More than 4 million people are signing up for Global Entry each year, and in 2025, the demand is higher than ever. The problem is that most enrollment centers do not have enough capacity to keep up. The result is a frustrating lack of available appointments, especially in cities like Charlotte, Portland, San Francisco, Chicago, and Tampa.

If you have tried to book an interview recently, you have probably noticed that nothing is available for months. Charlotte is widely considered one of the most difficult places in the country to find an open time slot.

Here is why this is happening and what you can actually do about it.

Each Enrollment Center Releases Appointments on Its Own Schedule

Global Entry is a federal program, but appointment scheduling is handled at the local level. That means each enrollment center operates independently, and the process for releasing appointments varies from one location to another.

Here is how most enrollment centers work:

Most locations release appointments in large batches, usually once per month.

There is no public schedule or announcement ahead of time. The releases are unpredictable.

The number of appointments varies. Some centers release hundreds. Others release far fewer.

Appointments are claimed almost instantly once they become available.

Because each enrollment center controls its own timing and volume, availability is inconsistent across the country. That is why some travelers can book an appointment within a week, while others are stuck waiting for months.

How to Actually Get a Global Entry Appointment

There are two main strategies that work.

➡️ First, you can monitor release patterns on your own.

Some travelers try to track appointment drops manually by checking the scheduling site throughout the day. You can also use the free appointment data on Global Entry Spotter’s website to view historical release patterns for each enrollment center.

This approach can help you learn when your local center might release appointments, but you still have to be online at the exact right time. And even if you are, there is no guarantee you will get one before they are gone.

👉 Click here for Real Time Scheduling Trends

➡️ Second, you can use real-time alerts.

This is the fastest and most reliable method. Appointment alert services like Global Entry Spotter monitor every enrollment center around the clock and send text message alerts the moment something becomes available.

You can sign up for alerts for your local enrollment center and get a text the second a cancellation or new batch drops. That way, you get a head start before everyone else. Most people who use this service get an appointment weeks or even months faster than those trying to book manually.

If you are looking for a one-off cancellation slot, which is usually sooner than the next big batch release, you will need alerts. It is nearly impossible without them.

👉 Click here to sign up for Global Entry Spotter

Cities with the Worst Appointment Backlogs

These enrollment centers are known for being especially difficult. If you live near one of them, expect heavy competition and very limited availability.

➡️ Charlotte, North Carolina (the hardest in the country)

➡️ Portland, Oregon

➡️ San Francisco, California

➡️ Chicago, Illinois

➡️ Tampa, Florida

Some of these centers release fewer than 200 appointments per month. With thousands of travelers watching for openings, everything disappears quickly.

If you are willing to drive a little farther, you may be able to book an appointment faster at a smaller or suburban enrollment center nearby. These locations often have less demand, but even they can fill up fast. You will still want alerts in place.

Summary

Appointments are released in batches, typically once per month. Each enrollment center sets its own schedule, and there is no consistency or public notice. Individual cancellations can appear at random, but they are extremely competitive. Real-time alerts are the best way to secure one quickly. If you live near Charlotte, Portland, San Francisco, Chicago, or Tampa, the odds are especially tough.

Global Entry Spotter helps thousands of travelers beat the system by sending instant text alerts the moment appointments open up. If you are tired of waiting, it is the easiest way to book your Global Entry interview faster.