Waiting months for a Global Entry interview is frustrating. If you're returning from an international trip and you're already conditionally approved, you may be able to complete your interview when you land — no appointment needed. Here's how Enrollment on Arrival works in 2026, who's eligible, where it's available, and what to do step-by-step.

What is Enrollment on Arrival (EoA)?

Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) is a way to complete your Global Entry interview when you enter the United States from another country. Instead of booking a separate appointment at an enrollment center, you do the interview at the airport (or port) where you clear U.S. customs. CBP officers can conduct the interview as part of your arrival process — when staffing and capacity allow.

EoA doesn't replace the application or conditional approval. You still apply online, pay the fee, and wait for conditional approval. Once you're conditionally approved, EoA is one option to finish the process without fighting for a slot at an enrollment center. For more detail, see our guide on what Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival is and how it fits with the rest of the process.

Who is eligible for Enrollment on Arrival?

You can only use EoA if:

• You have conditional approval for Global Entry (your Trusted Traveler Programs account shows that status).
• You are arriving in the U.S. from an international trip (by air or at a land border that offers EoA).
• You have a valid passport and any other documents required for your applicant type (e.g., permanent resident card if applicable).

You cannot do EoA on a domestic flight or before you've been conditionally approved. If your application is still in "Pending Review," you must wait for conditional approval first. If you're not sure how long that usually takes, our post on why your Global Entry status still says pending review can help.

Where is Enrollment on Arrival available?

EoA is offered at many major international airports and at some land border crossings. Availability depends on the port: not every airport or border has EoA, and even where it exists, it may depend on staffing and hours. CBP does not publish a single guaranteed list that covers every scenario, so the safest approach is to confirm with CBP or your arrival port whether EoA is available there.

In practice, large international gateways (e.g., JFK, LAX, Miami, Chicago O'Hare, Newark, San Francisco, Atlanta, Dallas–Fort Worth, Seattle, Boston, Washington Dulles, Houston) often have EoA, but you should still verify. Smaller international airports may or may not offer it. At land borders, only some locations support EoA. When in doubt, check the official CBP or Trusted Traveler Programs information for your port.

Step-by-step: What to do when you land

1. Before you travel: Make sure your Global Entry application shows "Conditionally Approved" in your TTP account. Have your passport and a copy or screenshot of your conditional approval (or the approval message) ready.
2. When you land: Go through normal customs/immigration. Use the standard passport control line (or the line CBP directs you to).
3. At the CBP officer: Tell the officer that you are conditionally approved for Global Entry and would like to complete Enrollment on Arrival. They will confirm your status and tell you where to go next.
4. Interview: You may be directed to a separate area or to wait for an available officer. A CBP officer will conduct your Global Entry interview (similar to what you’d do at an enrollment center): verify your documents, ask a few questions, and complete your enrollment.
5. After the interview: Once approved, your status will update. You can then use Global Entry kiosks on future trips (and TSA PreCheck where applicable) once the system reflects your approval.

What to bring

• Passport (valid, unexpired).
• Proof of conditional approval — e.g., a printout or screenshot from your Trusted Traveler Programs account showing "Conditionally Approved."
• If you're a permanent resident, your permanent resident card.
• Any other documents you were told to bring when you applied (e.g., for certain visa or citizenship situations). When in doubt, bring what you’d bring to a regular enrollment center interview.

How long it takes and what to expect

The interview itself usually lasts about 5–15 minutes. Total time from landing to finishing EoA depends on how busy the port is: you might wait in line after primary inspection, then wait for an officer to be free. There’s no fixed appointment time, so allow extra time if you have a connecting flight or other plans. If you have a tight connection, EoA can be risky; see Common mistakes below.

Pros vs cons vs normal interview scheduling

Pros of EoA:

• No need to book or compete for an enrollment center appointment.
• You use time you’re already at the airport instead of making a separate trip.
• Useful when enrollment center wait times are long (e.g., many months at busy locations).

Cons / limitations:

• Only available when you’re returning from abroad; not for domestic-only travelers.
• Availability and wait times vary by port and time of day; you can’t reserve a slot.
• If the port is short-staffed or very busy, EoA might not be offered or the wait could be long.
• Tight connections or limited time at the airport can make EoA impractical.

Normal enrollment center interview: You choose a date, time, and location in advance. Better if you’re not traveling internationally soon or if you need a predictable schedule. The downside is getting a slot: wait times can be many months at popular centers. You can combine EoA with regular scheduling — e.g., try EoA on your next international return, and if it doesn’t work out, keep looking for a center appointment.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming you can do EoA before conditional approval — You must be conditionally approved first.
• Not asking at the port — If you don’t tell the CBP officer you want EoA, they may send you on your way. Clearly say you’re conditionally approved and want to complete Enrollment on Arrival.
• Arriving too late or with a tight connection — EoA can add 15–45+ minutes. If you have a short connection or a domestic flight to catch, you might run out of time. Plan buffer or consider a traditional appointment instead.
• Assuming every airport offers EoA — Availability varies by port. Verify for your arrival airport or border.
• Missing the opportunity — EoA happens in the customs/arrivals area. Once you leave that area, you typically can’t go back to do EoA on the same trip.

Frequently asked questions

What is Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival?

Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) lets you complete your Global Entry interview when you return to the U.S. from an international trip, at the airport or port where you clear customs. You don't need a pre-scheduled appointment at an enrollment center.

Who is eligible for Enrollment on Arrival?

You must be conditionally approved for Global Entry first. EoA is only for applicants who have already received conditional approval and are arriving in the U.S. from abroad. You cannot do EoA on a domestic flight.

Where is Enrollment on Arrival available?

EoA is available at many major international airports and some land border crossings. Availability varies by port and depends on CBP staffing. Check with CBP or your arrival airport to confirm EoA is offered at your port.

What do I need to bring?

Bring your passport, your conditional approval letter or proof of status (e.g., printout or screenshot from your TTP account), and any other documents required for your application type (e.g., permanent resident card if applicable).

How long does it take?

The interview usually takes about 5–15 minutes. Total time depends on how busy the port is. You may wait in line after clearing primary inspection; CBP will direct you to complete the interview before you exit the customs area.

Can I do EoA if I have a tight connection?

It's risky. EoA happens after you clear customs, and wait times vary. If you have a short connection or a domestic flight to catch, you may run out of time. Consider scheduling a traditional interview instead, or allow plenty of buffer.

What if my airport doesn't offer Enrollment on Arrival?

You'll need to schedule an interview at an enrollment center. Use the official TTP scheduler to look for openings, or use a monitoring service to get notified when cancellations free up slots at your preferred location.

Can I combine EoA with trying to get a center appointment?

Yes. Many applicants try EoA on their next international return and, in parallel, look for an enrollment center slot. If EoA isn't available or doesn't work out, they still have a path to complete the process. Our guide on how to combine Enrollment on Arrival with regular scheduling walks through this.