Mexico Airport Tsa Precheck: What You Need To Know

TSA PreCheck® is a program that expedites traveler screening through participating airports. It is available at US airports for both domestic and international flights departing from the US. However, it is not available at airports in foreign countries, including Mexico. While Mexico has its own trusted traveler program called Viajero Confiable, it is currently not operational. Therefore, travelers arriving in Mexico will not be able to use TSA PreCheck® and will have to go through the standard security screening process at Mexican airports.

TSA PreCheck is only available in the USA

TSA PreCheck® is a program that expedites traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints in the USA. While TSA PreCheck® is available when departing from a U.S. airport to a foreign country and for domestic, connecting flights after returning to the United States, it is not available in foreign countries, including Mexico.

TSA PreCheck® is only valid in the USA, and travelers will not be able to use this service when departing from or arriving at a Mexican airport. This means that travelers will need to follow the standard security screening procedures when traveling through Mexican airports, which may include removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, and light jackets.

It is important to note that Mexico has its own trusted traveler program called "Viajero Confiable." However, this program is currently not operational, and it is primarily intended for travelers who frequently visit Mexico multiple times a year.

For travelers who frequently fly internationally, enrolling in Global Entry may be a better option than TSA PreCheck®. Global Entry provides expedited customs processing when entering the United States, and it includes TSA PreCheck® benefits for inbound international flights. This can be especially useful when returning to the United States, as customs and security screening can often be time-consuming.

While TSA PreCheck® is a convenient program for expediting security screening when traveling within the United States, it is not available in foreign countries, including Mexico. Travelers should be prepared to follow standard security procedures when departing from or arriving at Mexican airports and consider enrolling in Global Entry for international travel benefits.

Cancun Airport doesn't have TSA PreCheck

Cancun International Airport does not have TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck is only available in the USA. However, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and is useful for inbound international flights. If you are a frequent flyer, it is beneficial to have Global Entry to avoid long customs lines when entering the United States.

When departing from a US airport to a foreign country, you can use TSA PreCheck. However, when returning to the United States, you will need to go through the standard security screening process at the airport in Cancun.

Mexico has its own trusted traveler program called "Viajero Confiable." However, this program is currently not operational, and the Mexican government is working on rolling out a new system. It is recommended to enroll in Global Entry if you travel internationally more than four times a year, as it includes TSA PreCheck and provides expedited customs processing when entering the United States.

It is important to note that TSA PreCheck is different from customs pre-clearance. Customs pre-clearance allows US citizens to clear US customs while in Canada at the airport due to agreements between the two countries. However, TSA Pre-Check is a security screening program that expedites the screening process at participating TSA checkpoints in the United States.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck

If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry. With Global Entry, you'll receive expedited customs processing when entering the US, and you'll receive TSA PreCheck when flying from US airports. TSA PreCheck is also available when you depart from a US airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights after you return to the US.

If you take fewer than four international trips a year, TSA PreCheck is a good choice for domestic travellers. TSA PreCheck has saved countless hours for travellers at US airports. It is very convenient not to have to take your shoes off or remove anything from your bag. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to submit an application at an Idemia enrolment centre or $85 at a Telos enrolment centre. Membership lasts for five years.

Global Entry costs $120 to apply, and membership lasts for five years. If you plan to travel abroad often and you live near or are travelling through a centre for the required interview, consider Global Entry. Many credit cards will reimburse you for either a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application, but never both. If you're paying the application fees out of pocket, you might have to choose between the two programs.

Mexico has its own Viajero Confiable program

Mexico has its own trusted traveller programme called the Programa Viajero Confiable, which translates to "Trusted Traveller Program". It was introduced in 2014 at three airports: Cancún International Airport, Mexico City International Airport, and Cabo San Lucas International Airport. The programme has since expanded to additional sites.

The Programa Viajero Confiable is a Mexican programme that allows members to pass through customs and immigration controls quickly and securely by using automated border control systems at select airports. It is similar to the joint Canada/US NEXUS programme and the United States' Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programmes. Members of the Programa Viajero Confiable travelling via participating airports can use designated lanes to clear customs quickly and securely because they have already undergone a background check by the Mexican government and are considered trusted travellers.

At the participating airports, members of the Programa Viajero Confiable can use automated kiosks to scan their passports and fingerprints and complete an electronic immigration form. This allows them to bypass the regular customs and immigration lines, reducing the time spent at the airport.

To apply for the Programa Viajero Confiable, individuals must be approved members of a US TTP (Trusted Traveler Programs) or a Canadian equivalent. They can then apply online at the programme's website. For US citizens, there is an additional step of first being approved for the Global Entry program and paying a $100 non-refundable application fee. After the application is reviewed, they will be instructed to schedule an interview at one of the designated locations.

TSA PreCheck is available when departing from a US airport to Mexico

If you are departing from a US airport to Mexico, you can use TSA PreCheck®. TSA PreCheck® is available at participating airports in the US and expedites the screening process for eligible travellers. This means that travellers do not need to remove their shoes, belts, liquids, laptops or light jackets when passing through security.

It is important to note that TSA PreCheck® is only available within the USA. When returning to the US and passing through customs, you will go through standard US security screening, which may include removing your shoes.

Mexico has its own trusted traveller program called Viajero Confiable, which can be obtained if you have Global Entry. However, this program is currently not operational, and it is primarily intended for travellers visiting Mexico multiple times a year.

When departing from a US airport to Mexico, eligible travellers with Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI can enter their membership number (PASS ID) when booking reservations or into their frequent flyer profile. This enables the TSA's Secure Flight System to verify that the traveller is eligible for TSA PreCheck®.

Frequently asked questions