How to Do a Global Entry Enrollment Interview on Arrival

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

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You’ve applied for Global Entry and been conditionally approved (or renewed your Global Entry membership and been selected for an interview). But when you go to book your interview at an airport near you, there are no time slots available for the next year. What can you do? You can take advantage of Enrollment on Arrival (EoA).

What Is Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival?

Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows you to complete your interview (for either a new membership or a renewal) when you’re returning to the country. If you’re arriving on an international flight into an airport that offers EoA, you can request to have your interview conducted at the same time that you’re being processed at arrivals.

How Do I Get a Global Entry Interview on Arrival?

You do not need to sign up for an interview in advance—you can do a Global Entry interview walk-in. Simply ask the CBP officer who is processing your arrival into the country if they can do your interview now.

You must be arriving on an international flight in order to qualify, as you won’t go through customs on a domestic flight.

Note that you may have to wait until an officer is free to conduct your interview, so Enrollment on Arrival is not a good option if you have a tight connection.

I recently waited while my husband completed an interview on arrival (for a Global Entry renewal) in Atlanta, and it took less than half an hour, including wait time for the officer.

Which Airports Are Eligible for Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival?

Click here to see the full list of airports offering Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival, as well as the hours that the service is available. You don’t even have to be in the United States to complete an interview, as certain international airports (including ones in Canada and Ireland) also offer the perk.

What Do I Need To Bring with Me for My Global Entry Interview?

You’ll need to bring:

A valid passport
Proof of residency (a driver’s license with your current address, a mortgage statement, a utility bill, etc.)
A permanent resident card (if applicable)

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Caroline Morse Teel is a Senior Editor at SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from around the world

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