SENTRI vs. Global Entry: Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Sources: Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Frequent Travel Programs:  

Land Ports only – SENTRI(For Traveling into the U.S. from Mexico at Land Ports of Entry)

The SENTRI program, highly used by the maquiladora industry provides expedited CBP processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers at land ports of entry between the U.S. and Mexico border. SENTRI has dedicated commuter lanes to expedite daily travel in major land ports of entry, including San Ysidro and Otay Mesa. Applicants must voluntarily undergo a thorough biographical background check against criminal, law enforcement, customs, immigration, and terrorist indices; a 10-fingerprint law enforcement check; and a personal interview with a CBP Officer.

SENTRI is $122.25 for a five year period but there is a family cap at $244.50

Air & Land Travel  – Global Entry (For Traveling into the U.S by Air or Land)

Global Entry is also popular for companies manufacturing in Mexico, a CBP program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival by air or land in the United States. The process for applying to Global Entry is similar to SENTRI.

Participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at selected airports, including Dallas, Houston and San Diego.

Benefits Provided by TSAfor SENTRI/Global Entry Holders

(For Traveling Domestically by Air):

TSA has set up expedited security lanes at certain airports. “TSA Pre” allows select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of CBP Trusted Traveler programs to receive expedited screening benefits during domestic travel. Eligible participants use dedicated screening lanes for screening benefits which include leaving on shoes, light outerwear and belts, as well as leaving laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags.

U.S. citizens currently enrolled in CBP’s Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS Trusted Traveler programs are automatically eligible to participate in “TSA Pre” when flying a participating airline at a participating airport.