U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a new “Enrollment on Arrival” option at the Cross Border Express (CBX). Starting January 19, 2026, conditionally approved applicants for Global Entry and SENTRI can complete their mandatory interview upon entering the U.S. from Tijuana International Airport with no pre-scheduled appointment needed.
Eligible travelers can finalize their enrollment immediately after their international flight. Travelers who have already received conditional approval must inform the CBP officer during the primary inspection at CBX that they wish to complete their interview. The process is conducted on the spot.
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Applicants need to present a valid passport (all passports if holding multiple) and proof of address, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. Minors not included. Permanent U.S. residents must also have their green card on hand. The service is not available for outbound departures from the U.S.
The program, already active at other U.S. airports and border crossings, allows eligible Global Entry and SENTRI applicants to complete their mandatory interview upon arrival, bypassing the need to schedule appointments at enrollment centers which is often plagued by long wait times. Service, however, remains subject to officer availability at the time of entry.
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Global Entry facilitates expedited entry for pre-screened air travelers, while SENTRI is designed for faster land border crossings using dedicated lanes. Both programs require a prior application, background check, and an in-person interview for final approval.
