What is the difference between global entry and sentri

TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry are both Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler Programs. TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.

Table of Contents Show

Is Global Entry the same as SENTRI pass?
Can I use Global Entry at SENTRI?
What is difference between SENTRI NEXUS and Global Entry?
Does Global Entry work in Mexico?

Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry. If you take less than four international trips a year, TSA PreCheck is a great choice for domestic travelers. For more information on all of the DHS Trusted Traveler Programs use the DHS interactive Trusted Traveler Tool.

Raj Bharti shares his tips for navigating Trusted Traveler Programs.

Some love to travel, some live to travel, and others have to travel for business or personal reasons. No matter what takes you to an airport or across the borders by road or water, constantly increasing security-checks and border-clearance time is the new reality of our era. We all have heard stories of missed flights due to increased wait time at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening locations while TSA-Pre travelers can zoom through special security lines.

Thankfully the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has multiple Trusted Traveler Programs, which provide an improved passenger experience, while enhancing security and increasing system-wide efficiencies. Granted, it takes some time and effort to enroll and get one of these preferential cards, but it’s absolutely worth it! Here’s a brief introduction of four trusted traveler programs for those who’ve been wondering which one they should commit to.

TSA-Pre

TSA-Pre is the first program that comes to everyone’s mind because we see these six letters with a check-mark across all major airports. It’s the only program offered by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) while the other three are offered by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). With TSA-Pre you don’t need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets, resulting in faster security clearance as compared to regular TSA lanes (These benefits also apply to Global Entry and NEXUS).

To enroll, submit an online application and schedule an appointment at any of 380+ enrollment centers. A 10-minute, in-person appointment is required that includes a background check and fingerprinting. This is a simple program but its scope is limited to domestic travel only, so it doesn’t need to involve Customs and Border Protection (CBP). U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents can apply. You can get more details at TSA-Pre’s website.

Global Entry

Global Entry is TSA-Pre’s big brother as it extends the similar benefits to global travel. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.

Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. Please note that Global Entry members can use the TSA-Pre lanes at the airports for expedited processing. You can get more details at Global Entry’s website.

NEXUS

The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada. Program members use dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air, and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Pre-clearance airports.

NEXUS members also receive expedited processing at marine reporting locations. As an additional benefit, this program offers Global Entry for free; however, the enrollment process requires applicants to be interviewed by both American and Canadian authorities. If your life doesn’t take you to Canada frequently and you don’t want to go through two interviews, Global Entry (#2) is a good alternative.

At a lower cost, NEXUS offers the most benefits among all four programs, so it is my personal favorite and I have been a happy member for almost a decade. Please note that NEXUS members can use the TSA-Pre lanes at the airports for expedited processing. You can get more details at NEXUS’ website.

SENTRI: Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection

The SENTRI program is geared towards travelers who travel by land into the U.S. from Mexico. The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Participants may enter the United States by using dedicated primary lanes into the United States at Southern land border ports. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. I know little about this program because it doesn’t meet any of my travel needs. You can get more details at SENTRI’s website.

Which Program Fits My Needs?

Below is the Trusted Traveler Programs Comparison Chart offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for you to compare these programs side by side. Compare them thoroughly and choose the one that fits your travel needs.

Is Global Entry the same as SENTRI pass?

No, when you use the Global Entry kiosk, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card. The SENTRI cards do not work when entering the U.S. by air through the Global Entry kiosks.

Can I use Global Entry at SENTRI?

All current NEXUS members, and U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents who are SENTRI members, are eligible to use Global Entry kiosks once they provide fingerprints and document information to CBP.

What is difference between SENTRI NEXUS and Global Entry?

Global Entry allows expedited entry into the United States for international travelers and includes TSA PreCheck. NEXUS provides dedicated lanes at select border crossings between the U.S. and Canada while also offering full TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits when flying.

Does Global Entry work in Mexico?

Viajero Confiable is a trusted traveler program that allows fast and safe entry into Mexico by allowing members to process themselves at automated kiosks located at designated airports. The program is open to Mexican citizens 18 years of age and up and U.S. citizens who are members of CBP's Global Entry program.