Short answer: Enrollment on Arrival (EOA) lets you complete your Global Entry interview when you return to the U.S. from an international trip—at certain airports—instead of booking a separate in-person appointment. You must already have conditional approval, and you do the interview with CBP at the airport after clearing customs. Not every airport offers EOA; wait times can be long; and you can’t “schedule” it in advance—you just show up when you land. It’s a useful option if you can’t find or can’t make a regular enrollment center appointment (e.g., before your conditional approval expires).
How Enrollment on Arrival Works
After you apply for Global Entry and get conditional approval, you normally have to book an interview at an enrollment center. EOA is an alternative: when you fly into the U.S. from another country, you go through customs as usual. At participating airports, CBP officers can conduct your Global Entry interview right there—no separate appointment needed. If you pass, you’re approved and your status updates; if not, you may be asked to schedule a follow-up or reapply.
Who Qualifies for EOA?
- You must have conditional approval (application paid and preliminarily approved).
- You must be arriving from an international flight (not domestic).
- You must land at an airport that offers EOA. Not all U.S. international airports do—check the official Trusted Traveler Programs site or CBP for the current list.
Advantages of EOA
- No appointment hunting. You don’t compete for a slot on the scheduler.
- Useful if approval is expiring. If you can’t get a center appointment before your conditional approval expires, EOA on your next international return can save you from reapplying.
- One less trip. You don’t need a separate visit to an enrollment center.
Limitations and Drawbacks
- You must be returning from abroad. No EOA on domestic-only travel.
- Not all airports offer it. Availability varies by airport and sometimes by terminal.
- No guaranteed time. You can’t reserve a slot. You wait in line after deplaning; wait can be long during peak periods.
- Officer availability. If CBP is short-staffed or busy, EOA may be delayed or unavailable that day.
How to Do EOA: Step by Step
- Apply for Global Entry and pay the fee. Wait for conditional approval.
- Book an international trip that returns to a U.S. airport that offers EOA.
- When you land, follow signs for “Global Entry” or ask CBP where to go for Enrollment on Arrival (often near the customs area or a dedicated Trusted Traveler line).
- Present your passport and conditional approval notice (or show your status on the TTP portal). Complete the interview. If approved, your Global Entry is activated.
For a combined strategy (EOA plus trying for a center appointment), see How to Combine Enrollment on Arrival with Regular Scheduling.
When EOA Makes the Most Sense
EOA is especially useful if: you have a trip abroad soon and your conditional approval is still valid; you can’t find any enrollment center appointment before your approval expires; or you don’t live near an enrollment center and don’t want to make a special trip. If you’d rather get your interview done sooner at a center, use the scheduler and consider appointment alerts so you’re notified when slots open—then you can choose the option that fits first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Global Entry enrollment on arrival work?
EOA lets conditionally approved applicants complete their Global Entry interview at select U.S. airports when arriving from an international flight. You go through customs and then complete the interview with CBP at the airport—no separate appointment needed.
Do I need an appointment for Enrollment on Arrival?
No. You don’t book a time. You just show up when you land at an airport that offers EOA and follow the process. Wait times depend on how busy the airport is.
Which airports offer Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival?
The list changes. Check the official CBP Trusted Traveler Programs website for the current list of airports that offer EOA.
Can I do EOA if my conditional approval is about to expire?
Yes, as long as it’s still valid on the day you land. If it expires before you complete EOA, you’d need to reapply and pay again.
✅ Key Takeaway
Enrollment on Arrival lets you complete your Global Entry interview when you return from international travel at participating airports—no separate appointment. You need conditional approval and must land at an airport that offers EOA. It’s a good backup if you can’t get a center appointment or your approval is expiring.