Step 1 - Apply for Global Entry
You must first apply for the Global Entry program through the DHS Trusted Traveler Programs website. You will be asked to pay a $120 fee for a 5 year membership. You will also have to fill out questions regarding your background.
Note: You are able to waive the $120 fee if you pay using one of these travel credit cards .
Start Your Global Entry ApplicationStep 2 - Wait for conditional approval
After your application has been submitted, you will have to wait for conditional approval. Conditional approval means that you have been pre approved for the Global Entry program, but you need to schedule an interview to finalize your application.
How long it's actually taking: Most people get conditional approval in 1-4 weeks. During busy seasons (think January after everyone's New Year's resolution to travel more), it can stretch to 6-8 weeks.
Quick tip:
Triple-check your passport info matches your application exactly. Even a missing middle initial can cause weeks of delays. We've seen it happen too many times.
Step 3 - Schedule Your Global Entry interview
Congratulations! You've been conditionally approved for Global Entry. The next step is to schedule your interview at Houston Intercontinental (IAH).
What people are saying about Houston Intercontinental (IAH):
"Super quick - maybe 10 minutes total. The officer just asked about my travel plans." - Last week
"Get there 15 min early. They run on time here. Don't forget your driver's license!" - Yesterday
Documents to Bring (CBP Requirements):
- Valid passport
- Driver's license or state ID
- Permanent resident card (if applicable)
- Documents showing current address if recently moved
- Click the button below to open the DHS Trusted Traveler Program website.
- Scroll down to your state (TX)
- Click on Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
- Click on the "Chose This Location" button to see the available timeslots at Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
Step 4 - Skip the Global Entry Interview wait time
You might notice that Houston Intercontinental (IAH) is showing "No appointments available for this location", or the next appointment available is months out.
So what can you do?
Global Entry interview appointments are constantly cancelled, rescheduled, and added. This means that if you can monitor the interview slots, you can find an appointment that fits your schedule.
This is exactly what Global Entry Alerts does. We monitor the interview slots at Houston Intercontinental (IAH) and send you an SMS alert when an appointment opens up. This way, you can skip the long wait time and book your interview as soon as this week.
Click below to sign up and cut months off your Global Entry interview appointment wait time.
Sign Up For Global Entry AlertsHouston Intercontinental (IAH) Details
Directions: If coming from I-45 you will go east onto Beltway 8. You will see the airport sign. If coming from HWY 59 you will go west onto Beltway 8. You will see the airport sign. At this point just follow the airport signs into the airport. You would then follow signs directly to the airport for parking at any terminal, if you chose to park at terminal A or B, take the train to terminal E. Another option is park offsite at the paid Parking areas, and take the shuttle bus to Terminal E. When you enter Terminal E international arrivals, we are on the lower level, there will be a sign outside the Global Entry office.
Notes: The Global Entry Enrollment Center at IAH is located at Concourse E, Level One, International Arrival Level. Ensure you bring all valid passports, current driver's license and proof of current residence (i.e. utility bill, phone bill, etc.), application approval cannot be finalized without them. Applicants who arrive more than 15 minutes late, maybe asked to reschedule or will be seen as workload permits, no exceptions.