Ultimate Guide: Global Entry at Houston Intercontinental IAH

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Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a major hub for international travel, making it a convenient Global Entry enrollment center for residents of the Greater Houston area, including nearby cities like The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Katy. If you’re a frequent traveler, securing Global Entry at IAH will save you time by streamlining your U.S. Customs experience.

No available appointments at Houston Intercontinental IAH?

Appointments at Houston’s Global Entry Enrollment Center can book up fast, but you have several options if you’re struggling to find availability:

  • Check the TTP website regularly. Cancellations often occur, and being quick can help you snag an opening.

  • Try Enrollment on Arrival. Returning from an international trip? Complete your interview on-site at IAH if you’ve already received conditional approval.

  • Sign up for Snapslot. Snapslot sends real-time SMS alerts for newly available appointments, giving you the edge in grabbing cancellations. Sign up here.

Knowing the Global Entry Application Process

  1. Submit Your ApplicationThe first step to obtaining Global Entry is to submit an online application through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. Ensure you provide accurate information and complete all required fields. The application includes personal information, passport details, employment history, and travel history.

  2. Await Conditional ApprovalAfter submitting your application, CBP will review it to determine your eligibility for Global Entry. If your application is conditionally approved, you'll receive a notification via your TTP account. This approval does not guarantee enrollment but indicates that you have met the initial criteria.

  3. Schedule Your InterviewThis is the tough part. Once conditionally approved, log in to your TTP account to schedule your Global Entry interview. You'll need to select a convenient enrollment center and appointment time. Interview locations vary, with many available at major airports and other designated sites across the country. It's essential to schedule your interview as soon as possible to secure your preferred date and time. Appointment slots fill up quickly, but Snapslot.co can help you secure a cancellation.

  4. Attend Your InterviewShow up prepared with your passport, conditional approval letter, and other required documents.

  5. Await Final ApprovalAfter your interview, final approval typically arrives within a few days though some have reported months!

Preparing for your interview

Getting ready for your interview is crucial. Here's what you may need (refer to official notes for a complete list):

  • A valid passport and another form of ID (e.g., driver’s license).

  • Conditional approval letter from the Trusted Traveler Program.

  • A list of countries you’ve visited in the past five years (if asked). The agent may ask you the reason for the visit, how long you went for, etc. It’s mostly an honesty check, but be prepared to answer those questions.

Pro tip: Dress professionally, and be prepared to answer questions about your travel habits and purpose for applying.

Getting to your appointment

Parking at Houston Intercontinental IAH

IAH offers multiple parking options, including the Terminal C Garage, which is closest to the Global Entry Enrollment Center. Both hourly and daily parking options are available. You can also consider the Economy Parking lots for a more budget-friendly option, though you’ll need to take a shuttle to reach the terminal.

Taking Public Transit to Houston Intercontinental IAH for your appointment

Public transportation options to IAH include the METRO Bus 102, which connects downtown Houston to the airport. If you prefer, taxis or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off directly at the terminal.

Inside the Airport

The Global Entry Enrollment Center at IAH is located in Terminal E (Level 2), near the international arrivals and U.S. Customs area.

  • Interactive Map: Explore here.

  • Pro Tip: Follow signs for "Global Entry" when you arrive at Terminal E.

Here’s an example map of Terminal E showing the Global Entry Enrollment Center:

No available appointments?

If you can’t book an appointment at Houston Intercontinental IAH, here’s how to keep moving forward:

  • Take advantage of Enrollment on Arrival. If you’re returning from an international trip, this is a convenient way to complete your interview on-site at Terminal E.

  • Stay persistent on the TTP website. Appointment cancellations happen regularly, so refresh often to snag an opening.

  • Let Snapslot help. With real-time SMS updates, Snapslot notifies you instantly when new appointments become available. Learn more here.

Don’t let a lack of appointments slow you down—use these strategies to complete your Global Entry enrollment efficiently!

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11/24/2024

Houston Intercontinental

3870 North Terminal Road

Terminal E

Houston, TX 77032

Phone Number

Directions

If coming from I-45 you will go east onto Beltway 8. You will see the airport sign. If coming from HWY 59 you will go west onto Beltway 8. You will see the airport sign. At this point just follow the airport signs into the airport. You would then follow signs directly to the airport for parking at any terminal, if you chose to park at terminal A or B, take the train to terminal E. Another option is park offsite at the paid Parking areas, and take the shuttle bus to Terminal E. When you enter Terminal E international arrivals, we are on the lower level, there will be a sign outside the Global Entry office.

Notes

The Global Entry Enrollment Center at IAH is located at Concourse E, Level One, International Arrival Level. Ensure you bring all valid passports, current driver's license and proof of current residence (i.e. utility bill, phone bill, etc.), application approval cannot be finalized without them. Applicants who arrive more than 15 minutes late, maybe asked to reschedule or will be seen as workload permits, no exceptions.