Complete Global Entry Interview Upon Arrival From an International Trip
Scheduling a Global Entry interview just got a little easier as the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency announced it has launched an "Enrollment on Arrival" service at five airports in the US, allowing travelers to complete their Global Entry enrollment interview as part of the immigration process when arriving from an international trip.
The new program, which is now available at both Houston airports (IAH and HOU), Austin (AUS), San Francisco (SFO) and Vancouver (YVR), is open to those who have already submitted the online Global Entry application and been conditionally approved for membership — but still must complete the in-person interview. Rather than scheduling an appointment at a local Global Entry location, passengers can interview while simultaneously clearing customs from an international trip if they are returning to the United States through one of the five airports.
Eligible travelers who wish to take advantage of the service will be directed to an "Enrollment on Arrival" booth where a customs officer will conduct the standard inspection procedures and the Global Entry interview at the same time — while also collecting the traveler's fingerprints for Global Entry kiosk access. Once the process is successfully completed, the traveler is a Global Entry member during the five-year membership period.
Global Entry is a popular immigration program for regular international travelers, allowing expedited screening for passengers arriving back into the United States from travel abroad. Often the most frustrating part of getting Global Entry is scheduling the interview, as high demand at many locations results in long wait times of weeks or even months. CBP intends to expand Enrollment on Arrival to other airports in the coming months, and expects the service to reduce interview wait times and lessen demand at other interview locations.
The Points Guy highly recommends Global Entry for those who travel outside of the US — even on a semi-regular basis. Travelers can even get the $100 application fee refunded if you pay for it using a credit card that offers a Global Entry fee waiver or rebate. If you're approved for Global Entry, you'll also receive TSA PreCheck membership for expedited processing at TSA security checkpoints within the States as well.
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