If you’re tired of waiting in endless lines at border crossings, you’re in the right place. Both SENTRI and Global Entry promise to speed up your journey, but they work in different ways for different travelers. The short answer? Pick SENTRI if you regularly drive across the U.S.-Mexico border, and choose Global Entry if you fly internationally more often. Both cost $120 for five years, but the real difference lies in where and how you’ll use them.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about these two trusted traveler programs so you can make the smartest choice for your travel style.
SENTRI vs. Global Entry: what is the difference?
Here’s the thing: both SENTRI and Global Entry are trusted traveler programs run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and they’re designed to get you through customs faster. But they shine in different situations.
SENTRI is laser-focused on land border crossings, especially at the U.S.-Mexico border. It’s built for people who drive or walk across regularly. Global Entry, on the other hand, is your best friend at airports when you’re flying back to the U.S. from international destinations. It gets you through customs via automated kiosks instead of standing in the regular line.
Here’s how they stack up:
- Geographic focus: SENTRI is primarily designed for expedited entry at southern land border ports (U.S.-Mexico), while Global Entry covers international air arrivals at airports across the U.S., plus the ability to use the card at land and sea ports.
- Processing time: Both programs have variable processing times depending on application volume and background checks. Global Entry processing has historically averaged around 4 to 6 months, while SENTRI processing can take longer, sometimes several months to over a year. Check your Trusted Traveler Program dashboard for current status updates.
- Travel mode: SENTRI primarily covers land entry at southern border crossings, though eligible members may access Global Entry kiosks when entering by air. Global Entry provides airport kiosk processing plus a card that works at land and sea ports.
- Fees: Both programs cost $120 for a five-year membership (the fee was harmonized in October 2024). The fee is non-refundable, and SENTRI charges an additional $42 for each vehicle registered after your initial application.
- Additional perks: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents with SENTRI generally can use Global Entry kiosks at airports and NEXUS lanes when entering from Canada. Mexican nationals with SENTRI must apply separately for Global Entry to receive airport kiosk benefits.
The bottom line? If you’re crossing the southern border by car multiple times a month, SENTRI is your winner. If you’re a frequent flyer coming back from international destinations, Global Entry makes more sense.
What is SENTRI?
SENTRI is a Trusted Traveler Program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that provides expedited processing at designated southern land ports of entry. It’s designed for pre-approved, low-risk travelers who need to speed through vehicle and pedestrian lanes when entering the U.S., primarily from Mexico. Once you have a SENTRI pass, you get access to dedicated lanes that bypass the regular queues at border crossings.
What does SENTRI mean?
SENTRI stands for Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection. To qualify for the program, you’ll go through background checks (including fingerprints and biographic vetting) and, if conditionally approved, an in-person interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center. Some applicants may also need a vehicle inspection.
Who can apply to the SENTRI Pass Program?
Good news: there are no citizenship or minimum-age requirements to apply for SENTRI. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals can all apply. If you’re under 18, you’ll need parental or legal guardian consent, and a parent or guardian must be present at your interview.
That said, certain issues will make you ineligible. CBP won’t approve your application if you:
- Provide misleading or incomplete details in your application
- Fail to satisfy CBP of your low-risk status
- Have a previous criminal pardon from any country
- Have previous violations of customs, immigration, or agriculture laws in any country
- Have a history of criminal conviction, ongoing criminal charges, or unresolved warrants (including driving under the influence)
- Are barred from purchasing a firearm
- Have an active investigation by any law enforcement agency
- Are inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration laws
How long does it take to get approved by SENTRI?
Processing times vary, and CBP doesn’t guarantee a fixed timeline. Historical data and agency communications show that SENTRI processing times often average around 10 to 12 months, though applications requiring additional manual review can take considerably longer (12 to 24+ months in many reported cases). Some applications move more quickly, while others take longer depending on background checks and enrollment center availability.
Check the Trusted Traveler Program website regularly for updates of your application status.
How long does the SENTRI card last?
Your SENTRI membership is valid for five years. You can renew your SENTRI pass up to a year before it expires. The good news? Early renewal doesn’t cut into your existing membership time. Your new five-year period starts the day after your current membership expires.
How much does the SENTRI pass cost?
As of October 2024, CBP harmonized the application fee for Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI to $120 for adults (with fee waivers available for some minors in certain circumstances). The fee is non-refundable. SENTRI also charges $42 for each additional vehicle you register after your initial application or renewal, and there’s a $25 replacement fee if you lose, damage, or need to replace your card.
The benefits of SENTRI
A SENTRI pass unlocks several perks that make border crossings way less painful:
- Reduced waiting times at designated entry ports by using allocated processing areas at border entry points
- Access to NEXUS lanes when entering the U.S. from Canada through a border crossing (where available)
- Access to Global Entry kiosks when entering the U.S. by air (for eligible U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents; Mexican nationals with SENTRI must apply separately for Global Entry)
- Access to dedicated processing lanes at southern land border crossings
If you’re someone who crosses the border regularly for work or to visit family, these benefits can save you hours every month. That’s time you could spend doing literally anything else besides sitting in your car watching the minutes tick by.
Is the SENTRI Pass individual?
Yes, the SENTRI pass is individual. Every traveler needs their own pass, regardless of age. That means if you’re traveling with kids (even infants), they each need their own SENTRI card. Just being a passenger in a SENTRI cardholder’s vehicle isn’t enough to use the expedited lanes.
Each applicant must create their own Trusted Traveler Program account and complete an application. All occupants who want to use SENTRI lanes must be enrolled members. For minors, a parent or guardian must be present during the application process and interview, and some fee waivers may apply when a parent or guardian is already a TTP member or applying concurrently.
Your next steps if you want to apply to SENTRI
4. Once your application is complete and you’ve paid the fee, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review your application. If successful, you’ll be asked to schedule an appointment at a SENTRI Enrollment Center. If you need help because you are traveling with a disability, reach out to the SENTRI Enrollment Center where your interview will be held for any special requests, assistance, or modifications.
5. Interview requirements include a valid passport and other identification documents, such as an ID card or driver’s license. You must provide a permanent resident card if you are a legal permanent resident. Additional requirements include your car registration and proof of U.S. automobile insurance from an authorized automobile insurer in the United States.
During your SENTRI interview, demonstrate your genuine need for expedited border crossings due to frequent travel or commuting. Arrive well-prepared with all required documents, and answer questions confidently and truthfully. A professional and courteous demeanor will leave a positive impression and increase your likelihood of securing your SENTRI pass.
Conclusion
Here’s the deal: if you regularly drive across the U.S.-Mexico border, SENTRI is a no-brainer. The dedicated lanes can turn a two-hour wait into a 15-minute breeze. But if you’re more of a frequent flyer, Global Entry is probably the better investment since it covers international airport arrivals and includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
Both programs cost the same ($120 for five years), so your choice really comes down to how you travel. Think about where you spend the most time waiting in line, and pick the program that addresses that pain point.
SENTRI offers a streamlined solution for frequent border crossers, effectively reducing wait times and simplifying the customs process. Its commitment to efficiency and security makes it an essential tool for enhancing the travel experience along the Canada and Mexico borders.
Before you book your next flight, make sure you read KAYAK’s international travel tips.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Many premium travel cards (like Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture, or United Explorer) offer a statement credit that reimburses Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, typically once every four years. Check your card’s benefits guide for exact reimbursement rules and enrollment requirements.
Yes. Global Entry members can use SENTRI lanes at land borders if they register their vehicle with CBP and meet SENTRI vehicle requirements. Registering a vehicle during enrollment is usually free; registering later may incur a vehicle fee (check CBP/TTP for current vehicle-registration fees).
Choose Global Entry if you frequently travel internationally by air (outside Canada and Mexico) and want expedited airport kiosks plus TSA PreCheck. Pick SENTRI if you primarily cross the U.S.-Mexico border by vehicle or pedestrian lanes and need dedicated land-border benefits.
Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account, complete the Global Entry application, pay the nonrefundable $120 fee, wait for conditional approval, and schedule an in-person interview at an Enrollment Center. Bring required ID and travel documents to the interview.
A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is the number assigned to trusted-traveler members (used for TSA PreCheck). Add your KTN (or PASS ID) to your airline reservation or frequent-flyer profile to be eligible for expedited TSA PreCheck screening when booking or checking in.
Log in to your TTP account to see the denial reason. If inaccurate information caused the denial, you may file a Reconsideration Request via your TTP dashboard (look for “Request Reconsideration”). Follow CBP instructions and provide documentation that addresses the specific grounds for denial.
The foregoing article was last updated in December 2025. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
Sources:
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/sentri
https://ttp.dhs.gov/
