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.

As of March 2026, the wait time for Global Entry "Conditional Approval" varies widely, typically ranging from 24 hours to 6 months. Most applicants without a complex criminal or customs history receive conditional approval within a few days; however, approximately 20% of applications are flagged for "Manual Review," which can take several months due to staffing levels at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The most significant bottleneck is the in-person interview. In 2026, finding an appointment at a major airport enrollment center can take 3 to 4 months. To bypass this, many travelers utilize "Enrollment on Arrival" (EoA), which allows you to complete your interview upon returning from an international trip at a participating U.S. airport without a prior appointment. The application fee has recently increased to $120 (though many premium credit cards still offer a statement credit), and once fully approved, the membership is valid for five years and includes the coveted TSA PreCheck benefit for domestic travel.