Short answer: Border enrollment centers (and many smaller, non-airport centers) are faster for Global Entry because demand is much lower than at major airports. Fewer people live near them or think to check them, so appointment slots sit open longer and new openings appear more often relative to demand. CBP staffs these centers for border and port operations; Global Entry interviews are often a secondary use of that capacity, so slots can be easier to get. If you can travel to a border or low-demand center, you can often secure an interview in weeks instead of many months. See The Most Overbooked Global Entry Centers in 2026 for the opposite—centers to avoid if you want the soonest date.
You can complete your Global Entry interview at any enrollment center in the U.S. that offers it—your address does not restrict you. So adding a border or low-demand center to your search (or using appointment alerts that monitor them) is one of the most effective ways to get an earlier slot. For more on location strategy, see How to Track Multiple Enrollment Centers at Once and Border Town Global Entry Centers (if that template exists) or the guide hub by airport/center.
In this guide
Why Border and Small Centers Are Faster
Demand drives wait times. Major airport centers (e.g., JFK, LAX, Miami, O'Hare) serve huge populations and millions of travelers. Everyone checks those first, so slots fill quickly and the next available date can be many months out. Border and smaller centers (e.g., land-border ports, smaller airports, or enrollment centers in less populated areas) serve fewer applicants. Fewer people are searching for those locations, so:
- Open slots stay available longer.
- New slots (from cancellations or CBP releases) are taken more slowly.
- The "next available" date is often much sooner—sometimes weeks instead of a year or more.
CBP uses the same eligibility and process at every center; the only difference is supply and demand. For data on which centers are most overbooked, see The Most Overbooked Global Entry Centers in 2026.
What Counts as a Border or Low-Demand Center
Typically:
- Land-border ports of entry where CBP runs enrollment centers (e.g., Calais, Maine; Warroad, Minnesota; small crossings in Texas or Arizona). These are often the fastest because they're off the radar for most applicants.
- Smaller airports that offer Global Entry enrollment but aren't major hubs. They have less foot traffic and fewer people searching for appointments there.
- Enrollment centers in less populated states or regions where fewer people are competing for slots.
You can find a full list of enrollment centers on the official Trusted Traveler Programs site. Filter by state or region and look for centers that aren't the busiest airports.
How to Use Them
- Add one (or two) border or low-demand centers to your search. If you can drive or take a short flight, include a center in a neighboring state or at a land border.
- Check the scheduler for those centers—you'll often see availability much sooner than at your local major airport.
- Use appointment alerts. Services like GE Finder can monitor 2–3 centers at once. Add your local center plus a border or low-demand center; when a slot opens at any of them, you're notified. That way you don't have to remember to check the border center manually.
- Book as soon as you see an opening. Even at low-demand centers, good slots can be taken quickly once people discover them. Act fast when you get an alert or see availability.
Tradeoffs (Travel, Hours)
Border and small centers may have:
- Longer drive or travel time than your local airport. Weigh the cost of travel (time, gas, or flight) against the time you save by getting an interview months earlier.
- Limited hours or days. Some centers are open only on certain days or for limited hours. Check the TTP site or CBP for the center's schedule before you book.
- Fewer amenities. They may be smaller or have less nearby (e.g., food, parking). Plan accordingly.
For many applicants, a few hours of travel to get an interview in weeks instead of a year is a good trade. For more on fitting this into a busy schedule, see How to Find Global Entry Appointments While Working Full-Time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really use any enrollment center in the U.S.?
Yes. Your home address does not restrict which center you use. You can complete your interview at any U.S. enrollment center that offers Global Entry.
Are border centers safe and legitimate?
Yes. They're official CBP enrollment centers. The process and eligibility are the same as at an airport; you're just at a different type of port of entry.
Will my approval be slower if I use a border center?
No. Approval is based on your application and interview, not which center you use. Once you complete the interview, your approval is processed the same way regardless of location.
✅ Key Takeaway
Border and smaller enrollment centers are faster because demand is lower. If you can travel to one, you can often get an interview in weeks instead of many months. Add them to your search or use alerts that monitor them along with your local center.