What Global Entry appointments are and where to book them

A Global Entry appointment is a one-time in-person visit where you go to an enrollment center, provide documents, have your photo taken, and get fingerprinted. This is the final step to set up your Global Entry membership — the trusted traveler program that lets you use expedited security lanes at U.S. airports and skip customs lines when you return to the country.

You book appointments through the official Trusted Traveler Programs website at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. This is the only place to schedule; there is no phone number to call or alternative booking system. You create an account, pay the $100 membership fee (if you have not already), and then search for open appointment slots at enrollment centers near you.

Enrollment centers are located at airports, some U.S. Customs and Border Protection offices, and a handful of other federal facilities. The number and location of centers varies by region — major airports have them, but rural areas may require travel to the nearest city.

Key Takeaways

  • You must book your appointment on ttp.cbp.dhs.gov after you have paid the $100 membership fee and been conditionally approved.
  • Appointment availability varies widely by location; some centers have slots weeks out, while others may show no openings for months.
  • You need to bring your valid passport, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and a state-issued ID to your appointment.
  • The appointment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes and includes a photo, fingerprints, and a brief interview with a CBP officer.
  • Once your appointment is complete, your membership is active and you can use Global Entry when ready at participating airports.

Steps to find and book your appointment

Log into your Trusted Traveler Programs account at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov using your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, create one with your email address and a password. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, passport number, and citizenship information during account setup.

Once logged in, go to the "Schedule an Appointment" section. Enter your zip code or city to see which enrollment centers are near you. The system will show you available appointment dates and times at each location. Slots fill up quickly in major metropolitan areas, so you may see no availability for several weeks or months.

Select an appointment date and time that works for you. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number, location, date, and time. Save this email or take a screenshot — you will need the appointment number when you arrive.

If no appointments are available in your area, check back regularly. The system releases new slots periodically, and cancellations open up spots. Some people check daily or set phone reminders to look at specific times when new slots typically appear.

Documents you must bring to your appointment

Bring your valid passport — this is the primary document CBP will review. If you do not have a passport, you can bring a passport card instead. The document must not be expired.

You also need proof of citizenship or permanent residency. If you are a U.S. citizen, your passport serves this purpose. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card or a copy of your I-551 form. If you are a conditional permanent resident, bring your conditional green card.

Bring a state-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID card. This does not have to be your passport — CBP wants to see two forms of ID. If you do not have a state ID, bring a military ID, tribal ID, or other government-issued photo ID.

Bring any documents related to your process if you have been asked to provide additional information. For example, if CBP requested proof of your address or employment, bring those documents. Check your Trusted Traveler Programs account for any messages from CBP before your appointment.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The CBP officer will call you when they are ready. Bring all your documents to the interview window.

The officer will review your passport and ID, verify your information against your process, and ask you a few questions about your travel history and background. These questions are routine — they are checking that the information you provided is accurate and that you have no disqualifying criminal history.

You will have your photo taken for your Global Entry card. Wear normal clothing and follow standard photo ID rules — no sunglasses, hats, or heavy makeup. The photo will appear on your physical card, which arrives in the mail after your appointment.

Your fingerprints will be taken electronically using a digital scanner. This is a standard part of the background check process. The entire appointment typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

After your appointment is complete

Your Global Entry membership becomes active when ready after your appointment ends. You can use your membership number to pass through expedited security lanes at participating U.S. airports and use Global Entry kiosks at customs when you return to the country.

Your physical Global Entry card will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks. You do not need to wait for the card to use your membership — your membership number is all you need. You can find your membership number in your Trusted Traveler Programs account.

If you travel before your card arrives, provide your membership number to the airline when you check in, or tell the TSA officer at security that you are a Global Entry member. They can verify your status in their system.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

Log into your Trusted Traveler Programs account and cancel your appointment as soon as you know you cannot attend. This releases the slot for another person and prevents a no-show on your record.

Once you cancel, you can when ready search for and book a different appointment time. There is no penalty for canceling, and you can reschedule as many times as you need.

If you miss an appointment without canceling, CBP may require you to wait a set period before booking another one. The exact wait time varies, but it can be several weeks. Always cancel if your plans change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an appointment after I pay the fee?

Availability depends entirely on your location. Major airports may have slots within days or weeks, while smaller cities or rural areas might show no openings for two to three months. You can book as soon as you pay the $100 fee and receive conditional approval — there is no waiting period.

Can I reschedule my appointment if I need to change the date?

Yes. Log into your account, cancel your current appointment, and book a new one. You can reschedule as many times as you need. Canceling releases your slot when ready, so do it as soon as you know you cannot attend.

What if I do not have a passport yet?

You must have a valid passport or passport card before you can book a Global Entry appointment. If you do not have one, explore for a passport first through your state's passport agency or the U.S. Department of State. Once your passport arrives, you can then book your Global Entry appointment.

Do I need an appointment if I already have TSA PreCheck?

Yes. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are separate programs. Even if you have TSA PreCheck, you still need to schedule an in-person appointment to enroll in Global Entry. However, if you have TSA PreCheck, your Global Entry membership fee may be reduced or waived depending on your status.

What happens if I arrive late to my appointment?

Contact the enrollment center directly as soon as you realize you will be late. Some centers will still see you if you are only a few minutes behind, but others may cancel your slot. It is better to call ahead than to show up late without warning.