What to Bring to Your Global Entry Interview

Getting conditionally approved for Global Entry feels like the hard part.

Then comes the interview.

Most interviews are fairly quick, but what catches people off guard is showing up without the right documents. That is usually what causes delays, not the interview itself.

The good news is that the process is relatively straightforward once you know what to bring.

For this guide, all information comes directly from official US government and Customs and Border Protection sources.

Your valid passport

This is the main document you will need.

US Customs and Border Protection states that you must bring a valid passport to your interview. If you travel with more than one passport, bring all of them so the information can be added to your file.

A surprising number of people forget this part and only bring the passport they use most often.

A second form of identification

In addition to your passport, you should bring another government-issued ID.

For most people, this is usually a driver’s license or state ID card.

CBP specifically mentions this requirement during the interview process, especially when verifying your address and identity information.

Proof of residency

This is the part many applicants overlook.

You may be asked to provide proof of your current address during the interview. According to CBP, acceptable examples include:

• Driver’s license with your current address
• Utility bill
• Mortgage statement
• Rental payment statement

If your license already reflects your current address, that may be enough. Still, bringing an additional proof of residency document is usually a good idea just in case.

For minors, proof of residency is generally not required.

Permanent resident card, if applicable

If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you will also need to bring your machine-readable permanent resident card.

Without it, the interview may not be completed.

Your conditional approval information

Most applicants also bring a printed copy or screenshot of their conditional approval notification.

It is not always requested during the interview itself, but having it accessible makes things easier if there is any confusion at check-in.

You can access this through your Trusted Traveler Programs account.

Additional documents, if requested

Some applicants may be asked to bring extra documentation depending on their application history.

This can include:

• Court disposition documents
• Name change documentation
• Change of address records
• Immigration paperwork

If CBP requested something specifically in your application portal, make sure you bring it.

What the interview is usually like

The interview itself is often shorter than people expect.

In many cases, officers simply verify the information already listed in your application. You may be asked basic questions about travel history, employment, or previous addresses.

Fingerprinting and a photo are usually part of the process as well.

Some interviews take only a few minutes. Others take longer depending on the enrollment center and the applicant’s background.

Enrollment on arrival interviews

Some travelers complete their interview through Enrollment on Arrival instead of scheduling a separate appointment.

This happens after arriving back in the United States from an international flight at participating airports.

The document requirements are generally the same:

• Valid passport
• Proof of residency
• Permanent resident card, if applicable

If you use this option, it helps to keep everything easily accessible in your carry-on rather than packed away in checked luggage.

Small things that make the process easier

There are a few simple things that help the appointment go more smoothly.

Double-check that your documents match the information on your application. If your address changed recently, bring updated proof. If you renewed your passport after applying, bring both passports if possible.

It is also worth arriving a little early. Some enrollment centers are inside airports or federal buildings, where getting to the actual office takes longer than expected.

Most interviews are straightforward

The interview process sounds more intimidating than it usually is.

For most applicants, it is mainly about confirming identity and reviewing information already submitted online.

As long as you bring the correct documents, the appointment itself is often relatively quick.