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Grant Havekost

Des Moines Global Entry Interview Process: Ultimate Guide

Updated: Sep 14

Introduction

The Des Moines Global Entry Enrollment Center is an excellent choice to complete your Global Entry interview, given the interview office is conveniently located at the Des Moines International Airport (DSM). 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 Des Moines airport and provide information on the application process, documents, parking, location, and more.


 

No Global Entry interviews available in Des Moines?

Check the latest interview wait times in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines International 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 Des Moines airport (DSM), making international travel a breeze.


Why Choose Des Moines for Your Global Entry Interview?

Selecting the Des Moines enrollment center for your Global Entry interview comes with several advantages:

  1. Proximity: For residents of Des Moines and surrounding cities in Iowa the Des Moines Global Entry location provides a convenient and accessible location for the interview process. The Des Moines enrollment location can also be a good option for Kansas City and Omaha residents when there isn't any interview availability in their city's Global Entry enrollment center.

  2. Efficiency: The Global Entry enrollment center at Des Moines is typically well-organized, ensuring a smooth and efficient interview experience.

  3. Convenience: Completing your interview at Des Moines International Airport allows you to immediately benefit from the Global Entry program upon your next international trip.


The Global Entry Interview Process at the Des Moines Location

Let's dive into the specifics of what you can expect during your Global Entry interview at the Des Moines enrollment location:

  1. 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).

  2. 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. 

  3. 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 in Des Moines.

  4. Arrival at the Des Moines International Airport Enrollment Center: On the day of your interview, arrive at the Des Moines enrollment center, conveniently located in a dedicated building on the south-side of the airport grounds (6100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321). Plan to arrive a bit early to give yourself time to park and locate the office.

  5. 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)

  6. 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.

  7. 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 Des Moines Interview Location Accept Walk-Ins?

No, the Des Moines 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 Des Moines have Global Entry Enrollment Upon Arrival?

No, Des Moines International Airport does not participates in Global Entry enrollment upon arrival. Global Entry Upon Arrival 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 a participating airport, you can complete your Global Entry interview upon arrival without a scheduled appointment.


Preparing for Your Global Entry Interview

Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for a successful Global Entry interview at the Des Moines enrollment location:

  1. Review Your Application: Before your interview, thoroughly review your Global Entry application to ensure all the information is accurate and up-to-date.

  2. Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the enrollment center a bit earlier than your scheduled appointment to accommodate any potential delays.

  3. Required Documents: Double-check that you have all the necessary documents with you, including your passport, Conditional Approval letter, and proof of residency.

  4. Dress Appropriately: While there's no formal dress code, it's advisable to dress neatly and professionally for your interview.

  5. Stay Courteous: During the interview, maintain a polite and respectful demeanor with the CBP officer. Answer questions confidently and honestly.

  6. 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 Des Moines Global Entry Interview Location?

  • Located in a Dedicated Building on the Airport Grounds: the Global Entry interview office at Des Moines International Airport is located in a standalone brick building on the south side of the airport grounds. The address of the office is 6100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321, and offers ample parking directly in front of the Global Entry office.

  • Get to Des Moines Airport using Public Transport: Des Moines International Airport has bus transportation options, including the Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) bus route number 8 which connects downtown Des Moines to the airport. Check out the Des Moines airport website for additional public transportation options, including regional buses that service surrounding counties and nearby cities.

  • Google Maps Directions: view Des Moines Global Entry interview location on Google Maps to get directions from your location.

  • When is the Des Moines Global Entry interview location open?: the interview location is open from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday-Thursday, though please note that interviews are by appointment only. You can call the Des Moines Global Entry office using their phone number (515) 256-5822.

  • What is the address of the Global Entry office in Des Moines?: the address of the Global Entry in Des Moines is 6100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321, which is the address of the dedicated Global Entry enrollment center.


Where to Park for Des Moines Global Entry Interview

  • Reserve a Parking Spot: there are multiple visitor parking spots at the enrollment center which you do not need to reserve.

  • How Much does Parking Cost: visitor parking at the Global Entry enrollment center is free. In the unusual event that there are no available parking spots available in front of the enrollment center, you can choose to park across the street at the Blue Economy parking lot which costs $2 per hour. Your appointment should take under an hour in total.

  • Parking Contact Information: you can call the Des Moines airport at 515-256-5050 with any general parking 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 Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and other participating airports.


Conclusion

Completing the Global Entry interview process at the Des Moines 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. Unlock the world of seamless international travel by embarking on your Global Entry journey today.


No Global Entry interviews available in Des Moines?

Check the latest interview wait times at Des Moines. Des Moines is a high-demand location 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 Des Moines 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.

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