Travelers can encounter massive lines to cross the borders by car. Travelers who are on a tight schedule may wonder: Are there faster ways to reenter the U.S. by land from our North American neighbors? The short answer is yes — NEXUS for travel in and out of Canada and SENTRI for travel back into the U.S. from Canada or Mexico. Show
Here, we take a look at the SENTRI Pass — what it is, how it works, how to get it and who should apply for it. What is the SENTRI Pass?SENTRI is one of five Trusted Traveler Programs from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allow expedited entry into the U.S. when crossing international borders. Where a program like TSA PreCheck seeks to expedite screenings for air travel, SENTRI, along with NEXUS and FAST, have similar intentions for U.S. land border crossings. SENTRI is the only program that allows preapproved, low-risk travelers to reenter the U.S. from Mexico on foot or by vehicle using special SENTRI lanes at the land border ports. In addition, it also grants expedited access into the U.S. from Canada through dedicated NEXUS lanes. That said, SENTRI doesn't expedite entry into Mexico or Canada from the U.S. How does the SENTRI Pass work?After completing an application process and screening, SENTRI users are issued a Radio Frequency Identification card identifying valid membership. When crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, the SENTRI card automatically populates information for U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers who can choose to let the vehicle and its passengers continue into the U.S. without further inspection. It’s a similar process when reentering the U.S. through a land border with Canada. How much is a SENTRI Pass?At $122.25, SENTRI membership is the most expensive of the Trusted Traveler Programs. But more than expedited land crossings, U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents approved for SENTRI can automatically get TSA PreCheck and use Global Entry kiosks with their passport or resident card. These benefits come at no extra cost. It’s important to note that the fee, which is paid with your application, is nonrefundable. Even if you're not approved after applying and paying, it won't be refunded. Once accepted for SENTRI, membership is valid for five years. Note that each passenger traveling through a SENTRI lane must be approved individually for membership. It’s not enough to travel in a member’s car without your own SENTRI membership. How do I get a SENTRI Pass?You can apply for SENTRI in five steps.
Why should I get the SENTRI Pass?The SENTRI Pass makes a lot of sense for particular travelers and circumstances. You live near a U.S.-Mexico border and cross frequentlyHours-long lines are common at international land borders between the U.S. and Mexico. Getting SENTRI for yourself and your travel companions could translate to hours of time saved. Multiply these hours by the number of times you cross, and the value in a SENTRI membership increases greatly. Given that SENTRI is primarily intended for those who cross the border frequently, enrollment centers are found exclusively in cities close to the U.S.-Mexico border. There are 11 centers currently:
An in-person visit at an enrollment center is required for membership approval. You live near a U.S.-Mexico border and travel internationally frequentlySince U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents approved for SENTRI get the added benefits of Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and NEXUS lanes for entry into the U.S. from Canada, those who travel internationally frequently could benefit from this program. You plan to do some road-tripping in MexicoIf you plan on doing a lot of road trips between Mexico and the U.S., it may be worth your while to get a SENTRI card. However, consider the costs or hassle involved in visiting an enrollment center in Texas, Arizona or California before applying. Who should skip the SENTRI PassSENTRI Pass membership isn't ideal for people who plan to travel by car extensively in Canada. Other travelers who would be wise to forego membership include:
Is the SENTRI Pass worth it?If you live within a few hours of a SENTRI Enrollment Center and cross the U.S.-Mexico border even a few times a year, the SENTRI Pass is well worth getting. Though the application fee of $122.25 per member is higher than other Trusted Traveler Programs, saving hours at the border every single time can feel priceless. Plus, the bonus benefits of Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and the use of NEXUS lanes make it even more worthwhile for frequent travelers. If you want to obtain a SENTRI PassThe SENTRI Pass can make sense for U.S.-based travelers who frequently cross the country's land borders by car, especially for those who live near the southern border and visit Mexico often. Canada-bound U.S. travelers will likely get better value out of the NEXUS card. For a little over $100, travelers will automatically get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits. How to maximize your rewardsYou want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2022, including those best for: What is the difference between Ready Lane and SENTRI?Ready Lanes operate from a few ports. Check your nearest ports of entry for hours of operation. SENTRI and NEXUS lanes are reserved strictly for the use of SENTRI, NEXUS and Global Entry card holders. All travelers in the vehicle over the age of 16 must have an RFID-enabled card to use the Ready Lane.
How much does SENTRI pass cost?How much does it cost to obtain a SENTRI pass? The total fee is $122.25 per person. Here is a breakdown of the fees: Application fee $25.00 (or $50.00 total for husband, wife, children)
What is a Ready Lane eligible card?Ready Lane-eligible cards contain Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, and include the following: U.S. Passport Cards, Enhanced Driver's Licenses, Enhanced Tribal Cards, Enhanced Border Crossing Cards, Enhanced Permanent Resident Cards, and Trusted Traveler Program (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST) ...
Can I use my passport for Ready Lane?Can I use my passport card at Ready Lanes? Yes. Adults and children with U.S. passport cards can save time at the U.S.-Mexico border by using designated Ready Lanes that read the passport card's Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
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