Global Entry Interview: What They Ask & What Gets You Denied (2026)
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Information sourced as of February 2026. The fees, timelines and procedures below were current when this guide was published and match our companion PDF. Government requirements change, so confirm current details at the official links at the end before your interview.
The interview at a glance
| What it is | A 10 to 15 minute in person interview with a Customs and Border Protection officer at an enrollment center |
| When to schedule | Within 730 days of conditional approval, which is about two years |
| Fee | $120 for five years, which includes TSA PreCheck. Children under 18 are free with an enrolled parent |
| What to bring | Valid passport, one additional identification, proof of residency, and any special documents |
| What they ask | Why you want Global Entry, your travel history, criminal history, employment, and current address |
| What happens after | Most people are approved on the spot and receive activation instructions |
| If you cannot get an appointment | Enrollment on Arrival at 69 airports, or Enrollment on Departure at 2 airports |
Who this guide is for
This is written for United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who have already applied for Global Entry and received conditional approval. You have completed the online application, paid the $120 fee, and passed the initial background check. The enrollment interview is the final step.
If you have not applied yet, start with our complete Global Entry application guide instead.
Your document checklist
Required for everyone
- Valid, unexpired United States passport
- One additional form of government issued identification, such as a driver’s license or state identification card
- Proof of your current residential address
- Your conditional approval notification, printed or on your phone
Required if it applies to you
- Machine readable permanent resident card. Lawful permanent residents bring this instead of a passport
- All additional passports if you hold dual or multiple citizenship
- Certified court disposition papers for any prior arrest, even one that was dismissed, expunged or sealed
Recommended
- Your Trusted Traveler Programs application printout, so you can review your own answers beforehand
- A written list of countries you visited in the past five years with approximate dates and trip purposes
What counts as proof of residency
Bring one of these: a driver’s license showing your current address, which also doubles as your second identification; a utility bill dated within the last 60 days; a mortgage statement; a rental lease or recent rent receipt; or a bank or credit card statement showing your current address.
These are not accepted: mail addressed to you without official letterhead, a post office box as your only address, or someone else’s utility bill even if you live there. If you live with someone else and have no bills in your name, bring your lease or a bank statement.
Prior arrests: the part most people get wrong
This is the most important section in this guide. Many applicants do not realize that dismissed, expunged and sealed arrests still appear in federal databases. Explaining it verbally at the interview is not enough to clear the flag.
If you have any prior arrest, whatever the outcome, you need to obtain certified court disposition papers from the county where the arrest happened. The disposition should show the final outcome, whether that was dismissed, not guilty, expunged, or a completed diversion program. Bring the original certified copies, not photocopies.
Officers have access to the National Crime Information Center and other federal databases. Those systems flag arrests even when a state court has sealed or expunged the record. Without official disposition papers the officer cannot verify the outcome, and may deny your application.
Contact the clerk of court in the county where the arrest occurred and request a certified copy of the case disposition. Some counties take two to four weeks, so start this now rather than the week of your interview. Situations that commonly require disposition papers include driving under the influence arrests even when reduced, drug possession charges even when dismissed through diversion, disorderly conduct, theft charges, and any arrest that resulted in booking even if you were never formally charged.
What to review the night before
The officer compares your answers to what is already in your application. Inconsistencies, even innocent ones, slow the interview down and raise concern. Fifteen minutes of review prevents most of it.
- Travel history for the past five years. Write down every country, approximate dates, and the purpose of each trip. “I traveled to Europe” is not detailed enough. Aim for “I visited France in June 2024 for a two week vacation.”
- Employment details. Your employer’s name, your job title, how long you have been there, and the employer’s address. If you changed jobs since applying, know the previous employer too.
- Current address. Confirm it matches your application. If you moved, update your Trusted Traveler Programs profile before the interview.
- Your application answers. Log in and re-read them. The officer has them in front of them.
The questions they ask, and how to answer
Officers typically ask eight to twelve questions. Here are the ones that come up most, and what a good answer sounds like.
“Why are you applying for Global Entry?”
They want a straightforward, practical reason. A good answer: “I travel internationally several times a year for work and want faster processing through customs.” Also fine: “My family and I take one or two international trips a year and I would like to speed up re-entry.” Avoid long explanations or complaints about customs lines.
“Tell me about your travel history over the past five years.”
Specific countries, approximate dates, and purposes. A good answer: “I went to Mexico in March 2024 for a week long vacation. I visited the United Kingdom in November 2023 for a business conference. I traveled to Canada twice in 2022 for family visits.” Avoid vague answers. Use the list you prepared.
“Do you have any criminal history?”
This is the most important question of the interview, and complete honesty is the only correct approach. If you have none, say so plainly. If you have a prior arrest, disclose it even if it was dismissed or expunged: “I was arrested for [charge] in [year] in [county]. The charge was [dismissed or reduced or resolved]. I have my certified court disposition papers here.”
Officers have already reviewed your background before you sit down. They usually know the answer before they ask. Dishonesty is grounds for immediate denial, and it can flag you for additional customs scrutiny in future.
“Have you ever been refused entry to any country?”
If yes, name the country, the year and the reason. Customs and Border Protection has access to international databases and may already know.
“Have you ever had a customs violation?”
This includes undeclared items, agricultural products, exceeding duty free limits, or having items seized. If it happened, disclose it and explain what you learned. A single mistake years ago rarely causes denial if you are transparent. Hiding it will.
“Where do you work and how long have you been there?”
Name, title and duration. If self employed, describe the business and how long you have run it. If you are retired or between jobs, say so. This question verifies your application, not your employment status.
“Have you ever carried more than $10,000 across a border?”
Disclosing this is a legal requirement. If you have, explain the circumstances. Failing to declare large sums is a federal offense and will result in denial.
“What do you typically bring back from international trips?”
They want to see that you understand customs rules. A good answer: “Mostly personal items and souvenirs. I always declare anything I purchased abroad.” Do not joke about smuggling, even sarcastically.
What happens at the enrollment center
You arrive, check in and hand over your identification and forms, wait to be called, then go to your interview room. Procedures vary slightly by location.
After the questions the officer collects biometrics. Your photograph is taken, so remove glasses and hats, though religious coverings are permitted, and keep a neutral expression. Then each finger is scanned. If your hands are dry the officer may suggest moistening them for a clearer scan.
Most people are told they are approved immediately. Some applications need supervisor review, and that decision arrives by mail or email.
You must activate your membership before using it. Use the Global Entry Mobile App or CBP One to scan your face, or use a Global Entry kiosk to scan your passport and fingerprints and complete your customs declaration.
Scheduling, and the 730 day deadline
Log into your Trusted Traveler Programs account at ttp.dhs.gov, open your conditionally approved application and select Schedule Interview. You can search by home city, an airport you are flying through, or a specific center.
Availability varies enormously. Large hubs such as John F. Kennedy, Los Angeles International and O’Hare are often booked months out, while smaller centers may have openings within days. Check several.
New appointment slots are released on the first Monday of each month at 9:00 AM local time. If your preferred center is full, check that morning.
You have 730 days from conditional approval to complete your interview. Miss that window and your application is automatically canceled and your $120 is not refunded. Schedule as soon as you are conditionally approved.
If you cannot find an appointment
| Enrollment on Arrival | Enrollment on Departure | |
|---|---|---|
| When | When you return from an international trip | Before an international flight departs |
| Where | 69 airports including JFK, LAX and O’Hare | Washington Dulles and Miami International only |
| Appointment | None needed, first come first served | None needed |
| Watch out for | Depends on staffing, can involve long waits, you may be turned away when busy | Very few locations, and you must arrive at the airport considerably earlier |
Rescheduling without losing your application
Log into your Trusted Traveler Programs account, open your application and select Reschedule. Do not cancel your appointment outright. Always reschedule, or contact the enrollment center directly. There is no official limit on rescheduling, but your 730 day window keeps counting down.
What gets people denied
- Dishonesty or omission. The single most common reason. Officers have reviewed extensive federal databases before your interview begins. A past offense you honestly disclose is far less likely to cause denial than a clean record the officer knows is not true.
- Missing or incorrect documents. Your interview cannot be completed and you have to rebook. Use the checklist above and check it the morning of.
- Vague travel history. Officers want countries, dates and purposes. Check passport stamps, email confirmations or card statements to jog your memory.
- Certain criminal convictions. Felonies, drug offenses, customs violations and fraud can be disqualifying even when old or expunged. Bring certified disposition papers and be ready to discuss them openly.
- Frequent travel to high risk countries. Explain trip purposes clearly and bring supporting documentation where you have it.
- Missing the 730 day window. Cancellation and forfeiture of the fee.
If you are denied
A denial is not always final. You can file a reconsideration request through the Customs and Border Protection Ombudsman in your Trusted Traveler Programs account, which is free, or formally request a hearing in writing to the Traveler Compliance Ombudsman. Gather your supporting documentation first.
Fees, children and reimbursement
The $120 fee is paid when you submit your application and covers your full five year membership. There are no annual fees or renewal surcharges. It includes Global Entry at all participating airports, TSA PreCheck on domestic flights with no separate application, access to Enrollment on Arrival and Departure, and the Global Entry Mobile App.
Children under 18 apply free when a parent or guardian applies at the same time or already holds an active Trusted Traveler membership. Each child still needs their own application and their own interview, and a parent or guardian must attend with them.
Many premium credit cards reimburse the fee as a statement credit, typically appearing within one to two billing cycles. Our TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry guide lists the cards that commonly offer it.
Special situations
- Renewals. Many renewals do not require an interview at all. If one is needed, the process is the same. See our Global Entry renewal guide.
- Family applications. Everyone needs their own application and interview. Schedule them together.
- Name changes. Update your Trusted Traveler Programs profile and bring supporting documents such as a marriage certificate or updated passport.
- Lost card. Replace it through your account, though most travelers now use the mobile app instead.
- Medical or disability accommodations. Enrollment centers provide them. Contact your center before the appointment.
Day of interview checklist
Documents packed: valid passport, additional government identification, proof of current address, court disposition papers if applicable, all additional passports if applicable, and your conditional approval confirmation.
Preparation done: five year travel history reviewed, employment details reviewed, current address confirmed against your application, and your submitted answers re-read.
Logistics: know how to get to the enrollment center, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, do not schedule a tight flight connection afterwards, and charge your phone.
The interview is a verification, not an interrogation. Bring your documents, answer honestly and specifically, and most people walk out approved.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the Global Entry interview?
Usually 10 to 15 minutes with a Customs and Border Protection officer at an enrollment center.
What questions are asked at the Global Entry interview?
Officers typically ask eight to twelve questions covering why you want Global Entry, your travel history over the past five years, criminal history, employment, current address, and your customs habits.
What gets you denied for Global Entry?
Dishonesty or omission is the most common reason. Others include missing documents, vague travel history, certain criminal convictions, frequent travel to high risk countries, and missing the 730 day interview deadline.
Do I need court papers if my arrest was dismissed or expunged?
Yes. Dismissed, expunged and sealed arrests still appear in federal databases. Bring certified court disposition papers showing the final outcome. Some counties take two to four weeks to produce them.
How long do I have to complete the interview?
730 days from conditional approval, about two years. After that your application is canceled and the $120 fee is not refunded.
What if I cannot get an appointment?
Use Enrollment on Arrival at one of 69 airports when returning from an international trip, or Enrollment on Departure at Washington Dulles or Miami International. New scheduled slots also open on the first Monday of each month at 9:00 AM local time.
Are children required to interview?
Yes. Children under 18 apply free when a parent is enrolled or applying, but each child needs their own application and interview, with a parent or guardian present.
Official resources
- Trusted Traveler Programs account: ttp.dhs.gov
- Global Entry program information: cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
- Enrollment center locator: ttp.dhs.gov/schedulerui/schedule-interview/location
- Enrollment on Arrival airports: cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-arrival
- CBP INFO Center: 1-877-227-5511, Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern
- CBP Help Center: help.cbp.gov
Details as of February 2026. Procedures and fees change, so verify at the official government sites above before your interview. GovClarity is not a government agency and is not affiliated with Customs and Border Protection.
