Miami International Airport Launches Global Entry Enrollment on Departure
Miami Airport’s streamlined program makes Global Entry interviews easier for international travelers.
Miami International Airport Debuts Global Entry Enrollment on Departure
For frequent international travelers, few perks rival the convenience of Global Entry. This U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program facilitates rapid re-entry into the United States, offering shorter lines and less hassle. Historically, the biggest hurdle has been securing the mandatory in-person interview, which can involve months-long waits. Now, Miami International Airport (MIA) is changing the game by becoming the second U.S. airport to offer Global Entry’s Enrollment on Departure—allowing eligible travelers to complete their interview right at the airport before flying out.
Table of Contents
- What Is Global Entry?
- Enrollment on Departure Explained
- How to Use Miami’s Enrollment on Departure
- Required Documents
- Key Tips for a Smooth Interview
- Other Enrollment Options
- The New Global Entry Mobile App
- Benefits of Global Entry Membership
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a CBP Trusted Traveler Program designed to expedite re-entry into the U.S. for pre-screened, low-risk international travelers. Once approved, members skip passport control queues and paper customs declarations by heading directly to automated kiosks upon arrival in the United States. The program includes complimentary TSA PreCheck, granting further streamlined security clearance at participating airports.
Key features:
- Quicker clearance through customs
- Use of automated and touchless kiosks
- Lesser time spent in security lines
- Five-year membership for $120
Applicants undergo an intensive background check and must attend an in-person interview to qualify. Violations of program terms can result in losing privileges, emphasizing its focus on maintaining travelers’ low-risk status.
Enrollment on Departure Explained
In February 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection piloted the Enrollment on Departure program at Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport, with Miami International Airport joining shortly after. This new system gives conditionally approved applicants a huge advantage—no appointment is required. Instead, travelers can complete their interview right at the airport before boarding their flight, eliminating one of the most frustrating bottlenecks in the application process.
- No need to schedule interviews
- On-the-spot interviews before your departing flight
- Designed for conditionally approved travelers only
- Office signage within the airport guides travelers to the interview location
How to Use Miami’s Enrollment on Departure Program
Miami International Airport’s Enrollment on Departure office is strategically located on the second floor of Concourse J, across from the Lufthansa check-in counter. Operating hours run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Eligible travelers only need to bring the required documents—no scheduling, no appointments. Upon arriving at the airport, simply follow posted signage to the designated area, and a CBP officer will conduct the interview.
- Location: 2nd floor, Concourse J (opposite Lufthansa counter)
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Eligibility: Conditionally approved Global Entry applicants only[i]
- No appointment necessary
During the interview, the officer will verify your documents, ask a few questions, take your photo and fingerprints, and complete the final approval process. The entire procedure typically takes around 15 minutes, though travelers are advised to leave extra time in case of lines or if departing from another terminal.
Required Documents for Enrollment on Departure
Travelers must bring the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Proof of residence (e.g., driver’s license, mortgage, rental payment statement, or utility bill)
- Permanent resident card (if applicable)
- Same-day boarding pass
- Minors: Do not require proof of residency
All applicants must have received conditional approval, meaning they have passed the initial background check and been notified by CBP that they are eligible for the interview.
Key Tips for a Smooth Interview Experience
- Arrive early to account for potential lines and interview time, especially if your flight departs from a remote area of the airport.
- Organize your documents in advance, ensuring addresses match for proof of residency.
- Dress neatly and be prepared for fingerprints and photographs.
- Don’t forget your same-day boarding pass—it’s required for the interview.
Because interviews typically require only 15 minutes, planning ahead and arriving early can help ensure you don’t miss your flight.
Other Global Entry Enrollment Options
Travelers not flying out of Miami or Dulles can still complete their interview using the Enrollment on Arrival option. This program is available at 51 U.S. airports and lets conditionally approved travelers finalize their interview after arriving in the U.S. from an international flight, following the same steps as Enrollment on Departure—but after landing.
- Enrollment on Departure: Interview before departing (Miami, Dulles)
- Enrollment on Arrival: Interview immediately upon arriving
- Traditional interview: Schedule at an enrollment center (often with long waits)
Major Airports with Global Entry Services
| Airport | Type of Enrollment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Miami (MIA) | Touchless kiosk, Enrollment on Departure | One of two U.S. locations for departure interview |
| Dulles (IAD) | Enrollment on Departure | Pilot location since Feb. 2024 |
| 51 others | Enrollment on Arrival | Including JFK, LAX, ORD, DFW, etc. |
The New Global Entry Mobile App
CBP has introduced a Global Entry Mobile Application at Miami International Airport and select other locations, streamlining entry for over 12 million Global Entry members. The app allows users to complete arrival processing by taking a selfie and submitting it for facial biometric identification. With this innovation, travelers bypass the Global Entry kiosks altogether. Upon arrival, simply present your mobile receipt to the CBP officers for rapid processing.
- Facial biometrics verify traveler identity securely
- Mobile receipt speeds up entry
- App available for iOS and Android
- Supports security and ease of travel
This new app builds on CBP’s commitment to enhance trusted traveler experience and security using biometric technology.
Benefits of Global Entry Membership
Global Entry offers several distinct advantages for frequent international travelers:
- Expedited re-entry into the United States
- Access to automated, touchless kiosks and mobile app features
- Complimentary TSA PreCheck—shorter security lines for domestic flights
- Less time spent in airport queues
- Membership cost: $120 for five years
- Fee coverage by premium travel credit cards (Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard®, etc.)
The TSA PreCheck benefit allows members to keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets, and leave laptops and liquids in their bags, further accelerating the security process.
- Children 12 and under may join parents in PreCheck lanes.
- Violations of Global Entry terms may result in termination of membership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is eligible for Enrollment on Departure at Miami International Airport?
A: Only travelers who have received conditional approval after the initial Global Entry background check and who have a same-day boarding pass can use Enrollment on Departure at MIA.
Q: What documents are required for the interview?
A: You must bring a valid passport, proof of current residence, a permanent resident card if applicable, and your same-day boarding pass. Minors do not need proof of residency.
Q: How long does the interview take?
A: Most interviews take about 15 minutes. Travelers should allow extra time for potential lines or other airport delays.
Q: Can I do my Global Entry interview if I am not flying out of Miami or Dulles?
A: Yes, you can use Enrollment on Arrival at 51 U.S. airports if you are conditionally approved and arriving from an international flight.
Q: Is the Global Entry mobile app the same as the kiosk process?
A: The app allows you to complete arrival processing using facial biometrics and receive a mobile receipt for CBP officers, streamlining the process further.
Q: Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck benefits?
A: Yes, all Global Entry members receive complimentary TSA PreCheck, allowing faster passage through airport security.
Q: What is the fee for Global Entry and are there ways to have it covered?
A: The application fee is $120 for five years. Many premium travel credit cards reimburse the fee as a cardholder perk.
Summary: Miami Airport’s New Program Streamlines Global Entry Access
Miami International Airport’s Enrollment on Departure program marks a milestone for international travel, offering easier access to Global Entry’s time-saving benefits. By eliminating the need for scheduled enrollment center interviews and integrating biometric mobile technology, MIA empowers U.S.-bound travelers to spend less time in lines and more time enjoying their journey. For those who frequently cross borders, Global Entry is now more accessible—and practical—than ever before.
