For frequent travelers, global entry has long been a golden ticket for a quick re-entry into the US. But for all time-saving perks, the key step of being accepted into the program is one of the most frustrating aspects of travel. Securing interview appointments is notoriously known for their limited availability and often several months of waiting time.
However, participating in a global entry has become a little easier for conditionally approved global entry applicants. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently registered its second location, Miami International Airport (MIA), with its departure program.
Mia joined Washington, DC’s Dulles International Airport, with a program launched in February 2024.
“The program eliminates the need for (global entry) applicants to schedule interviews at the Registration Center and streamlines the (global entry) application process,” it said on its website. It also points out that travelers can follow signs in the airport to enroll in the departure office. There, CBP executives will conduct interviews. This is a great benefit for travelers.
New registrations for Miami’s departure area will be on the second floor of Concourse J, across from the Lufthansa check-in counter. Open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 6pm.
This service is only available to “conditionally approved” travelers. This means that you have cleared your initial background check and are notified that you are eligible for the program. Travelers must also bring a valid passport, residence location (such as a driver’s license with current address, rental payment statement, utility bills, etc.), permanent resident card (if applicable), and document proof of same-day boarding pass. Minors do not need evidence of residence.
The interview usually takes about 15 minutes, but it takes enough time for the officer to ask some questions and take photos and fingerprints, but it is best to leave plenty of time, especially if you have lines or if your flight is set to depart from another area of the airport.
Travelers who are not flying from Miami or Dulles can choose to register as a global entry upon arrival. This works like a departure registration, but conditionally approved travelers can close the interview after landing on an international flight. The program, launched in 2008, is currently available at 51 US airports.
For those who fly internationally at least several times a year, the Global Entry offers a range of perks – Standard Re-Entry to the US and free access to TSA Precheck, usually means reducing wait times in airport security, but it makes for an invaluable tool for smoother travel. Currently, Global Entry Membership is $120 for five years. However, many travel-centric credit cards, such as The Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Reserve, cover fees as cardholder perks.
