Short answer: First-time travelers are eligible for Global Entry—there’s no “minimum trips” requirement. Here’s what to expect: (1) Apply on the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) site, pay the $100 fee, and wait for conditional approval (often a few days to several weeks). (2) Book an interview at an enrollment center—slots can be months out at busy airports, so use appointment alerts or Enrollment on Arrival when you return from an international flight if your airport offers it. (3) Interview: bring your passport and conditional approval; the officer will verify your identity and ask a few questions. (4) Once approved, you use Global Entry kiosks when entering the U.S. from abroad. See our guide hub, how to apply, and common interview questions.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
1. Application
Create a TTP account, complete the Global Entry application, pay $100, and submit. You’ll need a valid passport, U.S. address, and basic personal and travel history. Conditional approval can take a few days to several weeks.
2. Getting an Interview
After conditional approval, you must complete an in-person interview. On the scheduler, the “next available” slot at busy centers is often months out. To get something sooner: use an appointment alert service (e.g., GE Finder) to be notified when a cancellation opens, or use Enrollment on Arrival when you return from an international flight at a participating airport.
3. The Interview
Bring your passport and conditional approval notice (or show status on the TTP site). The officer will confirm your identity and ask a few questions about your travel and eligibility. It’s usually short and straightforward. See common interview questions on our blog.
4. After Approval
Once approved, you’ll get your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Use it when booking flights and at Global Entry kiosks when entering the U.S. from abroad. You also get TSA PreCheck for domestic flights.
What First-Timers Often Forget
- Book the interview before conditional approval expires. You have a limited time (often one year) to complete the interview after conditional approval.
- Arrive on time (or early) for your interview. Missing it can terminate your application and forfeit the fee. See What to Do If You Miss Your Global Entry Interview.
- Use your KTN when booking flights so PreCheck and Global Entry show up on your boarding pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should first-time travelers know about Global Entry?
You’re eligible with no minimum travel requirement. Expect: application → conditional approval → interview (book soon; slots are scarce) → approval. Use alerts or EOA to get an interview sooner.
How long does it take from application to approval?
Conditional approval can take days to weeks. The bottleneck is often the interview—slots at busy centers can be months out. Alerts or EOA can shorten that wait.
✅ Key Takeaway
First-timers are eligible. Apply, get conditional approval, then book an interview (use alerts or EOA to get one sooner). Bring passport and approval notice to the interview.