TSA Pre Check, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI: Which Trusted Traveler Program is right for you?
The Department of Homeland Security has several Trusted Traveler Programs, aimed at providing a more seamless traveler experience while increasing efficiency within the system and ensuring added security. These programs are customized based on your travel needs, which one is right for you? If you primarily fly within the US
If you tend to fly domestic on most occasions, TSA Pre Check is the –program for you. TSA Pre Check allows you to have an expedited screening process at participating airports, meaning you’ll get to skip those pesky security lines. Managed by the Transportation Security Administration, only US citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible. There is no passport required to apply, but there is an $85.00 application fee for a 5 year membership. To apply, pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center, and provide your fingerprints and valid ID.
If you fly within the US and Internationally
Global Entry is the most convenient program for international travelers. It not only includes all the benefits of TSA Pre, but also expedited processing through Customs and Border Protection at airports and land borders upon arrival in the US. In short, no security lines and minimal waiting time to get into the country. US citizens, lawful permanent residents and citizens of the United Kingdom are eligible for this program. In order to apply, a valid passport of lawful permanent residency card is required and a $100 fee for a 5-year membership. Participants must pre enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an in-person interview, provide fingerprints and valid ID.
If you primarily travel between the US and Canada
For those who travel internationally but mostly to Canada, NEXUS is available for US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens and lawful permanent residents of Canada. The program includes expedited processing at airports and land borders when entering the US and Canada, TSA Pre benefits for US and Canadian citizens, as well as Global Entry benefits. The cost of a 5-year membership is $50, and no passport is required. In order to apply, you must pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an in-person interview, and provide fingerprints and valid ID.
If you primarily travel by land into the US from Mexico
SENTRI provides travelers by land from Mexico into the US with expedited processing through Customs and Border Protection at land borders. It also includes Global Entry and TSA Pre benefits for US Citizens. The program is available to those who present proof of citizenship and admissibility documentation. There is no passport required and there is a fee of $122.25 for a 5-year membership. In order to apply, you must pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an in-person interview, and provide fingerprints and valid ID.
