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Where to apply for Global Entry in San Francisco

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    Quick insights

    • Global Entry applicants must fill out an online application.
    • Applicants are required to complete an in-person interview at an enrollment center.
    • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the enrollment center in San Francisco.  

    Applying for Global Entry in San Francisco? The Bay Area has one location where applicants can complete the interview portion of the application process. Sometimes finding an available appointment slot for an interview can be a challenge, but there are a few ways applicants may be able to get an interview at their preferred location.

    Here are some things to know about applying for Global Entry in San Francisco.

    The Global Entry application process in San Francisco

    Before you can enroll in the program, you’ll need to create Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account, submit an online Global Entry application and pay the $120 application fee. You may be able to get this fee reimbursed as some credit cards offer Global Entry reimbursement.

    If your application receives conditional approval, that means you can advance to the next phase of the process, an in-person interview. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducts interviews at enrollment centers located across the U.S., including a location in San Francisco.

    San Francisco enrollment center locations

    Global Entry applicants in San Francisco may schedule an interview at the following enrollment center:

    SFO

    International Arrival Level

    San Francisco, CA 94128

    CBP keeps an up-to-date list of the current California Global Entry enrollment centers. Check the list or contact the enrollment center for current hours of operation.

    Walk-in interviews for Global Entry in San Francisco

    While enrollment centers typically don’t accept walk-in appointments, you may have another option through Enrollment on Arrival.

    This program allows eligible applicants to complete their in-person interview when they return to the U.S. from an international flight. You may be eligible for Enrollment on Arrival if:

    • You have conditional approval on your Global Entry application.
    • You bring the required forms of ID and other documentation to the Global Entry interview.
    • You return to a U.S. airport that has a participating enrollment center that’s open during your arrival time.

    As of January 2025, SFO, San Jose International Airport (SJC) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) offer Enrollment on Arrival.

    When you go through Customs, let the CBP officer know that you want to complete your Global Entry interview. An officer may be able to conduct the interview during the standard inspection process. Keep in mind that you are not guaranteed an interview.

    How to schedule a Global Entry interview in San Francisco

    If you’ve obtained conditional approval on your application, your TTP account likely provided instructions on how to schedule an interview. Follow the prompts to find and book an available appointment. Note that every applicant must have a separate interview.

    Available appointments may be limited at your preferred enrollment center. Checking back regularly could help you catch any openings that become available as cancellations occur. New TTP appointments in San Francisco are posted at 9:00 a.m. local time on the first Monday of every month.

    There are a few other options to help expedite a Global Entry application like apps that assist with finding appointments.

    In summary

    There is an in-person interview that Global Entry applicants must complete after they submit their application online and get conditional approval. San Francisco applicants may schedule an interview at San Francisco International Airport.

    Another option is to complete the interview through Enrollment on Arrival at one of the participating international airports in the Bay Area. As of January 2025, San Francisco International Airport, San Jose International Airport and Oakland International Airport offer Enrollment on Arrival.

    Searching for a credit card that can help you make the most of traveling? You may want to consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card. When cardmembers use their Sapphire Reserve card to pay for eligible TTP application fees, they can receive a statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee. Keep in mind that the card has an annual fee.

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