and where?" |
| 3 | "What is the primary purpose of your international travel?" (work, personal, family) |
| 4 | "Do you always declare all items you bring back to the US?" |
| 5 | "Have you ever had any customs violations, arrests, or criminal charges?" — if yes, the officer will ask follow-up questions about the specifics |
Answer honestly and concisely. Do not over-explain. The officer is confirming your file, not interrogating you.
Who gets denied?
CBP may deny Global Entry for any of the following reasons:
- Criminal history — any arrest or conviction, even minor, is reviewed. Expunged records may still appear in CBP systems.
- Prior customs violations — failing to declare items, making false statements at the border, or smuggling.
- False information on the application — intentional or not.
- Immigration violations or overstays
- Certain visa status issues
CBP does not disclose the specific reason for denial, and there is no formal appeal process. You may reapply after 2 years. The $100 fee is non-refundable even if denied. If any of the above applies to you, consult an immigration attorney before applying.
After the interview
If approved, you will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) within a few days by email — or you can find it immediately in your TTP account. Enter this number in your airline profiles (Delta, United, American, Southwest, and others) to activate TSA PreCheck on domestic flights.
Not sure where to locate it? See how to find your Known Traveler Number.
Using the Global Entry kiosk: on your next international arrival, look for the Global Entry kiosks (blue and white machines). Scan your passport, look at the camera, and answer the customs declaration questions. You will receive a receipt — exit through the expedited lane and bypass the main customs hall entirely.
Enrollment centers at major airports
Global Entry enrollment centers are located at many major airports — you can schedule an interview there even if you are not traveling that day. Locations with enrollment centers include ATL, BOS, CLT, DEN, DFW, EWR, FLL, HNL, IAD, IAH, JFK, LAX, LGA, MCO, MIA, MDW, ORD, PDX, PHX, SAN, SEA, SFO, SLC, TPA, and many more.
Look up the enrollment center and availability at your specific airport:
ATL Global EntryBOS Global EntryDFW Global EntryEWR Global EntryIAD Global EntryJFK Global EntryLAX Global EntryMIA Global EntryORD Global EntrySEA Global EntrySFO Global Entry
See cbp.gov for the full enrollment center list and to schedule your interview.
A few more questions before you apply:
How long does the Global Entry interview take?
Typically 5-10 minutes. Plan for 30-60 minutes total at the enrollment center (check-in, wait, biometrics, interview).
Do I need to bring anything special to my Global Entry interview?
Bring your valid passport, green card (if LPR), and a photo ID. Your TTP confirmation (on your phone or printed) is helpful. No financial documents or criminal records are needed.
Can I complete my Global Entry interview at the airport when I land?
Yes — Interview on Arrival (IOA) is available at most major international airports for conditionally approved US citizens and LPRs. Look for IOA signage at the Global Entry kiosk area on your next international return.
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Yes — Global Entry members receive TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. Your KTN (Known Traveler Number) from Global Entry is your PreCheck number. Enter it in your airline profiles.
Related guides
- How to find your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — once approved, here is where to get it and how to add it to every airline profile.
- TSA PreCheck enrollment guide — if you only need domestic PreCheck without international travel benefits, the $78 PreCheck-only enrollment may be enough.
Check your airport security wait before you fly
Global Entry speeds up customs on the way back. For your outbound trip, check today's live TSA security wait at your departure airport — so you know exactly when to leave home.