Short answer: Yes, in some cases. The Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) scheduler can temporarily restrict access if it detects too many requests from your IP or session in a short time—often to prevent bots from hammering the site. That can look like “no appointments available” when others see slots, or a message asking you to try again later. To avoid it: don’t refresh the page excessively (e.g., every few seconds for long periods); use a normal browser and one tab; and consider using an appointment alert service that checks in a controlled way and notifies you, so you don’t have to refresh constantly yourself.
Why “Lockouts” Happen
CBP’s scheduler is a public website with limited capacity. To keep it usable and fair, the system may rate-limit or temporarily block access when it sees:
- Very high request volume from one IP or session (e.g., constant refreshing or automated scripts hitting the site too hard)
- Unusual patterns that look automated (e.g., many requests in a few seconds)
When that happens, you might see “no appointments available” even when slots exist, or a message to try again later. The block is usually temporary (minutes to hours), not a permanent ban. It’s meant to stop abuse, not punish normal users—but “normal” doesn’t include refreshing every second for an hour.
How to Avoid Triggering a Lockout
Don’t over-refresh
Checking the scheduler a few times an hour is fine. Refreshing every few seconds for long periods can look like a bot and trigger rate limits. If you’re checking often, space out your refreshes (e.g., every 5–10 minutes at most).
Use one browser and one tab
Opening many tabs or windows all hitting the scheduler at once can increase the request count from your session and contribute to rate limiting. Stick to one tab when you’re manually checking.
Don’t use aggressive scripts or bots
Running your own script that polls the scheduler every few seconds can get your IP or session limited. If you want automated monitoring, use a service that’s designed for it (e.g., GE Finder), which checks in a controlled way and sends you an email when a slot opens—so you don’t need to hammer the site yourself.
If you’re already blocked
Wait 30–60 minutes (or longer if you were very aggressive). Use the same network; try again later. If the message persists, try from a different network (e.g., phone hotspot) or later in the day. There’s no public “unlock” form—time and normal behavior usually resolve it.
What Doesn’t Cause a Lockout
Normal use doesn’t get you locked out: logging in, checking a few centers, booking when you see a slot, rescheduling once in a while. Using a reputable appointment alert service that notifies you when to book is also normal—you’re not the one making thousands of requests. The system is aimed at abuse, not at people who check frequently or use alert tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get locked out of the Global Entry scheduling system?
Yes. Excessive refreshing or automated-looking traffic from your IP or session can trigger temporary rate limits. You may see “no appointments” or “try again later” until the limit resets (often 30–60 minutes or more).
How long does a Global Entry scheduling block last?
Usually temporary—minutes to a few hours. Avoid refreshing for a while and try again later. There’s no official published duration.
Will using an appointment alert service get me locked out?
Reputable services monitor the scheduler in a controlled way and send you an alert when a slot opens; you then book on the official site. You’re not the one making huge numbers of requests, so normal use of such a service doesn’t cause a lockout.
✅ Key Takeaway
Too much refreshing or bot-like traffic can trigger a temporary block. Space out manual checks, use one tab, and consider an appointment alert so you don’t have to refresh constantly—and so you’re notified the moment a slot opens.