Ruth Haines
The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Members can use dedicated processing lanes at southern land border crossings and NEXUS lanes when entering the U.S. from Canada by land. SENTRI members can also use Global Entry kiosks and Global Entry members can drive in SENTRI lanes by registering their vehicle and scheduling an appointment for a vehicle inspection. While SENTRI is geared towards those who frequently travel between Mexico and the United States, members can use the airport Global Entry system as well as the NEXUS lanes entering the U.S. from Mexico and Canada.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SENTRI membership fee | $120 per person |
| SENTRI membership duration | Five years |
| SENTRI application fee for minors under the age of 18 | $0 |
| SENTRI enrollment center locations | Near the southern border |
| SENTRI card use | When entering the United States after traveling in Canada |
| SENTRI program geared towards | Those who frequently travel between Mexico and the United States |
| SENTRI cardholders also get | TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits |
| SENTRI cardholders can use | Global Entry kiosks |
| SENTRI members can use | Global Entry kiosks at no additional cost |
| SENTRI members can use | Global Entry system at airports |
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What You'll Learn
Global Entry vs. Sentri
Global Entry and SENTRI are both Trusted Traveller Programs that aim to reduce the time spent at borders and airports for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. The programs have many similarities, and some sources suggest that they will eventually become the same program with the same requirements. However, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which program is best for your travel needs.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers entering the US from international destinations by air, land, or sea. It is available at more than 50 US airports and includes TSA PreCheck perks. Global Entry members can also use their card in SENTRI or NEXUS lanes when entering the US from Mexico or Canada by land or sea, but not when travelling to Canada. The Global Entry application fee is $120 for a five-year membership.
SENTRI
The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers entering the US from Canada or Mexico by land or air. It is designed to facilitate expedited pedestrian or vehicle entry into the US from designated ports of entry, such as seaports or international US airports. SENTRI cardholders can use Global Entry kiosks when entering the US by air and also receive TSA PreCheck benefits. The SENTRI application fee is $120 for adults and free for minors under 18 for a five-year membership.
Key Differences
The main difference between Global Entry and SENTRI is the travel modes and destinations covered by each program. Global Entry covers travel to the US from international destinations by air, land, and sea, while SENTRI only covers travel to the US from Canada and Mexico by land or air. Additionally, Global Entry has a shorter application processing time of 4 to 6 months, compared to SENTRI's longer processing time.
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Sentri costs and applications
The SENTRI program is one of five United States Trusted Traveler Programs. It is designed to expedite entry into the United States when travelling from Mexico or Canada. The program includes TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits, and cardholders can use Global Entry kiosks once their fingerprints and document information are on file with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
SENTRI members can use TSA PreCheck when flying from participating United States airports. To access PreCheck benefits, members should enter their PASSID in the Known Traveler Number Field when booking airline reservations. While this does not guarantee TSA PreCheck, it increases the odds.
SENTRI costs $120 per person for five years, with some sources citing a cost of $122.50 or $123. The application process includes a non-refundable $25 initial payment, after which applicants will be instructed to schedule an interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Centre. If you are travelling by car, every passenger must have their own SENTRI pass, and additional vehicles incur a fee of $42 per vehicle.
SENTRI is available to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and all foreign nationals. Children under 18 may apply, but parental consent is required, and a parent or guardian must be present for interviews. Applicants must prove they are low-risk and be truthful on their application.
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Sentri for US citizens
The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents are eligible for the SENTRI program. Membership in the program costs $120 and is valid for five years.
SENTRI is geared towards those who frequently travel between Mexico and the United States by land, and all enrollment centre locations are near the southern border. However, SENTRI members can also use the Global Entry kiosks at no additional cost. Global Entry is available at more than 50 U.S. airports, and members can skip immigration paperwork and use automatic kiosks.
Upon arrival in the United States, Global Entry members scan their passports, provide fingerprints, and complete a customs declaration. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which allows travellers to access expedited security screenings at many U.S. airports.
While the eligibility and costs of the programs differ, the benefits of SENTRI, NEXUS, and Global Entry are now mostly the same. Members of all three programs can use the airport Global Entry system, as well as the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes when entering the United States from Mexico and Canada. However, only NEXUS members can use the NEXUS lanes when entering Canada.
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Sentri for Mexican nationals
Mexican nationals with Global Entry membership must have a valid passport and visa to enter the United States. They are required to maintain current passport information via their TTP dashboard. However, obtaining a new visa or changing your name must be notified to CBP in person at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
To apply for the SENTRI program, you must first create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) System account. Each applicant, regardless of age, must have their own TTP account. After logging in, you will need to complete the application and pay a non-refundable fee. Once your application is conditionally approved, you will be instructed to schedule an interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center, bringing a valid passport and another form of identification. The fee for the SENTRI program is $120 for adults and free for minors under 18, consistent with CBP's Global Entry and NEXUS programs.
While the eligibility and costs of the programs differ, the benefits of SENTRI, NEXUS, and Global Entry are now largely the same. Members of all three programs can use the airport Global Entry system, as well as the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes when entering the US from Mexico and Canada. However, only NEXUS members can use the NEXUS lanes when entering Canada.
Global Entry members who wish to drive their vehicles in the SENTRI lanes must register their vehicle with CBP and schedule an appointment at a SENTRI enrollment center to conduct a 7-point vehicle inspection. There are no additional requirements for members to use the NEXUS lanes when entering the US.
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Sentri kiosks
The benefits of the Trusted Traveler Programs (SENTRI, NEXUS, and Global Entry) are mostly identical. Members of all three programs can use the airport Global Entry system, as well as the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes when entering the US from Mexico and Canada. However, only NEXUS members can use the NEXUS lanes when entering Canada.
Global Entry members who wish to drive their vehicle in the SENTRI lanes must register their vehicle and schedule an appointment at a SENTRI enrollment center to conduct a 7-point vehicle inspection.
The fee for SENTRI applicants is $120 for adults and free for minors under 18, consistent with CBP’s Global Entry and NEXUS programs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sentri members can use the Global Entry system at airports as well as the Sentri and Nexus lanes entering the US from Mexico and Canada.
The Sentri membership fee is \$120 for adults and free for minors under the age of 18.
Sentri allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to enter the US using dedicated primary lanes at southern land border ports. It also includes TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits.
You must be pre-approved for the Sentri program, undergo a background check and attend an in-person interview as part of the application process.
Global Entry is available at more than 50 US airports and includes TSA PreCheck. Sentri is geared towards those who frequently travel between Mexico and the US, and all enrolment centre locations are near the southern border.
