How Long Does TSA Global Entry Interview Take?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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According to the majority of our Global Entry clients, the interview itself is relatively short and can last anywhere from

5 minutes to 30 minutes

(with most lasting approximately 15 minutes). If you have a criminal record though or have traveled to “flagged” countries, however, your interview might last longer.

Does Global Entry include TSA Pre?

Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States.

Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership

.

Do both parents need to be present for Global Entry interview?


Only one parent or guardian needs to be present at the interview

. The best part is, Global Entry is approved and valid as soon as the interview is over.

Are Global Entry interviews virtual?


Eligible Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) members can now complete enrollment interviews with a CBP officer through video teleconferencing

, while ensuring that the remote interview process maintains high security and privacy standards.

What happens during a Global Entry interview?

The Global Entry interview is done at an enrollment center, which has locations at most major airports. Once you arrive, you'll be checked in and will watch a video about the Global Entry program, what's included, and what's not. Eventually, you'll meet with a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.

Can I use my Global Entry card instead of my passport?


No, when you use the Global Entry kiosk, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card

. The Global Entry cards do not work when entering the United States by air through the Global Entry kiosks.

Which is better Global Entry or clear?

Although

CLEAR offers the added entertainment access perk, its membership cost is substantially higher

and you have to regularly fly through one of the 35 U.S. airports it serves to really benefit. Otherwise, you will still need to purchase TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to have shorter security lines when traveling.

How much is clear annually?

What is the cost of a CLEAR membership? A CLEAR membership costs

$179 annually

, and you can add up to three family members for $50 each per year.

Is clear better than Global Entry?

The main difference is that

TSA PreCheck and Clear save you time at the initial TSA security screening

, while Global Entry speeds up the process at customs after you return to the U.S. from an international destination.

Does my child need TSA PreCheck?


Children 17 and under who will be traveling alone or without a TSA PreCheck®-eligible parent or guardian must apply for TSA PreCheck® to have access to expedited screening

.

Can you bring a baby through Global Entry?

“Membership benefits for any of our programs do not extend to traveling companions, including minors. Therefore,

any child, regardless of age must be a member to use the kiosks

.” If Mike and his wife want to use Global Entry as a family, they'll need to sign their baby up as well.

Can a baby get Global Entry?

There is no minimum age requirement for Global Entry. However,

if you are under the age of 18, you must have your parent or legal guardian's consent to participate in the program

. Your parent or legal guardian does not have to be a Global Entry member.

Why is it so hard to get a Global Entry interview?


Due to high application volume and a large backlog due to past closures

, some Global Entry enrollment centers do not have open interview appointments for months and some locations show no available appointments at all.

Is Global Entry still doing zoom interviews?


Global Entry Renewals Can Now Be Done Over Zoom

I wasn't required to do an in-erson interview. Not everyone is so lucky. Somehow I missed the news earlier this month that Customs and Border Protection will now let you do Global Entry renewal…

Can I do my Global Entry interview anywhere?

Once you're conditionally approved, you'll need to make your interview appointment, If you can't secure an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center nearest to your home,

you can try to schedule an interview at a center farther away or you might be able to get an interview on arrival from an international flight at

How long does Global Entry take to get approved?

For new Global Entry , the processing time for an application can

exceed 90 days

. A full background check will be completed to ensure our potential members qualify for expedited processing into the United States.

Do you need passport for Global Entry interview?

Each must schedule a separate interview.

You will need to bring your valid passport(s) booklet

and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine readable permanent resident card.

How far back does Global Entry background check?

Global Entry/SENTRI:

10 Year

Violation Unofficial Policy for the Trusted Traveler Program? I have long suspected that the CBP Ombudsman might have an unofficial policy relating to one-time minor violations. My suspicion was that the Ombudsman's office had an unofficial 10 year policy relating to one time violations.

Is a Global Entry card a Real ID?


A Global Entry card is considered Real ID–compliant

and will be accepted under the new rules. Children under 18 get some leeway, as TSA does not require them to present identification when traveling with a companion within the U.S.

Does Global Entry expire?

Technically,

Global Entry expires five years after your next birthday

. If you apply shortly after your birthday, you'll have almost six years of eligibility.

Can you use Global Entry immediately after interview?

Your GE application has only been pre-screened,

you are not approved for the Global Entry Program until after the interview has taken place

. Normally you get your card by mail and then have to activate the card before everything is 100% ready.

What does Global Entry give you?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that

allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States

. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

Why is my Global Entry not giving me TSA PreCheck?

First,

check that your membership has not expired

by looking up your account here. If still active, confirm with your airline that your KTN, name, and date of birth are accurate and that your airline participates in TSA PreCheck®.

Is clear faster than TSA Pre?


CLEAR speeds up the travel document check process, while TSA PreCheck expedites the physical screening process

. Many of our members find that these two services complement each other providing the quickest, surest route through the entire airport security and screening experience.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.