Trusted Travelers Program
If you are a frequent traveler, joining the trusted traveler program offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may help expedite airport security checks.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are the two most widely utilized trusted traveler programs. However, other options exist such as SENTRI (Canada) and FAST (Mexico).
What is a trusted traveler program?
A trusted traveler program is a government initiative designed to expedite you through airport security and/or international border crossings, saving time, stress, and frustration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers several programs that may meet your requirements; these include TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI.
Signing up for a trusted traveler program can be done online or at one of the 380 enrollment locations nationwide. All that’s required from you is some personal information that will allow the federal government to perform a background check on you. TSA PreCheck, in particular, is one of the most popular trusted traveler programs and offers expedited security screening to select members. Ultimately, which option best suits your travel habits depends on which program works best for you.
TSA PreCheck
Traveling frequently or occasionally? Signing up for TSA PreCheck can give you priority access to security lines at U.S. airports.
Since 2013, over 10 million members have taken advantage of this program to speed through airport security with dedicated lanes that expedite the security checkpoint experience. Travelers deemed low risk by TSA don’t need to remove shoes, belts, or lightweight jackets and can keep liquids and laptops in their carry-on bags without extra steps.
The application process is straightforward and usually takes less than two weeks to finish. After filling out an online form, you can book an appointment at a TSA enrollment center to provide documents, fingerprints, and payment – the fee for five years is just $78.
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Global Entry
Global Entry is a program that grants pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the United States. Members enter through automated kiosks at select airports and bypass passport control lines and paper customs declarations.
Travelers must first be pre-approved for Global Entry and pass a background check and in-person interview in order to enroll. Citizens of Argentina, Australia, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, Switzerland, and South Korea are eligible for membership under Global Entry regulations.
The application process for Global Entry is similar to TSA PreCheck but additionally requires an interview. As interviews may take weeks or months to schedule, it’s best to apply as soon as possible.
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NEXUS
If you’re tired of waiting in line at security checkpoints and border crossings, consider signing up for a trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS that can help expedite clearance through airports and borders faster. These options include TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and NEXUS.
TSA PreCheck members receive a dedicated security lane at the airport, where they can keep their shoes on and laptops in their carry-on bags with 3-1-1 liquids.
Global Entry members can utilize a kiosk to bypass the long immigration and customs lines when returning from an international flight. They’re low-risk travelers who have been approved by CBP for this program.
The SENTRI, Global Entry, and NEXUS programs have nearly identical application processes; however, the fees charged for each are insufficient to recoup CBP’s administrative costs associated with administering them.
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SENTRI
The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) program enables pre-approved travelers to receive priority processing at select land border ports. As part of CBP’s trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry and NEXUS, SENTRI offers dedicated processing at designated land border ports.
These trusted traveler programs provide a range of advantages to pre-approved travelers, such as expedited entry into the United States at certain land ports and access to Global Entry kiosks in airports nationwide. However, each program has its own application process and fee structure.
CBP is proposing to harmonize the fees and application processes for SENTRI, Global Entry, and NEXUS. The proposed changes include a uniform application fee; an established standard fee charged to minors; and an integrated payment schedule for SENTRI applicants.