Introduction
San Diego International Airport, a hub for both domestic and international travelers, offers a prime location for your Global Entry interview. This trusted traveler program can significantly enhance your international travel experience, and undergoing the interview process at San Diego Airport (SAN) is a great choice. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through what to expect during the Global Entry interview process at the San Diego enrollment location and provide valuable tips to ensure your journey is hassle-free.
No interviews available in San Diego?
Check the latest interview wait times at SAN. 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 San Diego 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 San Diego SAN, making international travel a breeze.
Why Choose San Diego Airport for Your Global Entry Interview?
Selecting the San Diego enrollment center for your Global Entry interview comes with several advantages:
Proximity: For residents of Southern California and surrounding areas, SAN Airport provides a convenient and accessible location for the interview process. The San Diego International Airport enrollment location can be a good option for Los Angeles residents when there isn't any interview availability in their city's Global Entry enrollment center.
Efficiency: The Global Entry enrollment center at SAN is typically well-organized, ensuring a smooth and efficient interview experience.
Convenience: Completing your interview at San Diego Airport allows you to immediately benefit from the Global Entry program upon your next international trip.
The Global Entry Interview Process at San Diego
Let's dive into the specifics of what you can expect during your Global Entry interview at the San Diego 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 SAN.
Arrival at the San Diego International Airport Enrollment Center: On the day of your interview, arrive at the San Diego enrollment center, conveniently located within San Diego International Airport Terminal 2 on the ground level. Plan to arrive a bit early to account for any potential airport security procedures and to give yourself time to park.
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 San Diego Interview Location Accept Walk-Ins?
No, the San Diego 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 San Diego Airport do Global Entry Enrollment Upon Arrival?
Yes, the San Diego 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 San Diego International Airport, 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 San Diego Airport.
Preparing for Your Global Entry Interview
Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for a successful Global Entry interview at the San Diego 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 San Diego Global Entry Interview Location?
Located Inside the Airport: the Global Entry interview office at San Diego Airport is located inside Terminal 2 on the ground level near the security checkpoint and United Airlines check-in desks.
Get to San Diego Airport using Public Transport: the San Diego Airport is well connected with public transportation. You can take the AMTRAK train to reach downtown San Diego from nearby cities, and then take the City Bus Route 992 which stops at Terminal 2. San Diego Airport also offers free shuttles to & from the Old Town Transit Center. Check out the San Diego Airport website for additional public transportation options.
Google Maps Directions: view San Diego Airport Global Entry interview location on Google Maps to get directions from your location.
Interactive San Diego Airport map: use the San Diego 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 Terminal 2.
When is the San Diego Airport Global Entry interview location open?: the interview location is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Monday-Friday, though please note that interviews are by appointment only. The enrollment center is closed on Federal Holidays. You can call the San Diego Global Entry location using their phone number (619) 491-2600.
Where to Park at San Diego Airport for Global Entry Interview
Which Parking Lot to Choose: the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza is the closest place to park for your Global Entry interview at San Diego Airport. You can either do the daily parking, which offers covered parking at a higher price, or do short-term parking (3 hour max) in the uncovered surface lot which is less expensive. If you are able to have a friend join you, you could also consider having them wait in the Cell Phone lot, which is free, while you complete your interview.
Reserve a Parking Spot: you can reserve your parking spot in the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza in advance on the San Diego Airport website and it's suggested that you make your reservation booking at least 24 hours in advance. Reservations for the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza may park in any unmarked parking stall within all levels of the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza, there are no assigned parking stalls for reservations. You cannot reserve the Short-Term parking or Cell Phone lot parking.
How Much does Parking Cost: you can reserve your parking spot in advance for $38.00 in the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza, which is the full day-rate. Alternatively, you can choose to not pre-book and use the Short-Term parking which costs $2.50 for every 15 minutes. You'll likely need 1 hour in total for your interview. Check the San Diego Airport parking website for the most up-to-date information & pricing.
Parking Spot Availability: for more information and parking lot availability check out the San Diego Airport website.
Parking Contact Information: you can call the San Diego Airport parking Garage Office at 619-291-2087 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 San Diego Airport (SAN) and other participating airports.
Conclusion
Completing the Global Entry interview process at the San Diego SAN 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 SAN as your interview location, and you'll not only streamline your travel experience but also have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of San Diego 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 at San Diego Airport (SAN)?
Check the latest interview wait times at SAN. San Diego 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 San Diego Airport. 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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