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  • Grant Havekost

Portland (PDX) Global Entry Interview Process: Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Oregon's Portland International Airport (PDX) offers a convenient location for those seeking to streamline their international travel experience through the Global Entry program. This trusted traveler program (TTP) provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers, allowing for a seamless passage through customs and immigration upon arrival in the United States. In this guide, we'll walk you through the Global Entry interview process at PDX and provide valuable tips to ensure a smooth experience.


 

No interview appointments available in Portland?

Check the latest interview wait times at PDX. 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 Portland International Airport? Learn more about our notification service, which our customers have been using to get their interviews booked in days.

 

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 Portland International Airport (PDX), making international travel a breeze.


Why Choose Portland (PDX) for Your Global Entry Interview?

Selecting PDX for your Global Entry interview offers several advantages:

  1. Proximity: For residents of Oregon and surrounding areas, PDX provides a convenient and accessible location for the interview process. The Portland International Airport enrollment location can also be a good option for Washington residents when there isn't any interview availability at the Seattle Global Entry enrollment center.

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

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


Portland International Airport Global Entry Interview Location and Hours

  • Address: the Portland Global Entry enrollment center is in a dedicated Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) building on the airport grounds, which can be located using the address 8337 NE Alderwood Portland, OR 97220. Continue reading for detailed instructions on how to locate the interview office.

  • Phone: you can contact the Portland Global Entry office using their phone number (503) 326-7063.

  • Operating Hours: the Portland PDX Global Entry center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Monday to Wednesday and Friday. The office is closed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as on Federal Holidays.


The Global Entry Interview Process at Portland

Let's dive into the specifics of what you can expect during your Global Entry interview at the Portland PDX 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 Portland.

  4. Arrival at the Portland International Airport Enrollment Center: On the day of your interview, arrive at the PDX enrollment center, conveniently located in a dedicated building on the airport grounds. Plan to arrive a bit early to give yourself time to park.

  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 Portland Interview Location Accept Walk-Ins?

No, the Portland 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 Portland International Airport do Global Entry Enrollment Upon Arrival?

Yes, the PDX 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 Portland International Airport (PDX), 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 Portland International Airport.


Preparing for Your Global Entry Interview

Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for a successful Global Entry interview at the PDX 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 Portland Global Entry Interview Location?

  • Located on the Airport Grounds: the Global Entry interview office in Portland is conveniently located in a dedicated Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) building at the address 8337 NE Alderwood Portland, OR 97220.

  • Get to PDX airport using Public Transport: You can reach Portland International Airport using the TriMet bus service which connects the airport to downtown Portland. Check out the PDX Airport website for additional public transportation options and more information. Because the Global Entry office is not in the airport terminal, you may need to take an additional bus or ride-share to reach the CBP interview building.

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

  • When is the Portland Global Entry interview location open?: the Portland Global Entry interview office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Monday to Wednesday and Friday. The office is closed on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as on Federal Holidays.

  • What is the Portland (PDX) Global Entry address? The interview center is located in a dedicated Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) building at the address 8337 NE Alderwood Portland, OR 97220.


Where to Park at Portland Airport (PDX) for Global Entry Interview

  • Which Parking Lot to Choose: there is ample parking at the Global Entry enrollment center in Portland, which is located in a dedicated office building on the airport grounds. The parking lot is uncovered so plan your visit accordingly.

  • Do I need to reserve a parking spot: because the Global Entry office is in a dedicated CBP building, there is no parking reservation system. There are many parking spots available so you shouldn't have any problem with parking.

  • How Much does Parking Cost: parking at the Global Entry Enrollment Center in Portland is free.

  • Parking Contact Information: if you have any parking questions, feel free to call the Portland Global Entry office at (503) 326-7063.


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 Portland International Airport (PDX) and other participating airports.


Conclusion

Completing the Global Entry interview process at the Portland International Airport enrollment location is an excellent choice for travelers seeking expedited customs and immigration clearance. 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 appointments available at Portland International Airport PDX?

Check the latest interview wait times at PDX. Portland International Airport 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 Portland PDX. You can select up to three interview 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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