What is the average wait time for Global Entry?

Travelers applying for Global Entry, including new members, should expect delays in application processing times, which U.S. Customs and Border Protection says can take up to 11 months. Longer-than-normal wait times are due to an average of 317,000 new members monthly — an average that has nearly doubled since 2022.



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It's a typically faster process than the regular customs line, which can sometimes take hours. Getting Global Entry includes submitting an application, paying the $100 fee (free with some credit cards), undergoing a background check, and sitting through an in-person interview after a preliminary approval.

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The only potential downsides of Global Entry is that it requires fingerprinting and background check and costs $100 every 5 years. Scheduling and completing your Global Entry interview can also be a hassle, which is why taking advantage of Enrollment on Arrival can be wise.

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Can I interview for Global Entry remotely? Yes, you may interview with CBP for your Global Entry application as long as you are renewing your membership and not applying for the first time. The remote interviews take place over Zoom.

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You can't upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry Even if you already have TSA PreCheck, you must apply for Global Entry separately. There is no way to get an automatic upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry. You must complete the Global Entry application documents and then make an interview appointment.

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If you rarely travel abroad and don't want to pay for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck is $78 for a five-year membership and gives you expedited security checks at more than 200 select airports in the U.S. If you don't have a U.S. passport, this is the best option.

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If you mostly travel domestically and want access to expedited security screening, TSA PreCheck may make sense for you. If you travel internationally and want access to faster customs screening upon reentry to the U.S., consider Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, instead.

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According to a New York Times article, 3 to 5 percent of the 30,000 Global Entry traveler applications submitted each month are rejected. Most common reason? Criminal background checks come up with some sort of red flag that causes the application to be rejected prior to any interview.

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