To get a same-day walk-in appointment at a Global Entry enrollment centre, check the availability of appointments at the centre you plan to visit. Some centres may not have same-day appointments available, while others may have limited spots.
Check the availability of appointments and arrive early in the day to increase your chances of getting a same-day appointment. Check the website of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or contact the enrollment centre directly for more information on same-day appointments and walk-in availability.
Global Entry enrollment and COVID-19
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CBP has temporarily suspended in-person interviews for Global Entry and other Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) and is conducting interviews virtually.
New enrollees may still apply for the program online, but the final in-person interview will be scheduled later once in-person interviews resume. Existing members of Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST programs whose memberships are set to expire during this time are being automatically extended until December 31, 2022.
How to qualify for an interview on arrival
To qualify for an interview upon arrival at a U.S. airport, you must be a pre-approved, low-risk traveller who has enrolled in the Global Entry program. Be approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after an in-person interview. To enrol in the program, you must:
- Complete the online application form, which includes a background check and fingerprinting.
- Pay the non-refundable $100 application fee.
- Schedule and attend a face-to-face interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
If approved for the program, you will be issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you can use when making flight reservations. You will also be able to use Global Entry kiosks at select airports when entering the U.S. instead of going through the regular immigration process.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person interviews are temporarily suspended. However, you can still apply online, and the final in-person interview will be scheduled later once in-person interviews resume.
How to get your Global Entry fee reimbursed
There are several ways to get your Global Entry fee reimbursed:
- Some credit cards companies, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, the Citi Prestige Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer a statement credit to cover the cost of the Global Entry application fee as a cardholder benefit.
- Some U.S. banks, such as Bank of America, also offer a statement credit to cover the cost of the Global Entry application fee as a cardholder benefit.
- Some employers offer to cover the cost of the Global Entry application fee as a benefit to their employees.
- If you are a frequent flyer program member, such as Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus, you can use your miles or points to pay the Global Entry application fee.
It is important to check with your credit card issuer, bank, employer or frequent flyer program to confirm if they offer reimbursement for the Global Entry fee.
It’s also worth noting that CBP has temporarily suspended in-person interviews for Global Entry and other Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) and is conducting interviews virtually. Still, if you applied for Global Entry before the suspension and were not approved, you can request a refund by contacting the CBP.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. The application process includes completing an online application form, paying a non-refundable $100 application fee, scheduling and attending a face-to-face interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center and being approved by CBP.
FAQ about Global Entry
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States.
How do I apply for Global Entry?
To apply for Global Entry, you must complete the online application form, pay the non-refundable $100 application fee, schedule and attend a face-to-face interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, and be approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person interviews are temporarily suspended. However, you can still apply online, and the final in-person interview will be scheduled later once in-person interviews resume.
What are the benefits of Global Entry?
Benefits of Global Entry include expedited clearance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival in the United States, the ability to use Global Entry kiosks at select airports, and the ability to use TSA PreCheck lanes at participating airports.
How long does it take to get Global Entry approved?
The time it takes to get approved for Global Entry varies, but the process can take several weeks or even months.
Can I get my Global Entry fee reimbursed?
Some credit card companies, banks and employers offer to cover the cost of the Global Entry application fee as a benefit. It’s important to check with your credit card issuer, bank, employer or frequent flyer program to confirm if they offer reimbursement for the Global Entry fee.
How long is my Global Entry valid?
Your Global Entry is valid for five years from the date of issuance.
Can I use Global Entry for international travel?
Global Entry is only valid for travel to the United States. If you plan to travel internationally, consider looking into other programs such as the TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST.
