Find the entry program that’s best for you.
There are four major entry programs for U.S. citizens (and some others).
The Department of Homeland Security has a chart that compares each program and its requirements, located here.
TSA-Pre Check
Best for: Domestic Road Warrior Racking up the miles inside the United States? This is the program for you
Run by: Transportation Security Administration
Users: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Members can receive expedited security screening. You won’t need to remove your shoes, laptop, 3-1-1- liquids, belts, or light jackets. Eligible and approved TSA PreCheck travelers receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to use when making flight reservations. PreCheck is available at more than 150 airports, with 12 participating airlines.
Cost: $85 non-refundable fee, good for 5 years.
The Catch: Expedited screening is never guaranteed. You may still be selected for further examination.
Ready to skip the line?
Apply: https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/apply
Got PreCheck? Be sure to enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in your traveler profile!
Global Entry
Best for: International Traveler with U.S. Citizenship
Run by: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Users: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States. Instead of waiting in line for customs to stamp your passport, you proceed to a kiosk that can read your passport and your fingerprint. You complete a customs declaration at the kiosk, then take your receipt and head to baggage claim.
Cost: $100 non-refundable fee, good for 5 years.
The Catch: You must be pre-approved for Global Entry, and all applicants undergo a background check and in-person interview. You may still be selected for further examination.
Ready to skip the line?
Apply: http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply
NEXUS
Best for: International Traveler with U.S. and/or Canadian Citizenship
Run by: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Users: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, and Canadian lawful permanent residents who are pre-screened, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States and Canada. Instead of waiting in line for customs to stamp your passport, you proceed to a Global Entry kiosk when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports, or a NEXUS kiosk in Canada. Both can read your passport and your iris (eye scan). You complete a customs declaration at the kiosk, then take your receipt and head to baggage claim.
Cost: $50 US or $50 Canadian non-refundable fee, good for 5 years
The Catch: You must be pre-approved for NEXUS and cleared by both the United States and Canada, and all applicants undergo a background check and in-person interview. You may still be selected for further examination.
Ready to skip the line?
Apply: http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/nexus/how-apply
SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection)
Best for: International Travelers frequently traveling by land into the US from Mexico
Run by: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Users: There are no citizenship requirements for SENTRI membership. Users are pre-screened, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States and Canada. SENTRI members are processed faster when crossing the border from Mexico into the U.S. at a land entry point, and also receive the Global Entry and NEXUS benefits when entering the United States or Canada. The Global Entry and Nexus kiosks can read your passport and your fingerprint. You complete a customs declaration at the kiosk, then take your receipt and head to baggage claim.
Cost: $122.25 per person, good for 5 years
The Catch: Enrollment centers are located only in Arizona, California, and Texas. You must be pre-approved for SENTRI; all applicants undergo a background check and in-person interview. You may still be selected for further examination.
Ready to skip the line?
Apply: http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/sentri/how-apply-sentri
