Enrollment on Arrival: What It Is and How to Use It
Skip traditional scheduling entirely by doing your interview after landing. Complete guide to Global Entry's enrollment on arrival (EOA) option for when regular appointments aren't available.
What is Enrollment on Arrival (EOA)?
Enrollment on Arrival allows you to complete your Global Entry interview and biometric collection at designated U.S. ports of entry without a pre-scheduled appointment. It's the perfect solution when you can't find traditional interview slots.
How EOA Works
- Submit online application: Complete the standard Global Entry application online
- Get conditional approval: CBP reviews and conditionally approves your application
- Travel to EOA airport: Fly into a designated enrollment on arrival airport
- Complete interview: Go to the Global Entry enrollment area after clearing immigration
- Get full approval: Receive your Global Entry card and access immediately
EOA Eligibility and Requirements
Who Can Use EOA?
- All approved applicants: Anyone with conditional Global Entry approval
- US citizens: Full citizenship required (green card holders use regular appointments)
- International travelers: Must be arriving from international destinations
- No restrictions: Available to all eligible travelers regardless of travel purpose
What You Need for EOA
- Conditional approval: Must have CBP approval email
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months
- US address: Required for membership
- Payment confirmation: $100 fee must be paid
- Travel itinerary: Flight arriving at EOA airport
Complete List of EOA Airports (2026)
Major West Coast Hubs
- Los Angeles (LAX): Terminal 6, near international baggage claim
- San Francisco (SFO): International Terminal G, near immigration
- Seattle (SEA): Central Terminal, 3rd floor near passport control
- San Diego (SAN): Terminal 2, near international arrivals
- Las Vegas (LAS): Terminal 3, international arrivals
Major East Coast Hubs
- New York JFK (JFK): Terminal 1, near international arrivals
- Miami (MIA): Central Terminal, near immigration
- Orlando (MCO): Main Terminal, international arrivals
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Terminal 4, near customs
- West Palm Beach (PBI): Main Terminal, international side
Additional EOA Locations
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD): Terminal 5, international arrivals
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): Terminal D, international arrivals
- Denver (DEN): Jeppesen Terminal, international arrivals
- Atlanta (ATL): International Terminal, near passport control
- Boston (BOS): Terminal E, international arrivals
The EOA Process Step by Step
Pre-Travel Preparation
- Complete application: Submit Global Entry application online
- Receive approval: Get conditional approval email from CBP
- Book flight: Choose flight arriving at EOA airport
- Prepare documents: Print approval email and gather documents
- Confirm location: Note the specific EOA processing area
Upon Arrival at Airport
- Clear immigration: Go through standard passport control
- Collect baggage: Get your luggage if needed
- Find EOA area: Look for Global Entry enrollment signs
- Check in: Present approval email to enrollment officer
- Wait for processing: May take 30 minutes to 2 hours
The Interview and Biometrics
- Background verification: Officer reviews your application
- Biometric collection: Fingerprints and photo taken
- Final interview: Questions about travel and background
- Card issuance: Receive physical Global Entry card
- Activation: Card is immediately active
What to Expect: Processing Times and Waits
Typical Processing Times
- Check-in: 5-10 minutes
- Waiting area: 30 minutes to 2 hours (varies by airport and time)
- Interview: 10-15 minutes
- Biometrics: 5 minutes
- Total time: 1-3 hours from check-in to completion
Peak vs. Off-Peak Times
| Time Period | Wait Time | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning (6-9 AM) | 30-60 minutes | Best time to arrive |
| Midday (10 AM-3 PM) | 1-2 hours | Moderate wait |
| Afternoon/Evening (4-8 PM) | 2-4 hours | Avoid if possible |
EOA vs. Traditional Appointments
Advantages of EOA
- No scheduling required: No need to find available appointment slots
- Flexible timing: Can travel whenever convenient
- Immediate processing: Get approved same day you arrive
- Travel flexibility: Change plans without losing appointment
- Backup option: Always available when regular appointments aren't
Disadvantages of EOA
- Longer processing time: 1-3 hours vs 10-15 minutes
- Limited airport choice: Only available at specific airports
- Potential delays: Wait times can be unpredictable
- International arrival required: Must arrive from abroad
- Weather dependent: Flight delays can complicate processing
What to Bring for EOA Processing
Essential Documents
- CBP approval email: Print or have digital copy
- Valid passport: Original document required
- Proof of U.S. address: Utility bill or lease
- Payment confirmation: Receipt for $100 fee
- Travel documents: Flight itinerary if requested
Additional Items
- Comfortable clothing: For potentially long waits
- Entertainment: Book, tablet, or other distractions
- Snacks/water: Processing areas may not have amenities
- Phone charger: Keep devices charged for updates
- Backup transportation: In case of delays
Tips for Successful EOA Processing
Preparation Tips
- Arrive early: Account for immigration and security lines
- Check airport website: Confirm EOA location and procedures
- Monitor flight status: Be aware of any delays
- Have all documents ready: Organized and easily accessible
- Plan for wait time: Bring items to stay comfortable
During Processing
- Be patient: Processing times vary by airport and time of day
- Follow instructions: Listen carefully to enrollment officers
- Ask questions: Clarify any confusion about the process
- Stay in the area: Don't wander far from the processing area
- Keep phone handy: Officers may need to contact you
Common EOA Questions and Concerns
Can I use EOA if I have a green card?
No, EOA is only available to U.S. citizens. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) must schedule traditional appointments at enrollment centers.
What if my flight is delayed?
Flight delays shouldn't prevent EOA processing, but they may affect wait times. Contact the airport's Global Entry office if you anticipate significant delays.
Can I bring family members to EOA?
Yes, family members can accompany you, but each person needing Global Entry must go through their own EOA process individually.
What if I get denied during EOA?
If denied during EOA, you can reapply after the mandatory wait period (typically 1 year for most denials). The denial reason will be provided, which can help with future applications.
Is EOA available 24/7?
No, EOA operates during regular airport hours, typically from early morning until late evening. Check specific airport hours before arrival.
Success Stories and Real Experiences
✈️ EOA Success Story
"I couldn't find any appointments for 8 months, so I flew into LAX from Canada specifically for EOA. The whole process took about 90 minutes from landing to having my Global Entry card. Totally worth the extra flight!"
- Sarah M., Toronto resident
EOA Planning Checklist
Pre-Travel (2-4 weeks before)
- ✅ Global Entry application submitted and conditionally approved
- ✅ $100 fee paid and confirmation received
- ✅ Flight booked to EOA-enabled airport
- ✅ EOA location and procedures confirmed
- ✅ All required documents prepared
Day of Travel
- ✅ Arrive at airport 2-3 hours before international flight departure
- ✅ Allow extra time for immigration and security
- ✅ Locate EOA area immediately after clearing immigration
- ✅ Have CBP approval email ready to present
- ✅ Be prepared for 1-3 hour processing time
What to Do If Issues Arise
- ❓ Contact CBP Global Entry office at the airport
- ❓ Ask for supervisor assistance if wait times are excessive
- ❓ Have backup transportation arranged
- ❓ Keep important phone numbers handy
- ❓ Consider next steps if denied
🎯 When to Choose EOA
EOA is perfect when you need Global Entry urgently but can't find traditional appointments. It's especially valuable for time-sensitive business travel, family reunions, or when you've been monitoring unsuccessfully for months. The trade-off of longer processing time for guaranteed same-day approval often makes it worthwhile.
Final Thoughts on Enrollment on Arrival
Enrollment on Arrival is a fantastic backup option when traditional appointment scheduling proves impossible. While it requires more time on the day of arrival, it provides guaranteed access to Global Entry processing without the months-long waits for traditional appointments. Plan carefully, arrive prepared, and be patient with the process. Most travelers complete EOA successfully and gain full Global Entry benefits the same day they arrive. It's particularly valuable for urgent travel needs or when you've exhausted other appointment options.