How to Book Your Global Entry Appointment

Where to book and what to expect

You book a Global Entry appointment through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov, not through a separate Global Entry portal. Once you have submitted your online form and received conditional approval, the system will show you available appointment slots at enrollment centers near you. You choose a date and time, confirm it, and you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and what to bring.

The appointment itself is short — usually 10 to 15 minutes. A CBP officer will verify your identity, take your fingerprints, and photograph you. You will pay the $100 membership fee at this time if you have not already paid during your online form submission. After the appointment, your Global Entry membership becomes active, and you can start using it at airport kiosks.

Appointment availability varies by location and season. Popular airports and enrollment centers can have wait times of several weeks or even months, especially during summer travel season. Less busy locations may have openings within days. If no appointments are available near you, you can check back regularly — cancellations do open up, and new slots are released periodically.

Key Takeaways

• You must complete your online TTP form and receive conditional approval before you can book an appointment through the same website.
• Appointment availability depends on your location and the time of year, with some centers showing openings weeks or months out.
• Bring your valid passport, state ID, and proof of citizenship or permanent residency to your appointment.
• The appointment takes 10 to 15 minutes and includes fingerprinting, a photo, and payment of the $100 fee if not already paid online.
• You can check for cancellations by logging back into your TTP account — slots do open up when other applicants cancel.

Steps to find and book your appointment

Log into your TTP account at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov using the username and password you created when you submitted your form. Once you are logged in, look for the option to schedule your appointment. The system will show you enrollment centers within a reasonable distance from the zip code you entered in your application.

Click on each center to see what dates and times are available. Some centers operate only on certain days or have limited hours. Select a date and time that works for you, then confirm your selection. You will receive a confirmation email immediately with your appointment number, location, address, and the exact time you are expected to arrive.

Save this confirmation email and the appointment number. You will need both when you arrive at the enrollment center. If you need to reschedule, you can log back into your TTP account and change your appointment, though availability may be different from when you first booked.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring your valid passport and a state-issued ID (driver's license or state ID card). These are required to verify your identity. You will also need to bring proof of citizenship or permanent residency — your passport serves this purpose if you are a U.S. citizen, but if you are a permanent resident, bring your green card or a copy of your I-551 form.

Bring the confirmation email or appointment number from your TTP booking. Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. If you have changed your name since you submitted your form, bring a document showing the legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Do not bring children unless they are also applicants with their own appointments. Do not bring weapons, large bags, or other items that are not allowed in federal buildings. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in.

If no appointments are available in your area

Availability is not the same as a closed program. It means all current slots at nearby centers are booked. Check back in a few days — the TTP system releases new appointment slots regularly, and cancellations happen frequently. Set a reminder to check your account every few days if you are flexible on dates.

You can also look at enrollment centers farther away. If you travel to another city or state, you may find openings at a center there. Some people book an appointment at a less busy location even if it requires travel, because the wait time is shorter. This is a personal choice based on your schedule and location.

If you are in a rush, check for appointments at smaller or less popular enrollment centers in your region. Rural areas and smaller cities typically have shorter wait times than major metropolitan airports. You can reschedule to a closer location later if an opening appears.

Payment and what happens after your appointment

The Global Entry membership fee is $100 for five years. You can pay this fee when you submit your online form, or you can pay it in person at your appointment. If you pay online, bring your receipt or confirmation. If you pay at the appointment, bring a credit card or debit card — the enrollment center accepts these payment methods.

After your appointment is complete, your membership becomes active immediately. You will receive your membership card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. While you wait for the physical card, you can use your membership number (which you will receive at the appointment or by email) at airport kiosks right away.

Your membership is valid for five years from the date of your appointment. You can renew it before it expires by submitting a renewal form through the TTP website. Renewal is faster than the initial process and does not require an in-person appointment at most locations.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

Log into your TTP account and select the option to reschedule or cancel. If you reschedule, you will be shown available slots again, and you can choose a new date and time. Cancellations are free — you are not charged a fee for changing your appointment.

If you cancel and want to book again later, you can do so through your TTP account as long as your conditional approval is still active. Conditional approval is typically valid for one year from the date you receive it, so you have time to find an appointment that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment before I get my conditional approval email?

No. You must complete your online TTP form and receive a conditional approval email before the appointment booking option appears in your account. The email will tell you that you are conditionally approved and direct you to schedule your appointment.

What if I miss my appointment?

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to reschedule through your TTP account. Missing an appointment does not cancel your conditional approval, but you will lose that time slot and have to book a new one. Availability may be different when you reschedule.

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must attend your appointment in person. The CBP officer needs to verify your identity, take your fingerprints, and photograph you. No one can do this on your behalf.

How far in advance should I book my appointment?

Book as soon as you receive your conditional approval and see available slots. Appointments fill up quickly at popular locations, especially during peak travel seasons. If you wait, you may find that the nearest center has no openings for several weeks.

What if my appointment is far from where I live?

You can travel to any enrollment center in the country for your appointment. Some people book at a location they will be visiting anyway, or they choose a less busy center to get an earlier date. You can reschedule to a closer location later if an opening appears.