Short answer: In 2026, Global Entry continues to see high demand and long wait times for interview slots at major airports, while Enrollment on Arrival (EOA) and less busy enrollment centers remain the main ways to get an interview sooner. Application volume stays strong; conditional approval times vary (often a few days to several weeks); and the bottleneck is still securing an in-person interview. Trends to expect: more use of EOA, more reliance on appointment alerts and multi-center tracking, and continued pressure on big hubs like JFK, LAX, and MIA. See our blog on 2026 wait times and How Many Global Entry Applications Are Approved Monthly? for numbers.
Demand and Application Volume
Trusted Traveler Programs (including Global Entry) have grown steadily. More applicants mean more competition for the same number of interview slots. CBP does not publish real-time monthly application counts for Global Entry alone; aggregate Trusted Traveler stats (e.g., total members) are reported periodically. What we know: application volume remains high, and the scheduler at popular centers often shows no availability for months. So the main “trend” for applicants is: getting conditional approval is one step; getting an interview slot is the harder step. See Why Global Entry Says 'No Appointments Available'.
Conditional Approval and Interview Bottlenecks
Conditional approval times in 2026 vary—some applicants see it in days, others in weeks. Once you’re conditionally approved, you must complete an in-person interview. At major airports, the next available slot can be many months out. So “trends” that matter for you: (1) use Enrollment on Arrival if you have an international return; (2) monitor multiple centers if you can travel; (3) use appointment alerts so you’re notified when cancellations open up. Tools like GE Finder help with (2) and (3)—they monitor the scheduler and notify you when a slot opens at your chosen centers.
EOA and Less Busy Centers
Enrollment on Arrival has become a standard fallback for conditionally approved applicants who can’t find a center appointment. EOA doesn’t require booking a slot; you complete your interview when you land from abroad at a participating airport. Another trend: applicants increasingly look at less busy enrollment centers (e.g., some border or regional locations) where wait times can be much shorter. See The Most Overbooked Global Entry Centers in 2026 and our airport guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest changes in Global Entry for 2026?
Continued high demand, interview slot scarcity at major hubs, and greater reliance on EOA and appointment alerts. Conditional approval times vary; the main bottleneck remains securing an interview.
Are Global Entry wait times getting better or worse in 2026?
At busy airports, wait times for the next available slot often remain long (many months). Less busy centers and EOA continue to be the main ways to get an interview sooner. Appointment alerts help you catch cancellations when they appear.
✅ Key Takeaway
In 2026, demand stays high and interview slots at major centers stay scarce. Use EOA, less busy centers, and appointment alerts to get an interview sooner.