Travel guide
Most US travelers flying home do not need SENTRI — Global Entry is the better fit for air travel. SENTRI is for pre-approved, low-risk travelers who cross the southern land border from Mexico, and it requires a background check and an in-person interview.
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If you are a US traveler flying home from an international trip, SENTRI may not be the program you want. SENTRI is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. SENTRI participants may enter the United States using dedicated primary lanes at Southern land border ports.[1]
SENTRI is one of several Trusted Traveler Programs. These programs provide modified screening for preapproved members and improve security by being more efficient during screenings, while helping legitimate trade and travel at ports of entry. If your trips are mostly flights, look at Global Entry instead: it allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the US, is available at major US airports, and gives members TSA Precheck access.[2],[3]
SENTRI is for you if you regularly cross the southern land border and want to reduce your wait times at designated ports of entry. Members can use dedicated processing lanes at southern land border crossings. They can also use the NEXUS lane when entering the US from Canada by land, and Global Entry kiosks when entering the US by air.[5]
You may not need SENTRI if you only fly into the US a few times a year. Travelers who take fewer international flights should consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck and using the free Mobile Passport Control app to reduce wait time. Global Entry is described as the perfect program for frequent international or business travelers.[3]
SENTRI has no citizenship requirements and no age requirements. Applicants under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian's consent to participate.[4]
There are eligibility limits. You may not be eligible for SENTRI if you provide false or incomplete information on the application; have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants, including driving under the influence; have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country; are the subject of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state or local law enforcement agency; have been denied for the purchase of a firearm; have received a criminal pardon from any country; are inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulation, including applicants with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation; or cannot satisfy CBP of your low risk status.[4]
A non-refundable fee is required with each completed SENTRI application. Check the fee shown in your Trusted Traveler Programs account before you submit. Because the fee is non-refundable, make sure you are applying for the right program.[6]
For comparison, the Global Entry application fee is $120, and it is also non-refundable. If you are choosing between programs, that is the published figure to weigh against SENTRI's fee.[3],[10]
If your application is conditionally approved, your TTP account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center. Bring the following:[6]
Check eligibility
Before applying for SENTRI, make sure you are eligible for SENTRI.[6]
Create a TTP account
Every SENTRI applicant, regardless of age, must have their own Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) System account. Create one to apply.[6]
Complete the application
Log in to your TTP account and complete the SENTRI application.[6]
Pay the fee
SENTRI review times are not given here, but Global Entry offers a comparison point: most Global Entry applications are reviewed within 2 weeks, while some can take up to 12 months or longer depending on criminal history.[3]
If you are already a member, you may renew your membership up to one year prior to your current membership expiration date. Early renewal does not cause any loss of membership time. The renewal membership period starts on the day following the expiration of the previous membership, continues 5 years, and ends on the member's subsequent birthday.[7]
Your SENTRI membership expiration date is printed on the membership card just to the right of the photo. To renew, sign in to the Trusted Traveler Programs website, click on the renewal button, update application information as necessary, and pay the membership fee. You must also satisfy the eligibility criteria, be admissible to the United States, and pass a CBP risk assessment that includes an interview with a CBP officer and a fingerprint check.[7]
SENTRI membership allows you to reduce your wait times at designated ports of entry. Members can use dedicated processing lanes at southern land border crossings, the NEXUS lane when entering the US from Canada by land, and Global Entry kiosks when entering the US by air.[5]
A Mexican national in SENTRI must apply for Global Entry through their Trusted Traveler Programs account. That is a separate step from SENTRI itself.[5]
Global Entry members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program's terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler's membership privileges.[3]
If you have a vehicle enrolled in SENTRI, you must verify and update your vehicle license plate information to avoid potential delays in processing. Members who do not update their license plate information may be delayed as CBP officers attempt to verify license plate information. Members who do not have a vehicle enrolled do not have to take any action.[8]
Families must check whose membership their vehicle is enrolled under so the appropriate family member verifies and updates the vehicle license plate information. If your vehicle is already registered under one family member's name currently enrolled in SENTRI, you do not have to re-register your vehicle under your name.[8]
When you approach the border in the SENTRI lane, the system automatically identifies your vehicle and the identity of the occupants in the vehicle. Your RFID card file number is read upon your arrival at the border, and that file number triggers your data, which is brought up on the CBP Officer's screen. The CBP officer verifies your data and you are either released or referred for additional inspection(s).[9]
If you have not previously created an account for the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website, click on the "Register" button on the TTP Welcome page. You will need your SENTRI membership number to register, and at the end of the registration process you will be assigned a TTP user ID. Sign in using that ID, click on the "Manage Membership" button associated with the SENTRI program on the Home page, then click on the "Update Vehicle License" button. On the Update Vehicle License page, select the vehicle to update and click on the "Next" button, make all necessary updates, and click on the "Next" button to submit your updates.[8]
In some cases, the applicant will be informed that their application was denied and advised to make an appointment at an enrollment center to discuss the denial. Applicants denied membership can make an appointment at an enrollment center to discuss the denial.[7]
For renewals, CBP will review the application and respond to the applicant's online account. Generally, the review is completed within 2-3 weeks. The usual message is an invitation to set up an appointment at an enrollment center and to bring items such as proof of identity and address.[7]
SENTRI is a CBP program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States, with dedicated primary lanes at Southern land border ports. If you fly home most often, Global Entry is described as the perfect program for frequent international or business travelers.[1],[3]
No. They are separate Trusted Traveler Programs. SENTRI focuses on dedicated primary lanes at southern land border ports, while Global Entry is available at major US airports and gives members TSA Precheck access. SENTRI members can use Global Entry kiosks when entering the US by air.[1],[3],[5]
A non-refundable fee is required with each completed SENTRI application. Check the fee shown in your Trusted Traveler Programs account before you submit. For comparison, the Global Entry application fee is $120.[3],[6]
Yes. There are no age requirements for SENTRI membership, but applicants under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian's consent to participate. Every SENTRI applicant, regardless of age, must have their own Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) System account, and each applicant must schedule a separate interview.[4],[6]
Bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card. If you do not have a passport, bring any valid US entry documents in your possession. Lawful permanent residents must present their permanent resident card, and you also need vehicle registration and evidence of US automobile insurance.[6]
SENTRI review times are not given here, but Global Entry offers a comparison point: most Global Entry applications are reviewed within 2 weeks, while some can take up to 12 months or longer depending on criminal history.[3]
Yes. SENTRI members may renew their membership up to one year prior to their current membership expiration date, and early renewal does not cause any loss of membership time. To renew, sign in to the Trusted Traveler Programs website, click the renewal button, update your information, and pay the membership fee.[7]
Every rule, fee and deadline above is taken from these official pages, which we read on November 2, 2026. Rules change, so check the official page before you apply or pay.
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Good to know
Need an accommodation?
If you need assistance at your SENTRI interview because of a disability, you can request a reasonable modification or auxiliary aid or service. Contact the SENTRI Enrollment Center where your interview is scheduled, and make the request as soon as possible and before the interview date.[6]
A non-refundable fee is required with each completed SENTRI application.[6]
Wait for review
After accepting your completed application and fee, CBP reviews your application.[6]
Schedule your interview
If your application is conditionally approved, your TTP account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center. Each SENTRI applicant must schedule a separate interview.[6]
Activate your card
If you are approved for SENTRI, you will be issued a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card that identifies you as a SENTRI member. To activate it, log into your Trusted Travelers Programs account and click on the "Activate Membership Card" button under the Program Membership(s) section.[9]
Members who never submitted an online application must create a Trusted Traveler Programs online account before submitting an application.[7]
