Skip to content

It's about time: CBP resumes Global Entry interviews next week

Sept. 04, 2020
3 min read
Global Entry Passport US Flag America shutterstock_1559127509
It's about time: CBP resumes Global Entry interviews next week
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Great news: You'll finally get to sit for your Global Entry interview, starting next week.

Sign up for TPG's daily newsletter

After a six-month hiatus, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin seeing conditionally approved Global Entry applicants starting Sept. 8

Most enrollment centers in the United States will reopen the day after Labor Day. Appointments must be scheduled in advance online through the Trusted Traveler Programs website. Availability will vary by location.

Related: A 2020 challenge: I just applied for my Global Entry renewal

However, the U.S. land borders between Canada and Mexico remain closed for non-essential travel at this time. As a result, sister Trusted Traveler programs NEXUS and U.S.-Canada FAST are still suspending interviews, while SENTRI and FAST-South enrollments on the southern border may also be limited, CBP said in a press release.

To minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure for both travelers and employees, all applicants entering CBP facilities must wear face masks or similar cloth coverings. CBP also warns that applicants may experience staggered or reduced appointment availability; limited seating in waiting areas; enhanced sanitation measures including service counter disinfecting, Plexiglass barriers and face shields; and social distancing protocols.

Applicants should still expect to be fingerprinted as part of the final interview process.

Related: My Global Entry application was approved overnight. Many others aren't so lucky

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
(Photo illustration is by The Points Guy staff)

The past six months have been tough on everyone. The coronavirus pandemic brought normal life to a screeching halt back in March, including most domestic and international travel plans. Multiple branches of the U.S. government, including CBP, were impacted by closures designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19, and many have postponed or delayed reopening more than once.

Related: Where Americans can go

U.S. travelers have faced steep hurdles getting back on the road between border closures worldwide, a massive backlog of passport applications and a complete halt on Trusted Traveler interviews — amidst, of course, the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Unfortunately, it won't be as easy as breezing into an enrollment center for your interview. Numerous TPG readers have told us that they have been waiting on conditional approval for months now, even before the coronavirus pandemic, with one traveler calling the delay "pending review purgatory."

This $15 service can help you "skip the line" for Global Entry appointments, but scheduling an interview is still dependent on your application having been approved for final review.

And even if you do have conditional approval, CBP's schedule is still booked up for months to come.

Coming back from a trip abroad? If you've already been conditionally approved for membership or renewal, you don't have to worry about scheduling an appointment. Just stop in at a Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival office on your return to the U.S. for a quick interview.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
1XEarn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn up to 125,000 Bonus Miles
Annual fee
$650
Regular APR
19.49%-28.49% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Excellent to Good

Pros

  • Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
  • Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
  • Ability to earn MQDs through spending
  • Various statement credits for eligible purchases

Cons

  • Steep annual fee of $650
  • Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
  • Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
  • Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
  • $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees