Introduction
This guide will walk you through the Global Entry interview process at the Houston IAH Global Entry Enrollment Center. If you're planning to travel internationally and are looking to streamline your arrivals experience at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the Global Entry program is your ticket to a faster, more efficient travel process.
No appointments available at Houston IAH?
Check the latest interview wait times at IAH. 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 Houston IAH? 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 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program allowing pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the United States. Members enter through automatic kiosks at select airports, including IAH, making international travel more efficient.
Does Houston IAH Airport have Global Entry?
Yes, the Houston IAH airport offers Global Entry and has an interview center where you can enroll in Global Entry. You can use the Global Entry kiosks at Houston IAH for expedited entry upon arrival from an international destination.
Houston IAH Airport Global Entry Interview Location and Hours
Address: the Houston IAH Global Entry enrollment center is at the airport in Terminal E, which can be located using the address 3870 North Terminal Road, Houston, TX 77032.
Phone: you can contact the Houston IAH Global Entry office using the phone number 281-230-4740.
Operating Hours: the Houston IAH Global Entry center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday to Friday.
The Global Entry Interview Process at Houston Intercontinental IAH
Let's dive into the specifics of what you can expect during your Global Entry interview at the IAH 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 IAH.
Arrival at the IAH Enrollment Center: On the day of your interview, arrive at the Houston IAH enrollment center, conveniently located within Terminal E. Plan to arrive a bit early to account to locate the Global Entry office. Detailed instructions to find the Global Entry office is listed below.
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 Houston IAH Interview Location Accept Walk-Ins?
No, the Houston IAH airport 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 Houston IAH do Global Entry Enrollment Upon Arrival?
Yes, the Houston IAH 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 Houston IAH, 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 Houston IAH. Global Entry enrollment upon arrival at Houston IAH is available from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Preparing for Your Global Entry Interview
Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for a successful Global Entry interview at the Houston IAH 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 Global Entry Interview at Houston IAH Airport?
Located Inside the Airport: the Global Entry interview office at Houston IAH is conveniently located in Terminal E in the arrivals concourse. Head up to Level 1 Arrivals Floor and you should see signage for the interview center.
Get to Houston IAH using Public Transport: you can reach Houston IAH using the public transportation bus number 102, which connects IAH to downtown Houston. The bus number 102 arrives at Terminal C, which is a short walk or shuttle ride to Terminal E where the Global Entry interview office is located. The bus costs $1.25 and the fare can only be paid in cash, and the bus driver does not make change so bring the exact amount of $1.25. The transit time to downtown takes 50 to 90 minutes, and riders may stow luggage their luggage in the baggage compartment accessed from the outside of the bus (the drivers do not assist with luggage). For more information and options check out the Houston Airport website.
Google Maps Directions: view the Houston IAH Global Entry office on Google Maps and get directions from your location.
Houston IAH Airport Interactive Map: view the exact location of the Global Entry enrollment center inside the airport using the Houston Airport interactive map.
Where To Park for Global Entry Interview at Houston IAH
Which Garage to Choose: the Terminal C/D/E garage is the closest place to park for your Global Entry interview at Houston IAH airport, which is located in Terminal E and is easily accessible by a 10 minute walk using the underground walkway. The Terminal C/D/E garage offers covered parking.
Reserve a Parking Spot: you can reserve your parking spot in advance on the Houston IAH Airport website, which will help to take the stress out of finding a spot upon arrival. You must reserve at least 12 hours in advance to pre-book your spot.
How Much does Parking Cost: if you do not pre-book, the Terminal C/D/E garage costs $5.00 for one hour. If you need more time, it only costs an extra $1.00 to park for up to two hours (for a total $6.00). You can pay using debit/credit card and cash. To pre-book your spot you will need to pay the full day rate of $25.00, so you might be better off taking your chances by not pre-booking. Check the Houston Airport website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Parking Spot Availability: for more information, to see how full each parking lot is, and live spot availability check out the Houston Airport website.
Parking Contact Information: you can call the Houston IAH Airport parking office at 281-233-1729 with any questions.
After the Interview
Upon successful completion of your interview, you will receive your Global Entry card in the mail, typically within a few weeks. This card allows you to use Global Entry kiosks at airports across the United States and in select international locations.
Maximizing Your Global Entry Experience
Use at Airports: Global Entry members can access expedited processing lanes at airports, including Houston IAH airport.
TSA PreCheck Inclusion: Global Entry membership also includes TSA PreCheck, further enhancing your airport security experience.
Conclusion
Obtaining Global Entry at Houston IAH is a smart choice for frequent international travelers. By following this guide, you can smoothly navigate the process and enjoy expedited airport experiences in the future.
No appointments available at Houston IAH?
Check the latest interview wait times at IAH. Houston IAH 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 Houston Intercontinental IAH. 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.