The average processing time of a Global Entry application can take up to six months, according to the TTP website . In part, that's because of the program's popularity, but the time the application process takes can also be based on the availability for interviews at your nearest enrollment center.

In 2026, the timeline for getting Global Entry remains highly variable, typically ranging from two weeks to six months. The process begins with an online application and a $120 non-refundable fee. Approximately 80% of applicants receive "Conditional Approval" within 48 to 72 hours, which then allows them to schedule the mandatory in-person interview. The "bottleneck" is usually finding an available interview slot at an Enrollment Center, which can be booked out for months. However, you can bypass this wait entirely by using "Enrollment on Arrival" (EoA) or "Enrollment on Departure" (EoD); this allows you to complete your interview at a participating airport while you are already traveling internationally, without an appointment. Once the interview is complete, final approval is often granted within minutes, and you can begin using your PASS ID immediately. Your physical Global Entry card will then arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 days. For those who cannot find an appointment, third-party "appointment scanner" apps have become a common tool in 2026 to catch last-minute cancellations.