Introduction
Planning international travel and looking to simplify your airport experience at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT)? The Global Entry program is an excellent way to achieve this. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the Global Entry process at the CLT Enrollment Center.
No interviews available at Charlotte-Douglas (CLT)?
Check the latest interview wait times at CLT. 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 Charlotte-Douglas (CLT)? 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 managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. As a Global Entry member, you can use automated kiosks at major airports, including Charlotte-Douglas, to make your international travel experience smoother and faster.
Does Charlotte Airport Have Global Entry?
Yes, the Charlotte-Douglas (CLT) airport has Global Entry, which gives you expedited entry when you arrive internationally. You can complete your Global Entry interview at Charlotte CLT airport.
The Global Entry Interview Process at CLT
Let's dive into the specifics of what you can expect during your Global Entry interview at the Charlotte-Douglas (CLT) 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 CLT.
Arrival at the CLT Enrollment Center: On the day of your interview, arrive at the CLT enrollment center, conveniently located within the International Arrivals Area near baggage carousel E. Plan to arrive a bit early to account for any potential airport security procedures.
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 Charlotte CLT Interview Location Accept Walk-Ins?
No, the Charlotte CLT 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 Charlotte CLT do Enrollment Upon Arrival?
Yes, the Charlotte CLT 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 Charlotte CLT airport. If you are arriving on an international flight into Charlotte CLT, you can complete your Global Entry interview upon arrival without a scheduled appointment. Follow the signs the Global Entry office once you land, but note that this option is only available if you are arriving on an international flight into CLT.
Preparing for Your Global Entry Interview
Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for a successful Global Entry interview at the Charlotte-Douglas (CLT) 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.
No CLT Global Entry Appointments available?
Check the latest interview wait times at CLT. Unfortunately due to the limited opening hours and popularity of Global Entry, interview availability at Charlotte CLT can be very limited due to high demand. This can make it challenging to complete the Global Entry process, even if you've been conditionally approved. You have a couple options, including closely tracking the TTP website (or using a service like ours, Global Entry Tracker which sends you automated real-time emails with availability), choosing another Global Entry interview location, or waiting for future interview blocks to get posted which typically are 6+ months in the future.
CLT Global Entry Address, Phone Number, and Hours
Address: 5501 Josh Birmingham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28208. The Global Entry center is located inside the CLT airport.
Phone: (877) 227-5511.
Operating Hours: 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, Closed on Federal Holidays.
Where is the Global Entry Interview at Charlotte CLT?
Located Inside the Airport: the Global Entry interview office at Charlotte CLT is conveniently located in the main terminal, pre-security near Arrivals and Baggage Claim Belt E. There is an Airport Information Center right as you enter the terminal in case you need directions inside.
Get to Charlotte CLT using Public Transport: there are limited public transportation options to CLT airport, however, the city offers a bus service called CATS Sprinter Service which connects downtown Charlotte to the CLT airport. For more information on the bus, schedule, and journey length you can visit the CATS Sprinter website. The bus costs between $2.00 and $3.00 into Charlotte, compared to a taxi which typically costs $25 to $30.
Google Maps Directions: view Charlotte CLT airport on Google Maps and get directions from your location.
Directions Inside the Terminal: you can reference CLT's interactive map to help locate the Global Entry interview office and orient yourself inside the terminal.
Where To Park for Global Entry Interview at Charlotte CLT Airport
Which Garage to Choose: the closest parking to the Global Entry interview location at CLT airport is the Hourly Deck parking lot, which is a 5-7 minute walk to reach the Global Entry interview center.
Directions to the Hourly Deck: the Hourly Deck is located on Josh Birmingham Parkway to the left as passengers approach the terminal. Follow signs for Parking/Daily/Hourly on your left and then keep straight to follow signs for Parking/Hourly.
Reserve a Parking Spot: you can reserve your parking spot in advance on the CLT Airport website, which will help to take the stress out of finding a spot upon arrival.
How Much does Parking Cost: the Hourly Deck offers the first 15 minutes for free and then $8/hour afterwards. Note that you cannot pay with cash, only credit card.
Parking Spot Availability: for more information and live spot availability check out the CLT Airport website.
Parking Contact Information: you can call the CLT Airport parking office at 704-359-4038 with any questions.
After the Interview
Post-approval, your Global Entry card will be mailed to you, typically within a few weeks, allowing you to use Global Entry kiosks at participating airports.
Maximizing Your Global Entry Experience
Use at Airports: Access expedited entry lanes at CLT and other airports.
TSA PreCheck Inclusion: Global Entry membership also grants TSA PreCheck benefits.
Conclusion
Completing the Global Entry process at CLT is your passport to a realm of hassle-free international adventures. With the right information at your fingertips, your Global Entry appointment at CLT will transition from a daunting task to a smooth sail. Stay abreast of appointment availabilities, and you'll soon find yourself breezing through customs, ready to embrace the world beyond.
No appointment available at Charlotte-Douglas (CLT)?
Check the latest interview wait times at CLT. Charlotte-Douglas CLT is a high-demand airport for Global Entry interviews, and is often booked out 3+ 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 5-10 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 Charlotte-Douglas CLT. 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.