How to Find and Book Your Global Entry Appointment

Where to book your Global Entry appointment

You book Global Entry appointments through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website, which is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This is the only official place to schedule. You cannot book by phone, email, or through a travel agent.

Go to ttp.cbp.dhs.gov and log in with your account. If you don't have one yet, you'll create it there first. Once logged in, you'll see a "Schedule Appointment" button that takes you to the availability calendar for enrollment centers near you.

The calendar shows which days and times have open slots. Availability changes constantly — some centers have weeks of open dates, while others fill up months in advance. If your preferred location is full, you can check nearby cities or set a reminder to check back in a few days.

Key Takeaways

• Book only through ttp.cbp.dhs.gov; there is no phone line or alternative official booking method.
• You need a TTP account before you can see appointment availability, and creating one takes about 10 minutes.
• Appointment slots vary widely by location and season — some centers have same-week openings while others are booked months out.
• The appointment itself lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers fingerprinting, a photo, and a brief interview.
• You can reschedule or cancel through your TTP account up until 24 hours before your appointment.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a passport, driver's license, or state ID card. You'll also need proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. A U.S. passport is the easiest option because it covers both requirements at once. If you don't have a passport, bring a birth certificate or naturalization certificate along with your driver's license.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2. The officer will verify your identity and background during the appointment, so accuracy matters. If you've changed your name since your ID was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

You don't need to print anything or fill out forms beforehand — the enrollment center will handle that. However, if you've moved since you created your TTP account, update your address online before your appointment so the records match.

Appointment availability by enrollment center location

Global Entry appointments are held at enrollment centers run by CBP, usually located at major airports, some seaports, and a few land border crossings. The TTP website shows all centers in your region and their current availability when you search.

Urban airports with high traffic — like those in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami — tend to fill up faster and may have longer wait times. Regional airports and some land borders often have more open slots. If you're flexible on location, checking a center 30 to 60 miles away can sometimes cut your wait time in half.

Some enrollment centers operate only on certain days or have limited hours. The calendar on TTP shows the exact days each center is open, so you won't waste time traveling to a location that's closed when you plan to go.

How far in advance you can book

You can book appointments up to 60 days ahead on the TTP website. If you're looking for a slot more than two months away, you won't see it yet — you'll need to check back when the calendar rolls forward.

During busy travel seasons (summer, winter holidays, spring break), slots 30 to 60 days out fill quickly. If you need an appointment during those periods, check the website as soon as the 60-day window opens for your preferred location. For off-season months, you often have more flexibility and can book with just a few weeks' notice.

If no slots are available at your chosen center, set a calendar reminder to check back in three to five days. Cancellations happen regularly, and new slots sometimes open as CBP adjusts staffing.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

Log into your TTP account and go to "Manage Appointment." You can reschedule to a different date or location, or cancel entirely. You must make changes at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time. If you cancel or miss your appointment within 24 hours, you lose your fee and will need to pay again to book a new one.

If you need to reschedule, do it as soon as you know — don't wait until the last minute. Rescheduling opens up your original slot for other people, and you may find better availability at a different time or location.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. You'll check in at the enrollment center, and an officer will verify your identity using the documents you brought. The officer will take your fingerprints, photograph, and ask basic questions about your background — mostly confirming information from your TTP application.

The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive a receipt and instructions on how to track your case status online. Global Entry cards are mailed to your address within two to four weeks, though some people receive them sooner.

If the officer finds an issue with your background or documents, they'll tell you at the appointment. In rare cases, they may deny your case and explain why. You can appeal a denial through the TTP website.

Tracking your application after the appointment

After your appointment, log back into your TTP account to check your case status. It will show whether your background check is in progress, approved, or if any issues came up. You can also see an estimated delivery date for your card once it's been approved and sent to the printer.

Your Global Entry membership is valid for five years from the date your card is issued. You can renew it through the TTP website starting 180 days before your card expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. Each person must have their own TTP account and book their own appointment. Parents can help children create accounts and schedule, but the applicant's information must be accurate in the system.

What if I can't find any available appointments near me?

Check enrollment centers in nearby cities — sometimes driving an hour away opens up slots that aren't available locally. You can also check back every few days, as cancellations create new openings. During slow travel periods, availability usually improves within one to two weeks.

Do I need to bring my TTP confirmation email to the appointment?

No, but it's helpful to have it on your phone or printed in case there's a question about your appointment time. The enrollment center will have your information in their system regardless.

What if I miss my appointment?

You'll forfeit your fee and lose your appointment slot. You'll need to pay the Global Entry fee again and book a new appointment through the TTP website. There's no grace period or rescheduling option if you miss the appointment without canceling first.

Can I change my appointment location after I book?

Yes. Use the "Manage Appointment" option in your TTP account to reschedule to a different enrollment center. You must do this at least 24 hours before your original appointment time.