Do we usually see comets when they enter the solar system?

Comets are often not visible until they approach the Sun in the inner solar system, where the heat causes their ices to sublimate and release gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and sometimes a tail. Most comets spend the majority of their time in the cold outer regions of the solar system, making them difficult to detect until they come closer to the Sun. Therefore, while they may be present in the solar system, they are typically only seen when they become active and bright enough to be observed.