Understanding the Trusted Traveler Program

Last updated 7 days ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

The frustration of long lines at airport security and tedious customs processes after international flights are common travel headaches. These delays add significant stress whether you’re traveling for business or leisure.

The Trusted Traveler Program offers a solution. This U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiative provides pre-approved, low-risk travelers a way to access expedited security screening and customs procedures, making travel smoother and more efficient.

Understanding the Trusted Traveler Program

The Trusted Traveler Program is designed to facilitate entry of pre-approved travelers into the United States. Its purpose is to expedite processing for thoroughly vetted, low-risk individuals. This approach allows CBP officers to focus their attention on travelers who may present higher security risks, enhancing overall border security while improving the travel experience.

All memberships under the Trusted Traveler Program are valid for five years and require renewal to maintain benefits.

Global Entry: Expedited International Entry

Global Entry is the premier program for frequent international air travelers. It provides expedited U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance upon arrival in the United States, allowing members to bypass traditional passport control lines and use automated kiosks at select airports.

Who is Eligible for Global Entry?

Eligibility is primarily based on citizenship and a clean record. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can apply. Citizens of several countries with U.S. agreements are also eligible, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bahrain, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, India, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, though minors can apply with parent or legal guardian consent.

Several factors can disqualify applicants:

• Providing false or incomplete application information
• Criminal convictions, pending charges, or outstanding warrants (including DUIs)
• Violations of customs, immigration, or agriculture regulations in any country
• Being the subject of an ongoing investigation
• Denial for firearm purchase
• Inadmissibility to the United States under immigration regulations

Starting October 1, 2024, minors under 18 will have the $120 application fee waived when their application is submitted concurrently with a parent or legal guardian who is enrolled in Global Entry or has a pending application.

The Global Entry Application Process

Applying for Global Entry involves several steps:

1. Create an account on the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website
2. Complete the online application and provide personal information and travel history
3. Pay the non-refundable $120 fee
4. Wait for CBP review (typically two weeks, though manual reviews may take up to 12 months)
5. If conditionally approved, schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center

International travelers arriving in the United States have a convenient alternative: Enrollment on Arrival (EoA). This allows conditionally approved applicants to complete their Global Entry interview upon arrival at select U.S. airports, including those with CBP Preclearance locations.

For the interview, bring:

• Valid passport
• Another form of identification (driver’s license or ID card)
• Permanent resident card (if applicable)

Benefits of Global Entry

Global Entry membership offers numerous advantages:

• Reduced wait times upon U.S. arrival
• Access to dedicated Global Entry lanes and kiosks
• No paperwork required upon entry
• Automatic inclusion of TSA PreCheck benefits
• Potential access to expedited entry in other participating countries

U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals who are Global Entry members receive a Global Entry card, which can be used for expedited entry at land and sea ports via SENTRI and NEXUS lanes. Note that the Global Entry card cannot be used at Global Entry kiosks; only a passport or lawful permanent resident card is accepted there.

Renewing Global Entry Membership

Global Entry memberships are valid for five years. Members can renew up to one year before expiration.

A significant advantage: if you submit a renewal before your membership expires, you can continue using Global Entry benefits for up to 24 months after expiration while the renewal processes.

The renewal process is completed online through the Trusted Traveler Program website:

1. Log in to your TTP account
2. Navigate to the dashboard and select “Renew” for Global Entry
3. Review and update your information
4. Pay the $120 renewal fee

In many cases, no interview is required for renewal. However, CBP may determine one is necessary based on updated information and risk assessment. Check your TTP account regularly for renewal status updates.

Common Questions About Global Entry

• Application fee: $120 (effective October 1, 2024)
• Updating passport information: Usually done online through your TTP account by clicking “Update Documents” (in-person visit required for name changes)
• Children and Global Entry: No minimum age requirement, but applicants under 18 need parent/guardian consent. After October 1, 2024, minors under 18 with an enrolled parent/guardian will have the fee waived.
• If a Global Entry kiosk shows “See Officer For Assistance”: Report to the nearest staffed CBP passport control booth (no need to rejoin the regular line)

TSA PreCheck: Speeding Through Airport Security

TSA PreCheck expedites the security screening process at U.S. airports for domestic and some international flights departing from the U.S. Members benefit from dedicated screening lanes where they typically don’t need to remove shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, or light jackets.

Who Can Benefit from TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is primarily for U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent residents. Individuals enrolled in other Trusted Traveler Programs often receive TSA PreCheck benefits automatically:

• All Global Entry members
• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are NEXUS or SENTRI members
• Canadian citizens who are NEXUS members

TSA PreCheck extends benefits to families traveling with enrolled members:

• Children 12 and under can join an enrolled parent/guardian without their own membership
• Children 13-17 can access PreCheck lanes if their boarding pass shows the TSA PreCheck indicator and they’re on the same reservation as an enrolled parent/guardian

Applying for TSA PreCheck

The TSA PreCheck application process is straightforward:

1. Complete the online application through the Transportation Security Administration website
2. Select an enrollment provider from TSA’s approved partners (CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos)
3. Schedule an in-person enrollment appointment
4. At the appointment, provide fingerprints, verify documents, have a photo taken, and pay the enrollment fee
5. The fee varies by provider, typically $77-$85 for new enrollments

Upon approval (usually 3-5 days, occasionally up to 60 days), members receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Add this KTN to airline reservations and store it in frequent flyer profiles to ensure the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on boarding passes.

The Perks of TSA PreCheck

The primary benefit of TSA PreCheck is significant time savings at airport security:

• Most PreCheck passengers experience wait times of 5 minutes or less
• Keep shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 compliant liquids, belts, and light jackets in carry-on bags
• Available at over 200 airports across the United States
• Supported by more than 90 participating airlines

Renewing TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years. Renewal can be initiated online up to six months before expiration:

1. Complete the online renewal process (typically takes about 5 minutes)
2. In-person renewal at an enrollment center is also an option
3. Renewal fees vary by enrollment provider

Frequently Asked Questions About TSA PreCheck

• If the TSA PreCheck indicator doesn’t appear on your boarding pass:
  • Verify your KTN, name, and date of birth are correctly entered in your reservation
  • Check that your membership hasn’t expired
  • Contact the airline or TSA for assistance if issues persist
• Travel companions not enrolled in TSA PreCheck generally can’t use PreCheck lanes, with exceptions for:
  • Children 12 and under accompanying an enrolled parent/guardian
  • Children 13-17 with the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass when traveling on the same reservation as an enrolled parent/guardian
• Name consistency is crucial: the name on your TSA PreCheck application and airline reservation must exactly match your identification documents.
• Violations of federal security regulations can result in disqualification or suspension from the program.

SENTRI: Expedited Land Border Crossings from Mexico

SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) expedites the clearance process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States from Mexico via dedicated vehicle and pedestrian lanes along the Southwest border.

SENTRI Eligibility

Unlike Global Entry, SENTRI has no specific citizenship requirements and is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and all foreign nationals. There’s no minimum age requirement, though applicants under 18 need parent/guardian consent.

Vehicle registration and U.S. automobile insurance are required if applying to use a vehicle in SENTRI lanes. The vehicle must be approved by CBP during enrollment.

Ineligibility factors mirror other Trusted Traveler Programs: false information, criminal convictions, customs violations, ongoing investigations, firearm purchase denial, U.S. inadmissibility, or failure to satisfy CBP of low-risk status.

Applying for SENTRI

The SENTRI application process begins online through the Trusted Traveler Program website:

1. Create a TTP account and complete the online application
2. Pay the fee ($120 for adults effective October 1, 2024, with waivers for eligible minors)
3. If conditionally approved, schedule an in-person interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center
4. Complete a vehicle inspection during the interview

For the interview, bring:

• Valid passport(s)
• Another form of identification (driver’s license or ID card)
• Vehicle registration
• Proof of U.S. automobile insurance

Advantages of SENTRI Membership

SENTRI membership offers several key benefits:

• Access to dedicated processing lanes at southern land border crossings
• Reduced wait times
• NEXUS lane access when entering the U.S. from Canada by land
• Potential Global Entry benefits at U.S. airports for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
• TSA PreCheck eligibility for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents

Mexican nationals with SENTRI membership need to apply separately for Global Entry to receive those benefits.

Renewing SENTRI Membership

SENTRI memberships are valid for five years. Renewal can start up to one year before expiration:

1. Log in to your TTP account
2. Click the “Renew” button
3. Update information if necessary
4. Pay the $120 membership fee (effective October 1, 2024)

CBP will review the renewal application, and an interview may be required. Early renewal is recommended to avoid membership lapses.

Common Questions About SENTRI

SENTRI members receive an RFID card that identifies them and their vehicle in dedicated lanes at the border. This card can also be used in Ready Lanes at land border ports of entry.

NEXUS: Seamless Border Crossing Between the U.S. and Canada

NEXUS is a bi-national program designed to expedite border clearance for low-risk, pre-approved travelers entering the United States and Canada. It facilitates travel by air, land, and sea between the two countries.

NEXUS Eligibility

NEXUS eligibility is specific to:

• Citizens and permanent residents of the United States and Canada
• Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico’s trusted traveler program, Viajero Confiable

Applicants must typically reside in either the U.S. or Canada for at least three years prior to applying (with exceptions for military and diplomatic personnel). There’s no minimum age requirement, but applicants under 18 need parent/guardian consent.

A fundamental requirement is being admissible to both Canada and the United States under their respective immigration laws. Both U.S. and Canadian authorities must approve an application.

Applying for NEXUS

The NEXUS application process starts online through the Trusted Traveler Programs website:

1. Create a TTP account and submit an online application
2. Pay the $120 USD fee (children under 18 are admitted free if eligible)
3. Both U.S. CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) conduct risk assessments
4. If conditionally approved, schedule interviews with both agencies

Several interview options are available:

• Joint interview at a U.S. land enrollment center
• Split interviews (U.S. portion at a U.S. center, Canadian portion at a Canadian center)
• Two-step interview process at participating Canadian and U.S. airports
• Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) for the CBP portion at participating U.S. airports or preclearance locations

During interviews, bring:

• Valid passport
• Proof of residency
• Additional documentation for minors if required

Benefits of NEXUS Membership

NEXUS offers comprehensive benefits for travel between the U.S. and Canada:

• Dedicated processing lanes at northern border land ports
• Self-serve NEXUS kiosks at major Canadian international airports
• Global Entry kiosk access at U.S. Preclearance airports in Canada
• Expedited processing at designated marine reporting locations
• TSA PreCheck eligibility for U.S. and Canadian citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and Canadian permanent residents

Renewing NEXUS Membership

NEXUS memberships are valid for five years, with renewal available up to one year before expiration:

1. Log in to your TTP account
2. Select the NEXUS program and proceed with renewal
3. Update information if necessary
4. Pay the $120 USD renewal fee

Interviews are often not required for NEXUS renewal, particularly if there are no significant changes to personal information or eligibility. Both CBP and CBSA conduct risk assessments and may require an interview at their discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions About NEXUS

• NEXUS is specifically designed for expedited travel between the United States and Canada
• The application fee is $120 USD (as of October 1, 2024)
• While both NEXUS and Global Entry expedite border crossings, NEXUS focuses on U.S.-Canada travel
• NEXUS benefits include dedicated lanes, airport kiosks, expedited marine reporting, and TSA PreCheck eligibility

FAST: Facilitating Trade Across North American Land Borders

FAST (Free and Secure Trade) is a commercial clearance program that expedites the movement of goods across land borders between the United States, Canada, and Mexico for pre-approved commercial carriers, drivers, importers, and some manufacturers.

FAST Eligibility

FAST eligibility is primarily for:

• Commercial truck drivers who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico
• Individuals at least 18 years old with a valid commercial driver’s license

Participation also requires enrollment in specific trade security programs:

• Carriers and importers must be certified under the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program for U.S. entry
• The Partners in Protection (PIP) program is required for Canadian entry

Ineligibility factors are similar to other Trusted Traveler Programs.

The FAST Application Process

FAST applications are submitted through the Trusted Traveler Programs website:

1. Create a TTP account and complete the online application
2. Pay the $50 USD/CAD non-refundable fee for a five-year membership
3. Undergo background checks
4. If conditionally approved, attend an in-person interview at a FAST Enrollment Center

The estimated processing time is approximately 30 business days, not including interview scheduling and completion.

Advantages of the FAST Program

FAST membership offers significant benefits for commercial transportation:

• Access to dedicated FAST lanes at land border ports of entry
• Reduced inspections and fewer delays
• Priority, front-of-line processing for CBP inspections
• Enhanced supply chain security
• Promotion of economic prosperity through facilitated legitimate trade

Renewing FAST Membership

FAST memberships are valid for five years, with renewal available up to one year before expiration:

1. Log in to your TTP account
2. Click the “Renewal” button
3. Update information if necessary
4. Pay the $50 USD/CAD renewal fee

Both CBP and CBSA conduct risk assessments, and an interview may be required. Early renewal is recommended to ensure uninterrupted benefits.

Common Questions About FAST

FAST is specifically for commercial traffic, while other Trusted Traveler Programs serve individual travelers. Drivers must have a valid FAST card to use dedicated lanes at the border.

Choosing the Right Trusted Traveler Program for Your Needs

Selecting the most appropriate program depends on your travel patterns and needs:

Tips for a Smooth Application Experience

To navigate the Trusted Traveler Program application process successfully:

• Research each program thoroughly before applying
• Provide complete and truthful information (discrepancies can lead to denial)
• Gather all required documents before beginning
• Schedule your in-person interview promptly after conditional approval
• Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application
• Be aware of renewal timelines and start the process early
• Keep all personal information updated in your TTP account

Conclusion

The Trusted Traveler Program offers valuable tools for frequent travelers to navigate airports and borders more efficiently. Whether you need expedited international air travel (Global Entry), faster domestic security screening (TSA PreCheck), quicker land border crossings from Mexico (SENTRI), seamless passage between the U.S. and Canada (NEXUS), or streamlined commercial trade (FAST), there’s a program designed to meet your specific travel needs.

By understanding the requirements, application processes, benefits, and renewal procedures for each option, you can make informed decisions and enjoy more convenient travel experiences.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.