Trusted Traveler Programs: how To decide Which is best For You

The united states department of Homeland safety and security provides five trusted Traveler Programs to speed up the process through security, border checks, and immigration. This guide walks you through each program and will help you to decide which is best for you.

Imagine reaching the airport and going through the safety and security line in only five minutes. Now, picture going best through the x-ray device without rummaging through your bag to pull out your laptop and liquids, and without having to remove your shoes and jacket.

You no longer need to imagine it — the trusted Traveler Programs are available in the United States. all of this is a reality. I’ve had global entry for a few years now and don’t know how I travelled without it.

Here’s my guide to the various trusted Traveler Programs, including my personal experience.

Innholdsfortegnelse
What are trusted Traveler Programs?
Who is Eligible for trusted Traveler Programs?
5 available trusted Traveler Programs 
Choose The trusted Traveler Program That’s best for You
My Experience With the trusted Traveler Programs
Credit Cards that Cover the TSA PreCheck or global entry Application Fee
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What are trusted Traveler Programs?

Trusted Traveler Programs allow members access to expedited lanes at united states airports and when crossing international borders by land or by sea.

First, you apply for the program and then go through a rigorous screening process — including an in-person interview. You can use the programs once you’re approved and all the requirements are met. 

These programs offer modified screening procedures to facilitate entry into the United States. They also improve overall safety and security and help to make the travel experience a little much more streamlined. 

☞ SEE ALSO: travel guidance for beginners – A guide to Airports, files and Flying

Who is Eligible for trusted Traveler Programs?

Eligibility is typically for united states citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents, though each program has slightly different guidelines (Canadians and other countries are eligible in some cases). details are included with each program below to help you identify if you are qualified.

Only people deemed to be low-risk are eligible. You’re not eligible if you: 

Have been convicted of a criminal violation or have pending criminal charges.

Have violated customs and immigration laws.

Are a subject in an ongoing investigation.

Provide false or incomplete information during the application process.

Are not allowed to enter the United States.

5 available trusted Traveler Programs 

Five trusted Traveler Programs are currently available. These include TSA PreCheck, global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST.

FAST is for commercial truck chauffeurs entering the united states from Canada or Mexico. The other programs are for passengers traveling into the united states or within the united states at airports and at border crossings.

This guide includes the first four programs that are for passengers and not for commercial drivers.

1. TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is an expedited safety and security screening program used by travelers flying from united states airports for domestic or international travel. 

Eligibility
U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents are eligible.

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With TSA PreCheck, members enter a separate safety and security line at the airport. You show your identification and boarding pass like any other passenger.

However, you don’t have to remove your shoes, light jacket, laptop, belts, or liquids! (Liquids are allowed that are 3.4 ounces or less in a quart-sized see-through bag).

Sign-Up Process

Sign up for TSA PreCheck online by filling out the online application. 

If your application is conditionally approved, go to a TSA PreCheck airport enrollment center to offer documentation for a background check. You will also be fingerprinted. You can make an appointment or do a walk-in visit.

Pay the non-refundable fee of $85.

You will receive written notification two or three weeks after the in-person appointment. 

Tilgjengelighet
TSA PreCheck is available at much more than 200 airports in the United States. You can check availability at the airport before you head out as the program is not available whatsoever times in the airports that offer it.

If TSA PreCheck line is not offered, show your boarding pass to receive faster screening in a standard line. (Only in airports where PreCheck is available). 

Cost and membership Duration
TSA PreCheck costs $85 for 5 years.

Additional Information

You should enter your known Traveler Number when booking your flight to get the benefit at the airport. This adds TSA Pre✓® to your boarding pass. You can typically add it to your profile or contact the airline to update it.

TSA Pre✓® should show on your paper or electronic boarding pass for you to enter the TSA PreCheck line.

You may still be selected for even more screening at the airport.

The name on your application should match the identification you use at your in-person interview. The same name should be used for your airline reservations (For example, if you include your middle name or initial).

There is no age restriction for enrollment. children under the age of 12 may join their parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck.

Any violations of the program terms and conditions will result in “the suitable enforcement action.” Program membership will be ended.

Check your status online while you wait for approval as numerous people are approved within days of the in-person appointment. You may use the program benefit as soon as you get a known Traveler Number. 

2. global Entry

Global entry is a passport control fast-track program. It allows expedited clearance for low-risk pre-approved travelers entering united states airports from international destinations.

Eligibility
United states citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain countries are eligible. These countries include the United Kingdom, Canada (through the NEXUS program) Germany, India, Taiwan, and several others.

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Program members scan their passport or U.S. permanent local card at a global entry kiosk at immigration when entering the United States. then you scan your fingertips and complete a customs declaration. You receive a receipt which you hand to a customs agent after picking up any checked bags.

Sign-Up Process

Sign up for the global entry program online by creating a trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account.

Fill out the application and pay the non-refundable $100 fee.

If your application is conditionally approved, schedule an interview at a global entry Enrollment Center. At the interview, you should offer the required documentation for a background check. This includes your valid passport(s) and another form of identification including a driver’s license or ID. Lawful permanent residents should bring their local card. You will also be fingerprinted. 

You will typically receive written notification two or three weeks after the interview. 

Tilgjengelighet
Global entry is provided at much more than 200 airports in the United States. Not every airport that accepts global entry has an enrollment center, so make sure you check if your local airport has one.

Cost and membership Duration
The cost for global entry is $100 for a period of five years.

Additional Information

Global entry includes TSA PreCheck for U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.

You should enter your known Traveler Number when booking your flight to get the benefit at the airport. (This also adds TSA Pre✓® to your boarding pass for any domestic united states flights). You can typically add it to your profile or contact the airline to update it. It is a good idea to carry your global entry card with you in case you run into any issues.

You may still be selected for even more screening at the airport.

Any violations of the program terms and conditions will result in “the suitable enforcement action.” Program membership will be ended.

Each applicant should complete the process described above separately (including family members and children).

You can check the status of your application online by logging into your trusted Traveler Programs dashboard.

3. NEXUS

The NEXUS program offers expedited border clearance for people who are identified to be low-risk travelers entering the united states and Canada. This includes crossing by land, air, and marine ports of entry that participate in the program.

This is a joint venture between the U.S. Customs and border protection (CBP) and the Canada border services agency (CBSA).

Eligibility
United states citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, and Canadian permanent residents are eligible for the NEXUS program. Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico’s trusted traveler program, Viajero Confiable, are also eligible.

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Go through a NEXUS line and present the membership card and identification for all members traveling in your party. At designated airports in Canada, you can use available NEXUS kiosks. In the United States, you can use global entry kiosks when entering from approved Canadian airports.

Expedited processing lines are available at numerous sea entry points as well. members call a marine telephone reporting center offered after approval to report entry into the united states and Canada.

Sign-Up Process

Apply online by creating a trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account.

Fill out the application and pay the non-refundable $50 fee.

If your application is conditionally approved following the risk assessment, you will be instructed to schedule an interview at a NEXUS enrollment center. 

At the interview, you should offer the required documentation for a background check. This includes your valid passport(s) and another form of identification including a driver’s license or ID. Lawful permanent residents should bring their local card.

Once approved, you should have your iris scan captured to use the NEXUS kiosks when entering the United States. The list of approved facilities for the iris scan is available online.

Once you receive your NEXUS membership card, activate it on the trusted Traveler Program website. select “Log In” on the upper-right side of the home page to begin the process.

Tilgjengelighet
NEXUS kiosks are available at the major airports in Canada and there is an online list of NEXUS land border crossings. 

Cost and membership Duration
The cost of NEXUS is $50 USD for 5 years.

Additional Information

You may still be selected for even more screening.

NEXUS includes TSA PreCheck for Canadian citizens, united states citizens, and U.S. lawful residents.

All members in your traveling party should have a membership to use the NEXUS lane.

Both Canada and the united states should approve of your application. If either country denies you, you may not be accepted into the program.

Any violations of the program terms and conditions will result in “the suitable enforcement action.” Program membership will be ended.

You can check the status of your application online by logging into your trusted Traveler Programs dashboard.

4. SENTRI

The SENTRI Program (Secure electronic Network for Travelers rapid Inspection) allows expedited entrance for travelers approved as low risk upon arrival to the united states by southern land border ports. 

It is a program run by U.S. Customs and border protection (CBP).

Eligibility
The SENTRI program has no citizenship requirements. 

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Go through a SENTRI program line. All members traveling in your party should have a membership card. You will not be required to show the card unless you are asked as it is a Radio frequency identification (RFID) card.

Members of SENTRI can use the NEXUS lane when entering the united states by land from Canada. global entry kiosks may be used when entering the united states by air. 

Sign-Up Process

Sign up for the SENTRI program online by creating a trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account.

Fill out the application and pay the non-refundable $122.50 fee.

If your application is conditionally approved, you will be instructed to schedule an interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center.

At the interview, you should offer the required documentation for a background check. You will also be fingerprinted.

Once approved, you will receive a Radio frequency identification (RFID) card. Activate it on the trusted Traveler Program website. select “Log In” on the upper-right side of the home page to begin the process.

Tilgjengelighet
SENTRI is available at border checks in Arizona, California, and Texas.

Cost and membership Duration
The cost for SENTRI is $122.50 USD for five years.

Additional Information

You may still be selected for even more screening.

SENTRI membership includes TSA PreCheck for Canadian citizens, united states citizen