Where to Book Your Global Entry Appointment and What Each Location Offers

Global Entry appointments are scheduled through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website, not through individual airport locations

You cannot walk into an airport enrollment center and book an appointment on the spot. Instead, you log into the official CBP Trusted Traveler Programs portal, select your preferred location from a list of active enrollment centers, and book a time slot that fits your schedule. The portal shows you which centers have openings and how far out those openings are — some locations book weeks in advance, while others may have slots available sooner.

The enrollment centers themselves are spread across the country at airports, border crossings, and some regional offices. Not every airport has a center, and not every center is open on the same days or hours. The CBP website is the only place that shows you real-time availability for each location.

Key Takeaways

• You book through the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs website, where you can see which enrollment centers have open appointment slots.
• Enrollment centers are located at major airports, some smaller airports, and select border crossing locations across the United States.
• Each location has different hours and days of operation — some are open weekdays only, others offer weekend appointments.
• If your nearest center has no availability, you can book at a different location, even if it requires travel.
• You can change or cancel your appointment through the same portal up to 72 hours before your scheduled time.

How to find and compare enrollment center locations

Start by going to the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs website and selecting the Global Entry program. The portal will ask you to enter your zip code or preferred location. It then displays all enrollment centers within a reasonable distance, ranked by how soon they have appointments available.

For each center, the portal shows you the address, hours of operation, and the earliest date you can book. Some centers are inside the airport terminal (you'll need a ticket or pass to enter), while others are in separate office buildings or border facilities. The listing tells you which type of location it is, so you know what to expect when you arrive.

If your closest center is booked out for months, you have options. You can book at a center further away, or you can check back regularly — cancellations happen frequently, and the portal updates in real time. Some people find that booking at an airport in a neighboring state actually gets them in faster than waiting for their local center.

Types of enrollment center locations and what to expect

Major airport enrollment centers are the most common. These are usually located in the airport's administrative area or a separate office building on airport grounds. You'll need to show your ID to security, and the process is straightforward — arrive early, check in, and complete your interview and biometrics in one visit. These centers tend to have more appointment slots available because they handle higher volume.

Border crossing enrollment centers operate at land borders with Canada and Mexico. These are typically in CBP offices at the crossing itself. The process is the same as at airports, but the location and hours may be more limited. If you live near a border, this can be a faster option than traveling to an airport.

Regional enrollment centers are smaller offices in cities without major airports. These fill up more slowly because they handle less traffic, which can mean shorter wait times for appointments. However, they may have fewer hours — some are open only on certain weekdays.

Appointment availability and booking timelines

Availability varies dramatically by location and season. In major metropolitan areas, you might see appointments booked 8 to 12 weeks out. In smaller cities or less-traveled airports, you may find slots available within 2 to 4 weeks. During peak travel seasons (summer and holidays), even small centers can fill up quickly.

The CBP portal updates availability in real time. If you see no openings at your preferred location, check back in a few days — cancellations create new slots regularly. Many people set a reminder to check weekly if they're flexible on dates.

Once you book, you receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, including the exact address, time, and what documents to bring. You can reschedule or cancel through the portal anytime up to 72 hours before your appointment. If you cancel within 72 hours, you forfeit your appointment fee, so plan accordingly.

What to bring to your appointment at any location

Regardless of which enrollment center you choose, you'll need the same documents. Bring a valid passport or passport card, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license works), and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. If you're applying based on lawful permanent resident status, bring your green card or I-797 approval notice.

You'll also need to bring the completed application form (DS-11 for passport applicants, or the Global Entry form itself if you're applying directly). The CBP website has the form available to download and fill out before you arrive, which speeds up the interview.

Bring payment for the application fee — currently $100 for a five-year membership. The center accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized, as you'll need it during the interview.

Enrollment centers at major U.S. airports

The largest enrollment centers are at airports in New York (JFK, Newark, LaGuardia), Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco, and Washington DC. These centers typically have the most appointment slots available and the longest hours of operation. Many are open six or seven days a week.

Secondary airports with enrollment centers include Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, Houston, and Minneapolis. These centers usually have fewer slots than major hubs but still offer regular availability.

Smaller regional airports may have enrollment centers, but availability is more limited. Check the CBP portal for your specific airport — not every airport has a center, even if it's a busy one.

Border crossing and regional office locations

If you live near the U.S.-Canada border, enrollment centers are available at crossings in Washington state (Seattle area), Michigan, New York, and Vermont. If you're near the U.S.-Mexico border, centers operate in Texas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico.

Regional CBP offices in cities like Denver, Phoenix, and Las Vegas also offer Global Entry appointments, even if there's no airport center nearby. These are often easier to book because they have less traffic than airport locations.

Hours at border and regional locations vary widely. Some are open Monday through Friday only, with limited evening hours. Check the portal for the specific hours at your chosen location before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment at an enrollment center far from my home?

Yes. You can book at any enrollment center in the country, regardless of where you live. Some people book at centers in cities they're traveling to for work or vacation, which can actually get them in faster than waiting for their local center.

What if the enrollment center I want is fully booked?

Check back regularly — the portal updates in real time as cancellations happen. You can also book at a different location, even if it's further away. Many people find that a center 50 miles away has availability when their nearest one is booked months out.

Do I need a plane ticket to enter an airport enrollment center?

No. You don't need a ticket or boarding pass. Tell airport security you're going to the CBP enrollment office, and they'll direct you. Some centers are in the administrative area, so you may not even go through the main terminal.

Can I change my appointment after I book it?

Yes, through the CBP portal. You can reschedule to a different date or location anytime up to 72 hours before your appointment. If you cancel within 72 hours, you lose your appointment fee.

How long does the appointment itself take?

Plan for 15 to 30 minutes. The interview is brief, and biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are quick. Arrive 10 minutes early to check in and complete any final paperwork.