How to Schedule and Prepare for Your Global Entry Appointment

Where to book your Global Entry appointment

You book Global Entry appointments through the Trusted Traveler Programs Online System (GOES), which is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This is the only official booking system — there is no phone line to call, no walk-in option, and no other website that schedules these appointments.

Go to goes.cbp.dhs.gov, create an account or log in, and select "Schedule an Appointment" under your application. The system shows you available dates and times at enrollment centers near you. Availability varies widely by location — some cities have openings within weeks, while others may show nothing for months. If your preferred location is full, check smaller airports or enrollment centers in nearby cities.

You cannot hold a spot without completing the booking. Once you select a date and time, the system assigns it to you immediately. You will receive a confirmation number by email — save this and bring it to your appointment.

Key Takeaways

• Book through goes.cbp.dhs.gov only; no other website or phone number schedules Global Entry appointments.
• You must have a pending or conditionally approved application before the system will let you schedule — you cannot book before submitting your application.
• Bring your confirmation number, valid passport, and any documents CBP requested in your application review.
• The appointment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes and includes a brief interview and fingerprinting.
• If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your application fee and have to reapply.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your valid passport — this is required and there are no exceptions. Bring your confirmation number from the GOES booking email. Bring any other documents CBP listed in your application review, which you can see by logging into GOES and checking your application status.

Common documents include a driver's license or state ID, proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and any documents you uploaded during your application. If CBP flagged something in your application — a criminal history, a visa denial, or a travel pattern they want to discuss — bring documentation that explains it. For example, if you have a misdemeanor conviction, bring court records showing the charge, sentence, and any expungement or pardon.

Do not bring originals of documents unless CBP specifically asked for them. Copies are sufficient for most items. Bring your passport original because CBP needs to scan it and verify it against federal databases.

What happens during the appointment

The appointment is short — usually 10 to 15 minutes. An officer will call you from the waiting area, take you to a private booth, and ask you questions about your travel history, your job, and your reason for wanting Global Entry. They are checking whether your application matches what you say in person and whether anything has changed since you submitted it.

Be honest and direct. If you said you travel for business but you actually travel for pleasure, say so now. If you have been arrested or cited since you submitted your application, tell the officer. If you have changed jobs or moved, mention it. The officer is not trying to trick you — they are verifying that the information you provided is accurate.

After the interview, the officer will take your fingerprints digitally and photograph you. They will then tell you whether you are approved, conditionally approved pending a background check, or denied. If you are approved, you will receive your Global Entry card in the mail within 2 to 4 weeks. If you are conditionally approved, you will hear back by email once the background check is complete.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment date or time, log back into GOES, find your appointment, and select "Reschedule." The system will show you available times at the same location. You can reschedule as many times as you need before your appointment date.

If you cannot make any appointment at your chosen location, you can cancel and rebook at a different enrollment center. Go to GOES, cancel the appointment, and then search for availability elsewhere. There is no penalty for rescheduling or moving to a different location.

If you miss your appointment without canceling in advance, CBP will typically deny your application and you will forfeit your fee. You would then have to submit a new application and pay the fee again. If you know you cannot make it, cancel through GOES as soon as possible.

Enrollment centers and how to find one near you

Global Entry appointments are held at enrollment centers located at major airports, some smaller regional airports, and a few land border crossings. CBP maintains a list of all enrollment centers on its website, but the easiest way to find one is through GOES itself — when you go to schedule, the system shows you every location within a reasonable distance and tells you which ones have openings.

Availability is not equal across locations. A major airport in a large city might have openings months out, while a smaller regional airport might have them within days. If you are flexible on location, checking a few nearby cities can cut your wait time significantly. Some people drive an hour or two to an enrollment center with sooner availability rather than wait months at their nearest airport.

You do not have to use the enrollment center closest to your home. You can schedule at any location in the country.

What to expect if your application is denied

If the officer denies your application at the appointment, they will give you a written reason. Common reasons include criminal history that disqualifies you, inconsistencies between your application and what you said in person, or information discovered during the background check that CBP considers a security risk.

If you are denied, you can reapply, but you should address the reason for denial first. If the denial was based on a misunderstanding or incomplete information, you can submit a new application with clarification or additional documents. If it was based on a criminal conviction or a security concern, reapplying immediately is unlikely to change the outcome — you would need to wait and show that circumstances have changed.

You do not get your application fee back if you are denied. You would pay the full fee again to reapply.

Timing: how long from booking to approval

The appointment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. After your appointment, the timeline depends on whether you are approved on the spot or conditionally approved pending a background check. If you are approved at the appointment, your card arrives in 2 to 4 weeks. If you are conditionally approved, the background check typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, and then your card is mailed.

The longest wait is usually before the appointment, not after. Depending on your location and how far out you book, you might wait anywhere from a few weeks to several months for an appointment slot to open. Once you have the appointment and complete it, the rest of the process is usually faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment before my application is approved?

No. The GOES system will not let you schedule an appointment until your application status shows "pending" or "conditionally approved." You must submit your application first and wait for CBP to review it before you can book.

What if I cannot find an appointment in my area?

Check enrollment centers in nearby cities or states — you do not have to use the closest one. Availability changes frequently, so check back every few days. Some people set a calendar reminder to check GOES weekly until an opening appears at their preferred location.

Do I need to bring my children to their own appointments?

Yes. Each family member needs their own appointment and their own Global Entry card. Children cannot attend a parent's appointment or use a parent's card. You will need to schedule separate appointments for each child and bring them to their own interview.

What if I am out of the country when my appointment is scheduled?

Reschedule through GOES before your appointment date. You cannot attend an appointment if you are not in the country, and missing it without canceling will result in denial of your application.

Can I reschedule my appointment multiple times?

Yes, you can reschedule as many times as you need through GOES. There is no limit on how many times you can change your date or location before your appointment.