Introduction
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is an excellent choice to complete your Global Entry interview, given the enrollment center is conveniently located within the airport. The Global Entry trusted traveler program (TTP) can significantly enhance your international travel experience by streamlining the customs clearance process. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through what to expect during the Global Entry interview at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and provide information on the application process, documents, parking, location, and more.
No appointments available in Austin?
Check the latest interview wait times at the Austin Enrollment Center. Appointments open up because of cancellations & reschedules, but you have to act fast because they get booked within minutes. Want to receive real-time notifications when an appointment becomes available at Austin Airport? Learn more about our notification service, which our customers have been using to quickly secure their appointments.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter through automatic kiosks at select airports, including Austin (AUS), making international travel a breeze.
Why Choose Austin (AUS) for Your Global Entry Interview?
Selecting the Austin enrollment center for your Global Entry interview comes with several advantages:
Proximity: For residents of central Texas and surrounding areas, Austin Airport provides a convenient and accessible location for the interview process. The Austin enrollment location can also be a good option for Houston and Dallas residents when there isn't any interview availability at their city's Global Entry enrollment center.
Efficiency: The Global Entry enrollment center at Austin Airport is typically well-organized, ensuring a smooth and efficient interview experience.
Convenience: Completing your interview at Austin AUS allows you to immediately benefit from the Global Entry program upon your next international trip.
The Global Entry Interview Process at Austin AUS
Let's dive into the specifics of what you can expect during your Global Entry interview at the Austin enrollment location:
Complete your Global Entry Application: the very first step in everyone's Global Entry journey is to submit your Global Entry application on the Trusted Travelers Programs (TTP) website. Your application will require basic information like job history, address history, travel history, as well as a non-refundable application fee ($100 prior to October 1st 2024, $120 after due to fee updates).
Become conditionally approved: once your application is submitted, the government will review your details. If they do not require any more information or have follow-up questions, your application will be marked as "Conditionally Approved" at which point you're allowed to schedule your interview.
Schedule Your Appointment: you will need to schedule an appointment through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. Ensure you choose a date and time that suits your availability. Check the latest interview wait times at the Austin Enrollment Center.
Arrival at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport Enrollment Center: On the day of your interview, arrive at the Austin Airport enrollment center, conveniently located within the Main Terminal on the Arrivals Level (pre-security) near the baggage claim. Plan to arrive a bit early to give yourself time to park and locate the office.
Required Documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents with you, including your valid passport, the Conditional Approval letter from your TTP account, another government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease agreement to verify your address)
The Interview: The Global Entry interview is typically a straightforward process, lasting around 15 minutes. During the interview, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will verify your identity and cross-check the information on your application, ask you questions about your travel history and, in some cases, your criminal background (if applicable), capture your fingerprints, provide instructions on how to use the Global Entry kiosks at the airport.
Approval and Membership: If everything checks out during your interview, you'll receive approval for Global Entry. Your membership card will be mailed to you within a few weeks. Once you have your Global Entry membership, you can begin enjoying expedited customs and immigration clearance.
Does the Austin Interview Location Accept Walk-Ins?
No, the Austin (AUS) Global Entry enrollment center does not accept walk-ins for interviews. You must make an appointment in advance via the TTP website, or conduct your interview via Enrollment Upon Arrival.
Does Austin have Global Entry Enrollment Upon Arrival?
Yes, the Austin (AUS) Airport Global Entry enrollment center participates in enrollment upon arrival, which allows Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved to complete their interview upon arrival into the United States. If you are arriving on an international flight into Austin Bergstrom International Airport, you can complete your Global Entry interview upon arrival without a scheduled appointment. Follow the signs for Global Entry Upon Arrival once you land and prior to exiting customs, but note that this option is only available if you are arriving on an international flight into the Austin airport.
Preparing for Your Global Entry Interview
Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for a successful Global Entry interview at the Austin enrollment location:
Review Your Application: Before your interview, thoroughly review your Global Entry application to ensure all the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the enrollment center a bit earlier than your scheduled appointment to accommodate any potential delays.
Required Documents: Double-check that you have all the necessary documents with you, including your passport, Conditional Approval letter, and proof of residency.
Dress Appropriately: While there's no formal dress code, it's advisable to dress neatly and professionally for your interview.
Stay Courteous: During the interview, maintain a polite and respectful demeanor with the CBP officer. Answer questions confidently and honestly.
Stay Informed: Stay updated on any changes or updates related to the Global Entry program or interview process, especially if you need to reschedule your appointment.
Where is the Austin Global Entry Interview Location?
Located Inside the Airport: the Global Entry interview office at Austin AUS is located inside the Main Terminal on the Arrivals Level near the baggage claim belts and close to the International Arrivals exit. The closest entrance is door B7.
Get to Austin Airport using Public Transport: the Austin Airport is connected with public transportation on the CapMetro bus network, which offers a high-frequency Route 20 bus that connects the airport & downtown Austin. Check out the Austin Airport website for additional public transportation options.
Google Maps Directions: view Austin Airport Global Entry interview location on Google Maps to get directions from your location.
Interactive AUS Airport map: use the Austin Airport interactive map to navigate to the enrollment center when you arrive (screenshot below). Search for "Global Entry" on the map for the exact location in the Arrivals area (baggage claim level).
When is the Austin Airport Global Entry interview location open?: the interview location is open from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Monday-Friday, though please note that interviews are by appointment only. You can call the Austin Global Entry location using their phone number (512) 530-3056.
What is the address of the Austin airport?: You can reach the Austin Bergstrom International Airport at the address 3600 Presidential Blvd. Austin, TX 78719.
Where to Park at Austin Airport for Global Entry Interview
Which Parking Lot to Choose: you should park in the Short Term parking lot (Red Garage Level 3) which is a 3 minute walk to the Global Entry office, and charges on an hourly basis. The parking lot offers covered parking to keep your vehicle protected from weather. As you arrive by vehicle to the airport, you can enter the Short Term parking area directly after the car rental lane.
Reserve a Parking Spot: while you can't reserve a spot in the Red Garage Short Term parking, you can reserve a parking spot in Blue Garage parking in advance on the Austin Airport parking reservation system which is an extra 2-3 minutes walk. Note that your reservation only pre-books your payment, but does not assign you a specific parking spot. When you arrive at the parking entry gate, scan the QR code on your phone to enter (do not take a ticket). When you leave, scan your QR code again to exit.
How Much does Parking Cost: parking costs $5.00 per hour in both the Short Term Red Garage parking and the Blue Garage parking. You'll likely need 1 hour in total for your interview. Check the Austin Airport parking website for the most up-to-date information & pricing.
Parking Spot Availability: for more information and live parking lot status check the Austin ABIA Parking website.
Parking Contact Information: you can call the Austin Airport parking Garage Office at (512) 530-3300 with any questions.
After the Interview
Once approved, you will receive your Global Entry card in the mail within a few weeks. This card will expedite your travel process, allowing you to use Global Entry kiosks at Austin Airport (AUS) and other participating airports.
Conclusion
Completing the Global Entry interview process at the Austin AUS enrollment location is an excellent choice for travelers seeking to skip wait times at customs when re-entering the country. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adequately preparing for your interview, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the benefits of hassle-free international travel. Choose AUS as your interview location, and you'll not only streamline your travel experience but also have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Austin while you're in town. Unlock the world of seamless international travel by embarking on your Global Entry journey today.
No Global Entry interviews available in Austin?
Check the latest interview wait times at the Austin Enrollment Center. Austin (AUS) is a high-demand airport for Global Entry interviews, and is often booked out 6+ months straight. While there tends to be limited availability, there are frequent cancellations meaning slots do open up at shorter notice. In order to take advantage of these cancellations, you can either closely track the TTP website for availability, but please note that often the cancellations slots become booked within 1-2 minutes, so this approach may be impractical. The alternative is to use an automated alert system, such as our service Global Entry Tracker, which will send you real-time emails for when there is availability at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport interview location. You can select up to three locations to track and select a desired date range so that you only get notified when a closer appointment date opens up. Learn more about our service and contact us if you need help securing your appointment.