What to Bring for a Global Entry Interview
5 Min Read | Published: May 23, 2025
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
Learn what to bring to a Global Entry interview. Bringing the right documentation and information to your interview can help to prevent processing delays.
At-A-Glance
- The Global Entry program provides expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers upon arrival in the United States.1
- The Global Entry application fee is $120 and lasts for five years, but American Express® Platinum Card Members are eligible to receive an application fee credit in the form of a statement credit.
- The interview is the final step to getting approved for Global Entry and requires you to bring some specific documentation.
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program allowing expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers when they arrive in the United States.
If you travel internationally a lot, Global Entry can save you a lot of time when returning to the U.S. or allow you to skip customs at certain airports abroad.
The final step in the Global Entry application process is an interview to confirm your identity in-person and verify the information you’ve provided. In this article, we’ll look at what to bring for a Global Entry interview and what to expect.
What Documents to Bring to a Global Entry Interview
The main purpose of a Global Entry interview is to confirm that the information you provided on your application is accurate. The documents you need to bring to a Global Entry interview at an enrollment center include:2
- Your Global Entry approval letter
- Valid passport (all of them if you have more than one) or machine-readable permanent resident card if you’re a lawful permanent resident.
- One other form of government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or ID (identification) card.
- Court disposition papers for any prior arrests or convictions.
In some cases, you may also be asked to provide proof of residency, which you may do with a utility bill, mortgage or rental payments statement, or your driver’s license if the address is current. Your conditional approval notice will let you know if you need to bring any additional supporting documents to your interview.
Minors do not have to show proof of residency, but a legal guardian must provide it on their behalf.
Enrollment on Arrival
The Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) program allows conditionally approved Global Entry applicants to complete their interview when they arrive in the United States. These interviews don't need to be scheduled and are available at select major U.S. airports.
You’ll need the same documentation as you would for a scheduled Global Entry interview, as well as proof of residency.
What to Expect During the Global Entry Interview
Global Entry interviews may only be about 15 minutes. Your application may already be conditionally approved, so the interview is aimed at confirming the information you’ve previously provided.
Some of the questions you may be asked include:
- Why do you want to join the Global Entry program?
- Who is your employer?
- What is your address?
- Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
- Have you ever had an issue at customs, airport security, or border patrol?
Always answer truthfully, even if you’re concerned about a past incident. While it is possible that your application is denied during the interview, it is uncommon. Once you’ve gone through the interview once, you won’t typically need to do it again to renew your Global Entry membership.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Global Entry Interview
Like any interview, it’s important to treat a Global Entry interview with respect. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Being Late
Make sure you show up a few minutes before your scheduled interview so you don’t disrespect your interviewer’s time. - Dressing Inappropriately
Leave the ball cap or flip-flops at home. You probably won’t fail an interview due to dressing too casually, but it’s best to dress like you would for any professional setting to avoid giving a bad first impression. - Missing Documents
You should always double-check your approval letter to ensure you have all the necessary documentation for the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
You could fail a Global Entry Interview. You may be found to be not eligible for Global Entry for a few different reasons, including providing false or incomplete information on the application or having been convicted of any criminal offense (or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants).3 If you are denied, you should be provided with a written declaration as to why.
The Global Entry application fee is $120 and approval lasts for five years. The Platinum Card® from American Express® offers Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® reimbursement in the form of a statement credit to help you save.
Global Entry interviews are not formal, but you shouldn’t treat them casually either. Wear something that would be appropriate for a professional setting.
The Global Entry interview may take about 15 minutes. The interviewer may ask a few questions and as long as you answer truthfully and your answers match the information you’ve already provided, it should be a straightforward process.
The Takeaway
The Global Entry is a great way for frequent international travelers to save time when returning to the United States or at select airports abroad. The interview is the final step of the application process, and should be a fairly simple one, especially if you bring the right documentation.
1 “Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection
2 “Trusted Traveler Program - What do I need to bring to my interview?,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection
3 “Eligibility for Global Entry,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Nick Perry writes about personal finance, real estate, insurance and other complicated topics that need simplifying. He lives in Melrose, Massachusetts with his wife, son, and dog, Goose.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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